GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) assesses analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English to secure admission to a Master of Business Administration program abroad. GMAC which conducts this test has made certain changes and introduced a new version of the GMAT called GMAT Focus Edition. With this new GMAT version candidates might have questions such as What is the difference between the exams? Which exam should I opt for? and many more. If you have any such queries, read the blog till the end to get a clear idea of the differences between GMAT Focus Edition and GMAT.
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Table of Contents |
Difference between GMAT Focus Edition and GMAT
Components |
GMAT Focus Edition 2024 |
GMAT Exam |
Sections |
Quantitative reasoning, Verbal reasoning, Data insights |
Quantitative reasoning, Verbal reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical writing assessment |
Exam duration |
2 hours 15 minutes |
3 hours 7 minutes |
Exam Cost |
$275 (INR 22,920) |
$275 (INR 22,920) |
Question type |
All multiple-choice questions |
Multiple choice questions + One essay |
Individual section duration |
3 sections of 45 minutes each |
Quantitative reasoning- 62 minutes; Verbal reasoning- 65 minutes; IR- 30 minutes; AWA- 30 minutes |
Total Score |
205 - 805 |
200 - 800 |
Flexibility |
Select and review as many questions. Modify up to three responses in each section. |
No bookmark, edit, or review questions option available |
Score sending |
Once you get your results from the online and in-person tests, you can send them to five other institutions for free. |
Before the test begins, you may send your results for free to five different institutions. |
Performance insights |
Improved official score report that provides detailed performance analysis |
You can purchase the ESR for an extra $30 (INR 2500) to obtain performance insight. |
Suggested: How to Register for GMAT?
Changes on GMAT Focus Edition
There are five major changes in the GMAT format. Read below to understand all the changes in detail:
-
Shorter test duration
With a total test duration of two hours and fifteen minutes, the GMAT Focus edition is shorter than the present GMAT. The three 45-minute components of the new test are called Data Insights, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. By eliminating the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) portion, the exam becomes about an hour shorter overall, increasing efficiency and saving candidates time.
In addition to reducing test-taking weariness, the shorter exam length could help students provide their best effort throughout. The revised exam structure offers a more efficient way to evaluate data literacy and critical thinking abilities.
-
Shorter, simpler, and more application-focused learning
According to the GMAC, by eliminating the AWA part and lowering the amount of study material, the new GMAT Focus edition will enable students to be ready for the test more quickly. Instead of spending time on this portion, students will concentrate on learning the most important ideas and abilities to pass the test.
-
There is now an option to review the questions and modify the responses.
Candidates can now bookmark and revisit multiple questions on the GMAT Focus Edition, changing up to three answers in each section. The goal of this modification is to optimize the test approach, but it is not clear how it will affect the test's computer adaptability.
-
A detailed and improved official score report is included along with the registration
The GMAT has updated official score reports similar to an ESR which candidates may purchase for $30 (INR 2500) to obtain comprehensive performance insights and evaluate their areas of strength and concentration.
-
Instead of four, there are three sections
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) component is no longer included in the GMAT Focus version 2024, which marks a substantial overhaul to the test's design. While quantitative and verbal reasoning skills will still be evaluated on the exam, higher-order thinking abilities will be given more weight, especially in the verbal reasoning segment.
This modification is with the changing demands of companies and business schools looking for applicants possessing strong data literacy and critical thinking abilities. The new test will still evaluate candidates' skills in these domains.
GMAT Focus Edition vs GMAT Score Comparison
GMAT Focus vs GMAT Scores |
||
GMAT Focus Score |
GMAT Score |
Percentile |
805 |
800 |
100.00% |
805 |
790 |
100.00% |
795 |
790 |
100.00% |
785 |
790 |
100.00% |
785 |
780 |
100.00% |
775 |
780 |
100.00% |
765 |
780 |
99.90% |
755 |
780 |
99.90% |
755 |
770 |
99.90% |
745 |
770 |
99.80% |
735 |
770 |
99.70% |
735 |
760 |
99.50% |
725 |
760 |
99.40% |
715 |
760 |
99.20% |
715 |
750 |
98.70% |
705 |
750 |
98.60% |
695 |
750 |
98.10% |
695 |
740 |
97.90% |
685 |
740 |
96.90% |
685 |
730 |
96.70% |
675 |
730 |
96.10% |
675 |
720 |
95.20% |
665 |
720 |
94.00% |
665 |
710 |
93.20% |
655 |
710 |
92.60% |
655 |
700 |
89.60% |
645 |
700 |
89.30% |
645 |
690 |
86.70% |
635 |
690 |
85.10% |
635 |
680 |
83.50% |
625 |
680 |
82.70% |
615 |
680 |
80.10% |
615 |
670 |
80.10% |
615 |
660 |
78.30% |
615 |
650 |
74.50% |
605 |
650 |
74.50% |
595 |
650 |
71.50% |
How to Choose Between GMAT or GMAT Focus Edition?
Conclusion
GMAT Focus Edition comes with some changes in exam format and structure compared to classic GMAT. But you should be well prepared for it. Due to the new GMAT, you should know the changes in the GMAT Focus Edition and prepare accordingly. There are several resources available online to prepare for the exam. To achieve a good score in GMAT prepare a schedule and follow it judiciously.
Remember GMAT scores are just one aspect of university admission requirements. If you want to find a university that matches your GMAT scores, connect with Yocket Premium. We have helped 10,000+ students secure admission at the top universities abroad. You can too fulfill your dream with our assistance. To know more, reach out to us at the earliest!