The new GMAT Focus Edition is the latest version of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The new exam introduces a Data Insights section and offers enhanced score reporting flexibility. Senior Product Manager of GMAT, Anjali McKenzie, talks to MBAGRADSCHOOLS about the exam’s new features.
If you’re considering applying for an MBA program, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) should be high on your list of things to do. The GMAT is a critical requirement for most graduate business schools. Over 7,700 MBA programs in 110 countries use GMAT scores as part of their admissions process, including around 2,300 in the US.
Anjali McKenzie, Senior Product Manager of the GMAT at the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), tells us, “Since its launch in 1954, the GMAT exam has really been the gold standard for graduate business degree admissions and for schools to help them evaluate a candidate’s preparedness for a business school degree.” (00:36)
As the business world and MBA programs evolve at a swift pace, GMAC undertook comprehensive research to update the GMAT. The process included soliciting feedback from 65 graduate school professionals and in-depth concept testing with 5,400 prospective candidates. A significant finding was the increasing significance of data literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
These research insights led to the creation of the new GMAT Focus Edition. MBA aspirants can look forward to this updated edition being available from November 2023 onwards.
What’s different with the GMAT Focus Edition?
For starters, the GMAT Focus Edition is an hour shorter than its predecessor. The test has three sections of 45 minutes each. There’s Quantitative Reasoning with 21 questions, Verbal Reasoning with 23 questions, and the newly introduced Data Insights section with 20 questions.
“The reason we introduced this section is because schools were really interested in understanding more about a candidate’s data literacy and data analysis skill set,” Anjali says. (03:29)
This new Data Insights section reuses some question types from the GMAT’s Integrated Reasoning section. However, it brings a refined approach to evaluate aspirants’ capabilities in interpreting data within business scenarios.
In another shift from the GMAT, the GMAT Focus Edition allows test-takers full freedom to determine the order in which they tackle the three sections.
The GMAT Focus Edition also introduces changes in the exam’s scoring system. A big change is that each section has equal weight in determining the final score.
“With the current GMAT exam, the total score includes performance across the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning section,” Anjali says. Which discounts the Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment. (05:26)
Also, GMAT Focus Edition scores will always end with a 5 to easily distinguish between exam formats. Focus Edition scores from 205 to 805, increasing in steps of 10-point increments. Individual section scores will now range from 60 to 90, incremented by a single point.
It is important to know that GMAT and GMAT Focus Edition scores aren’t directly comparable to the GMAT exam scores. Even similar scores between the two exams represent distinct performance levels. Hence, aspiring MBAs should prioritize examining their percentile rankings to gauge their performance accurately.
A notable enhancement in the GMAT Focus Edition is how scores are sent. Inspired by the favorable response to online test delivery during the pandemic era, this edition prioritizes flexibility.
Unlike the GMAT, where candidates pre-select their free score reports, the GMAT Focus Edition permits reviewing their official scores first. There’s then a 48-hour window to decide whether to submit up to five score reports to programs, free of charge. Moreover, the Focus Edition omits historical scores from the score report, providing candidates with more control and privacy.
Test difficulty is inherently subjective and is influenced by a myriad of factors. Elements like a candidate’s level of preparation, nerves on the day, the ambiance of the test center, and even seemingly minor things like the commute to the venue can sway a candidate’s experience. The GMAT Focus Edition seeks to address and mitigate some of these prevalent challenges by adapting to the candidate.
In practice, this means the questions’ difficulty adjusts based on the candidate’s ability. So you are unlikely to constantly face questions you can’t answer and feel like you are completely failing the test. (10:41)
Furthermore, GMAT candidates have the flexibility to decide between an online examination or opting for the more conventional test center setting. The online alternative stands out for its unparalleled scheduling convenience. However, the traditional test center remains a popular choice for those who value a structured and distraction-free setting.
In the evolving landscape of standardized testing, GMAC is now offering a variety of options, each tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of test-takers. However, it is important for candidates to verify that their chosen business school recognizes their selected GMAT version. Though the traditional GMAT and the GMAT Focus Edition have similar preparation requirements, there are specialized resources for the Focus Edition.
Preparing for the Focus Edition is tricky because the exam is so new. So, it’s a good idea to prepare smarter rather than harder and go straight to the source. Anjali points out that official prep materials were released early in June.
“They’re now live on mba.com. And that includes our free GMAT focus starter kit… A sampler of 70 real GMAT questions from past exams, a guided study for a step-by-step prep review, and two free full-length practice exams.” (16:09)
Feeling anxious about the GMAT? It’s essential to remember that while the GMAT is an integral component, it’s just one facet of your MBA application. Crafting a compelling and successful MBA application means showcasing your strengths beyond test scores.
