A 7 min read

A new era of the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) has come in the form of the GMAT Focus Edition (started from November 7, 2023). This new update has piqued the interest of many MBA candidates, raising many questions about the specifics of the test dates, changes, registration, and more. Let’s dive into what we know so far.

The Classic GMAT is not be available after January 31, 2024. Starting from February 1, 2024 the only version of GMAT available is GMAT Focus Edition. Read this article to Navigate through this Transition.

The GMAT Focus Edition: What’s Changing?

The GMAT Focus Edition is a computer-adaptive test like the current GMAT. It is designed to evaluate applicants’ skills for MBA and other business school programs. However, there are some significant changes in the new edition.

The Focus Edition emphasizes critical thinking, analytical, and data literacy skills necessary for success in today’s business world. As a result, the new GMAT syllabus excludes the Sentence Correction section from the Verbal segment and removes the Analytical Writing Assessment altogether.

Moreover, the Integrated Reasoning section transforms into the Data Insights section, introducing Data Sufficiency questions from the current Quantitative segment. The Focus Edition thus consists of only three sections, each taking up 45 minutes, making it an hour shorter than the current GMAT. Each section contributes equally to the GMAT Focus Total Score.

One of the most significant changes is in the scoring architecture. The GMAT Focus introduces a unique scoring structure, including a 100-percentile score. In particular, the Quantitative scoring structure has been completely revamped. For more detailed information on this, refer to GMAT Focus Scoring and Percentiles. Each section in the GMAT Focus contributes equally to your total GMAT Focus score, and the scoring pattern for the Focus Edition looks different.

The best way to understand the GMAT Focus exam format and scoring architecture is by trying the test out for yourself. Try Free GFE Mock now.

What is not changing?

Despite these changes, several aspects remain the same. The GMAT score validity period is still five years, the retake policy and exam fees persist, and any GMAT voucher or fee waiver for the current version can be used for the GMAT Focus Edition.

When Are the test dates for the GMAT Focus Edition in 2024?

The GMAT Focus has started testing from November 7, 2023.

Here are the essential GMAT Focus Edition Dates :

You can read this article to know about GMAT exam dates & slots.

GMAT Focus Registration dates

Registration for the Focus Edition have been started from August 29, 2023.

When will the Classic GMAT be retired?

• The Classic GMAT exam, at both online test centers, will not be available after January 31, 2024.

• Starting February 1, 2024, only the GMAT Focus Edition will be available.

Read this article to know – Which business schools will accept the GMAT Focus Edition?

How to Register for the GMAT Focus Edition

The list below provides a high-level overview of the steps

1) Sign in to your mba.com account. Once logged in, you’ll be directed to your account dashboard.

2) From the dashboard’s top menu, click on the CTA labeled “Register for the GMAT“.

3) You will be presented with a pop-up screen where you can select either ‘GMAT‘ or ‘GMAT Focus Edition’.

4) Complete your Profile– Provide the personal information and other details necessary for registration.

5) Schedule Exam – Pick your test center (if applicable), appointment date, and time. Submit payment.

If you have any further questions or need more guidance, please write to us at rajat@e-gmat.com.

Will we have an Online GMAT Focus Edition

The Focus Edition offers the flexibility of either online testing or in-person exams at test centers. The Exam-day procedures will remain consistent with the current GMAT, including check-in processes and ID requirements.

GMAT Accommodations for the Focus Edition

GMAC  will continue to accommodate test-takers who require additional testing time, breaks, or the use of medical devices in the testing room. The process for applying for these accommodations remains the same.

Rescheduling or Canceling GMAT Focus Dates

The rescheduling and cancellation processes should remain the same regardless of whether you’re taking the current GMAT or the Focus Edition. However, it’s unclear whether a test-taker can reschedule a current GMAT to take a GMAT Focus instead. These details will likely become clear once registration for the Focus Edition opens.

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GMAT Focus Preparation Materials

Official GMAT prep resources, including the Official Guide for GMAT Focus (Official Guide 2023) and full-length practice tests, became available on mba.com on June 6, 2023. In addition, every e-GMATer will get access to an industry-leading GMAT Focus Course with 1000+ questions and 5 mock tests free of charge.

Read this article to understand about the GMAT Official Prep content – What is it & How to use it.

How Long Should I Study for the GMAT Focus Edition?

There’s a natural curiosity among many GMAT students: does a more concise GMAT, such as the Focus Edition, mean a reduced study schedule? Initially, it may seem easier to prepare for the Focus Edition, given the removal of Geometry and Sentence Correction, parts of the test preparation process often deemed tedious by many students. The absence of the Analytical Writing Assessment is another section that students will no longer need to allocate time in their preparation.

However, this shouldn’t be misconstrued as a reason to reduce your study hours. The redesign of the GMAT places a greater emphasis on the Data Insights section. This new section will require a more in-depth understanding and, therefore, more time to study, mainly focusing on Graphical Interpretation, Table Analysis, Two-Part Analysis, and Multi-Source Reasoning. Essentially, the time you save on Sentence Correction and Geometry will likely need to be reinvested into mastering the Data Insights section.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that there’s a potential for the GMAT Focus to be more challenging in certain respects than the current GMAT, as discussed in this article on GMAT Focus percentile rankings. If you’re aiming for a high score for your preferred MBA programs, an abbreviated study schedule may not be the wisest strategy.

Remember, the Focus Edition, like the traditional GMAT, remains a rigorous, standardized test used for business school admissions. For some GMAT students, their test preparation may take roughly the same amount of time and effort, whether they’re studying for the current GMAT or the Focus Edition. The difference will be how they allocate that study time.

For guidance on how to determine the time required to prepare for the GMAT, refer to our article on Creating a realistic study timeline.

Key Takeaways

Here are the important GMAT Focus Edition Dates :

• June 6, 2023: Release of official GMAT prep resources for the Focus Edition.
• August 29, 2023: GMAT Focus Edition registration started.
• November 7, 2023: GMAT Focus Edition testing begins.
• February 1, 2024: The Classic GMAT will be retired. The only available version of GMAT will be the GMAT Focus Edition.

This article will be updated as more information about the GMAT Focus Edition becomes available. Stay tuned for more information.

If you are planning to take the GMAT Focus, we can help you with a personalized study plan and give you access to quality online content to prepare. Write to us at acethegmat@e-gmat.com. We are the most reviewed GMAT prep company on gmatclub with more than 2600+ reviews. Why don’t you take a free trial and judge it for yourself?

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