A 5 min read

Introduction

Planning to apply to a top-tier business school? You might be aware of the new GMAT Focus Edition, an updated version of the traditional GMAT exam. This new edition has started testing from November 7, 2023. Note that the classic GMAT will be phased out after January 31, 2024. From February 1, 2024, the GMAT Focus Edition will be the only version on offer.

This change has sparked a question among many prospective students: “Which business schools will accept the GMAT Focus Edition? And should I opt for the classic GMAT or this new version?” Your decision largely hinges on when you plan to apply and the policies of your desired business schools. To aid your decision, this article provides a handy list highlighting the stand of various schools on the GMAT Focus Edition for the 2023-2024 admission cycle.

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Schools Accepting the GMAT Focus Edition

If you’re aiming for Round 1 deadlines (which usually fall in early autumn), the GMAT Focus won’t be an option. However, for Rounds 2 and 3, with deadlines spanning between November and April, a good number of schools are set to accept the new GMAT Focus.

We have created the list of Business Schools which are accepting GMAT Focus for Round 2 and Round 3 of the 2023-24 admission cycle.

To see the deadline for B’schools admission, you can refer to our Article – “2023-2024 MBA application deadlines for Rounds 1, 2, 3, and 4”

Business Schools Accepting GFE in Round 2 Admissions (2023/2024)

Here is a list of schools that will be accepting the GMAT Focus Exam for Round 2, 2023/2024.:

S. No	Business Schools
1	Berkeley Haas
2	Chicago Booth
3	Columbia Business School
4	Cornell Johnson
5	Dartmouth Tuck
6	Duke Fuqua
7	Michigan Ross
8	MIT Sloan
9	Kellogg
10	Stanford
11	UCLA Anderson
12	UVA Darden
13	Yale SOM
14	Cambridge Judge
15	IESE

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Business Schools Accepting GFE in Round 3 Admissions (2023/2024)

Here is a list of schools that will be accepting the GMAT Focus Exam for Round 3, 2023/2024.:

S. No	Business Schools
1	Berkeley Haas
2	Chicago Booth
3	Columbia Business School
4	Cornell Johnson
5	Dartmouth Tuck
6	Duke Fuqua
7	INSEAD
8	Michigan Ross
9	MIT Sloan
10	Kellogg
11	NYU Stern
12	Stanford
13	UCLA Anderson
14	UVA Darden
15	Yale SOM
16	Cambridge Judge
17	IESE

Schools Not Accepting the GMAT Focus Edition:

Harvard Business School and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania have chosen not to accept the GMAT Focus Edition until 2024. Their policies are as follows:

1) Harvard Business School (HBS)

Harvard Business School will not accept GMAT Focus test scores for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. Although the GMAT Focus test scores will be accepted for HBS 2+2 admissions.

2) Wharton

Wharton will accept GMAT Focus scores from January 31, 2024, when the classic GMAT will no longer be available. Scores from the GMAT Focus won’t be accepted during the 15-week gap between its introduction in October 2023 and the end of the classic GMAT in January 2024.

What is the GMAT Focus Syllabus and How to prepare for it?

The GMAT Focus Syllabus includes three main sections: Verbal Reasoning (23 Questions), Quantitative Reasoning (21 Questions), and Data Insights (20 Questions), with 45-minute duration for each section.

Sections	No of Questions	Question types	Section duration
Verbal Reasoning	23	Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning	45 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning	21	Problem Solving, (Algebra and Arithmetic)	45 minutes
Data Insights	20	Data Sufficiency, Multi-source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis	45 minutes

How to Prepare for it?

GMAC has introduced the GMAT Focus Edition with the intention of more effectively measuring “advanced critical reasoning and data literacy” skills essential for the future business landscape. But what does this mean for prospective test-takers?

Breaking it down, there are four major shifts in the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus that will influence how you prepare:

1. The Integrated Reasoning section is swapped for Data Insights, which now makes up one-third of the test and has equal weight in the overall score.
2. The Verbal section no longer includes Sentence Correction questions.
3. The Quant section has done away with Geometry questions.
4. The Analytical Writing Assessment, or the essay portion, has been removed.

Though the Focus Edition calls for some tweaks in how you prepare, core areas like Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning continue to align with the conventional GMAT. The introduced Data Insights section borrows question styles from Integrated Reasoning. Hence, to thrive, aspirants must still be proficient in problem-solving, Data Sufficiency, Critical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension

In essence, to shine in the GMAT Focus, proficiency in quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and data interpretation is vital, much like the standard GMAT. The material you study might undergo some changes, but your preparation strategy should largely stay consistent.

Conclusion

Navigating the shift from the classic GMAT to the GMAT Focus Edition can seem challenging. However, with the right information and preparation strategy, prospective business school applicants can make informed decisions. It’s crucial to remember that while some schools are swiftly adopting the GMAT Focus Edition for their 2023-2024 admissions cycle, others, like Harvard and Wharton, have opted to delay its acceptance. As with any academic endeavor, staying updated on policies, understanding the revised syllabus, and tailoring your preparation accordingly will position you for success. As the educational landscape evolves, staying adaptable and informed will always be your best strategy. Whether you choose the classic GMAT or the GMAT Focus, dedication and thorough preparation remain the keys to achieving your desired score and securing a spot in your dream business school.

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