GMAT for Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Latest Update
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) has undergone significant changes under the direction of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). These changes were made to enhance the relevancy of the test and provide a better experience for both candidates and the schools that rely on GMAT scores for admission decisions. The most notable of these changes is the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition, which officially launched in 2023. This new edition of the exam is designed to be more streamlined and to better evaluate skills that are essential for success in modern graduate management programs. In this article, we’ll dive into the most important updates regarding the GMAT, including its structure, content, scoring, features, and more.
The GMAT has long been one of the most widely recognized and utilized admissions exams for business school candidates around the world. Managed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), it is used by more than 7,000 programs across 115 countries. The test aims to assess a candidate’s readiness for graduate-level management education by testing skills like analytical reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and logical thinking. GMAC continuously strives to ensure that the test remains relevant and valuable for both schools and test-takers, which is why they introduced the GMAT Focus Edition.
The GMAT Focus Edition represents a fundamental shift in the structure of the exam. Previously, the GMAT featured four sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. While these sections are still valuable for assessing a candidate's readiness for graduate-level business education, GMAC decided that the changing demands of business school admissions required a more modern approach.
Thus, in March 2023, GMAC introduced the GMAT Focus Edition. The goal of the new edition is to better evaluate skills that are essential for business success in today's data-driven world. The test now consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section is designed to measure different skills, with an emphasis on practical, real-world knowledge and the ability to process and analyze data—skills that are increasingly important in the modern business landscape.
The GMAT Focus Edition is a significant departure from previous versions of the test in both structure and content. It is now shorter in duration and features a more concentrated set of questions that are directly aligned with the needs of business schools and employers. Below is an overview of the three sections in the GMAT Focus Edition:
This section consists of 21 questions and focuses on a candidate’s ability to solve mathematical problems, interpret quantitative data, and apply problem-solving techniques in practical scenarios. It tests foundational math skills, such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, while also placing an emphasis on real-world business applications. Unlike previous versions of the GMAT, the Quantitative Reasoning section is now designed to be more aligned with the types of mathematical challenges candidates are likely to face in their business careers.
The Verbal Reasoning section, consisting of 23 questions, evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand and analyze written material, as well as their ability to reason and draw conclusions based on the information presented in texts. This section is designed to assess key skills in reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and critical thinking. As business decisions are often based on complex written communication, the ability to understand and synthesize information is crucial, making this section an essential part of the GMAT Focus Edition.
One of the most innovative additions to the GMAT Focus Edition is the Data Insights section, which consists of 20 questions. This section is designed to measure a candidate’s ability to interpret and analyze data in a business context. In the modern business world, data is at the heart of decision-making, and the ability to process and draw insights from data is one of the most valuable skills that business schools seek in their applicants. In this section, candidates will be tasked with interpreting charts, graphs, tables, and other data representations, then using their insights to answer questions about the data.
The changes introduced in the GMAT Focus Edition were made with the goal of streamlining the exam while ensuring that it remains a rigorous and valid assessment of a candidate’s readiness for graduate management programs. Some of the most significant changes include:
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), which was a section in the previous versions of the GMAT, has been removed in the GMAT Focus Edition. The AWA tested a candidate’s ability to write a coherent analysis of an argument. While writing is still an essential skill for business students, GMAC decided that the AWA no longer aligned with the main skills that business schools prioritize. Instead, they focused on the three sections that are more reflective of the skills that business leaders need today: quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data analysis.
Another major change is the reduction in the total length of the exam. The GMAT Focus Edition is significantly shorter than the previous versions, with a total test time of just under 2.5 hours. The streamlined format is designed to make the exam less taxing while maintaining a high level of rigor. This makes it easier for candidates to schedule and take the test while still receiving a comprehensive assessment of their abilities.
The GMAT Focus Edition introduces a new feature that allows candidates to review and edit up to three questions per section before moving on to the next section, as long as time permits. This feature is designed to give candidates a greater degree of flexibility and control during the exam. It allows test-takers to revisit questions they may have struggled with initially, potentially improving their scores.
In the GMAT Focus Edition, candidates now have the ability to choose the order in which they take the three sections. This is a notable change that gives candidates more control over their testing experience. Whether they prefer to start with the quantitative section or dive into the verbal reasoning questions first, the flexibility in the order allows candidates to approach the exam in a way that works best for them.
The GMAT Focus Edition uses a new scoring system that is designed to reflect the capabilities of the current population of test-takers. The scores for the three sections are reported separately, allowing both candidates and business schools to see a detailed breakdown of performance. In addition to the scores, candidates will receive a detailed performance report that provides valuable insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. This report is available at no extra cost and can help candidates better prepare for future applications or other testing opportunities.
With the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition, candidates have an opportunity to take a more streamlined and focused exam that better evaluates the skills required for success in modern business programs. This new edition is designed to better match the evolving needs of both business schools and the candidates they admit. Test-takers can now expect a shorter, more flexible exam experience, with new features that provide more control over the test-taking process.
For those preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition, it’s essential to take advantage of the official study materials available, including practice tests, question banks, and study planners. GMAC also offers a free GMAT Focus Official Starter Kit, which includes real GMAT questions and full-length practice exams to help candidates familiarize themselves with the new test format.
As business schools continue to place more emphasis on data literacy and analytical reasoning, the GMAT Focus Edition offers a testing experience that is better aligned with the current demands of the business world. By providing a comprehensive, focused, and flexible exam, GMAC ensures that the GMAT remains a vital tool for admissions decisions for years to come.