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The GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test is a common admission test for students who wish to study MBA abroad. Most business schools require you to submit a GMAT score as a part of the application process. If you want to secure admission to MBA institutes, a good GMAT score is required. Along with strong applications and decent work experience, a good score on the GMAT can help you get admission to the top business schools such as Sloan, INSEAD, and Wharton. Moreover, you can get various scholarships, to help you finance your business education.
GMAT Focus Edition is the updated version of the classic GMAT. This shift has flooded aspiring business school students' minds with an array of questions, like "Should I take the classic GMAT or the GMAT Focus Edition", "Which business schools accept the GMAT Focus Edition scores", and "What is the syllabus for the GMAT Focus?" Read this blog till the end to clear all your doubts to ace this test!
Universities Accepting the GMAT Focus Edition
GMAT Focus Edition will not be an option if you're aiming for the Round 1 deadlines (typically occurring in early October). However, several universities are open to GMAT Focus scores for rounds 2 and 3 between November and April. The list of business schools that accept GMAT Focus for admission in Rounds 2 and 3 of 2023–2024 has been tabulated below.
|
School Name |
Accepted in Round 2? |
Accepted in Round 3? |
|
Berkeley Haas |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Chicago Booth |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Columbia Business School |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Cornell Johnson |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Dartmouth Tuck |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Duke Fuqua |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Harvard Business School |
Yes |
Yes |
|
INSEAD |
No |
Yes |
|
Michigan Ross |
Yes |
Yes |
|
MIT Sloan |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Northwestern Kellogg |
Yes |
Yes |
|
NYU Stern |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Stanford GSB |
Yes |
Yes |
|
UCLA Anderson |
Yes |
Yes |
|
UPenn Wharton |
Yes |
Yes |
|
UVA Darden |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Yale SOM |
Yes |
Yes |
Suggested: GMAT Test Dates
Universities Not Accepting the GMAT Focus Edition
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Business School decided to wait until 2024 to accept the GMAT Focus Edition. The following were their policies:
- HBS would not accept GMAT Focus test scores for the 2024 MBA application cycle. However, they have begun doing so for the 2+2 program, since April 2024.
- Wharton decided to accept the GMAT Focus scores only once the original GMAT became unavailable. The scores from the GMAT Focus were not accepted between October 2023 and January 2024 (around fifteen weeks).
Note: Both, Wharton and HBS now accept the GMAT Focus Edition scores for admissions to MBA and other business-related programs.
What Is The GMAT Focus Edition Syllabus?
The GMAT Focus Edition exam pattern is different compared to the classic GMAT. It focuses on three main areas which last for 45 minutes each. The total duration of the test is 2 hrs 15 minutes. Below is a synopsis of every section:
- Verbal Reasoning (23 questions): This section assesses critical reasoning and reading comprehension skills. It no longer includes Sentence Correction questions.
- Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions): This section focuses on problem-solving using Arithmetic and Algebra concepts. Geometry and Data Sufficiency questions are excluded.
- Data Insights (20 questions): This new section assesses your ability to analyze data from various sources (tables, graphs, etc.) and conclude. Questions in this area can be classified as data-sufficient, two-part, multi-source, graphic, or table analysis.
Look at the table below to get a better understanding.
|
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 |
Suggested: GMAT Score Validity: How Long is GMAT Validity Period?
How to Prepare for the GMAT Focus?
According to GMAC, the new GMAT Focus Edition evaluates "higher-order critical reasoning and data literacy" abilities essential in today's corporate environment. But, what does that mean?
Study requirements are impacted by four significant modifications in the GMAT Focus Edition syllabus:
- Data Insights takes the role of the Integrated Reasoning section and now makes up one-third of the exam, contributing equally to the final score.
- The Verbal part no longer includes questions on sentence correction.
- The Quant section no longer includes geometry questions.
- The essay portion of the Analytical Writing Assessment is eliminated.
Some adjustments are needed for the Focus Edition however, most of the core content - such as Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning remains the same as the original GMAT. You need to be proficient in problem-solving, data sufficiency, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension to pass the new Data Insights section, which contains questions from Integrated Reasoning. In all, although there may be some differences in the subject matter of your research, your study methodology should remain the same.
Suggested: How to Crack the GMAT Exam on The First Attempt?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which schools are accepting GMAT Focus Edition?
Top MBA colleges in India accepting GMAT Focus Edition score for MBA admission include IIMs, ISB, XLRI, SPJIMR and many other B-schools.
Can I reschedule or cancel the GMAT test dates?
Yes, the rescheduling and cancellation processes are the same for the current GMAT and the Focus Edition.
Can I use my GMAT voucher or fee waiver for the current version of the GMAT Focus Edition?
Yes, any GMAT voucher or fee waiver from the current version can be applied to the GMAT Focus Edition.
What accommodations are available for the GMAT Focus Edition?
GMAC will continue to make accommodations for test takers who need extra testing time, breaks, or medical device use in the testing room.
What is the GMAT Focus Edition Exam Pattern?
The GMAT focus edition is divided into three sections, and you will evaluated based on them: Verbal: 45 Minutes to solve 23 questions. Quant: 45 Minutes to solve 21 questions. Data Insights: 45 minutes to solve 20 questions.
Does HSB and Wharton accept the GMAT Focus Edition results?
Yes, Harvard Business School and Wharton have begun accepting the results for the GMAT Focus. HBS began accepting results in April 2024, and Wharton began on Feb 1, 2024.
