GMAT Focus Edition- Know Everything About New Pattern or Format Change 2023

GMAT Focus Edition: Change in Test Structure, Content, and Scoring

GMAT, the Graduate Management Admission Test, is password to get admitted in management programs such as MBA, EMBA and MIM. The GMAT is designed to evaluate an applicant's critical thinking and decision making ability for business studies. The GMAT exam has been around for over 60 years, and it has evolved over time to reflect changes in the business world and the needs of business schools. GMAC, Graduate Management Admissions Council, a non-profit organization, looks after GMAT exams.

The GMAT Focus Edition, a new change format of old GMAT also known GMAT Format Change, was recently announced by GMAC. The new version includes changes to the test structure, content, and scoring, and it is expected to be available from Q4 2023. In this article, we will discuss the changes that have been introduced in the GMAT Focus Edition and how these changes may affect your preparation for the exam.

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Test Structure of GMAT Pattern Change

The GMAT Focus Edition was shortened from the old GMAT exam that is designed to be more focused and efficient. GMAT pattern change exam of GMAT has kept the duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, which is 30 minutes less than the current version of the exam. The new GMAT format change version of the exam consists of three sections: PS & DS (problem solving and data interpretation) from the Quant, CR & RC (Critical Reasoning & Reading Comprehension) from Verbal, and IR (integrated reasoning). Allotted time for each will be 45 minutes. SC (sentence correction), AWA, (Analytical writing assessment) , each 45 minutes long, and will only contain Problem Solving (PS) questions, with Data Sufficiency (DS) being part of the Quantitative section. The Sentence Correction (SC), and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) are no more the part of GMAT exam.

GMAT Focus Edition is, too, and adaptive tests. It means the difficulty level of the questions will adjust itself according to accuracy of gmat test takers. However, Back and forth is possible with GMAT Format Change mean that was not possible with old pattern. Moreover Test Takers are permitted to pick order according to their own convenience.

Content of GMAT Format Change

The content of the GMAT Focus Edition has also undergone significant changes. The Quantitative section will have DS questions in addition to the PS questions. The Verbal section will have only Critical Reasoning (CR), and Reading Comprehension (RC).

The Integrated Reasoning (IR) section will have more questions, and the new version of the exam will include new Official Guides (OGs) to reflect the changes in the exam's content.

Scoring Changes

The scoring system for the GMAT Focus Edition has also undergone changes. The new version of the exam will have a total score ranging from 200 to 800, with 10-point increments. The Quantitative and Verbal sections will each be scored on a scale of 0-60, with a total score of 120. The IR section will be scored on a scale of 1-8, with a total score of 8. The AWA section will be scored separately on a scale of 0-6, with 0.5-point increments.

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Score Reporting Changes

The new version of the GMAT exam will also introduce changes in the way scores are reported. Test-takers can opt preview option of their test. Before accepting and cancelling, the test takers can preview the unofficial score. If a test-taker chooses to accept their scores, they will be able to send them to up to five programs for free.

Impact of the Changes

The changes introduced in the GMAT Focus Edition could have both positive and negative impacts on test-takers. On the positive side, the new version of the exam is shorter and more focused, which could be beneficial for test-takers who find the current version too long and exhausting. The removal of the AWA and SC sections could also be a relief for test-takers who struggle with writing and grammar.

The ability to go back and change answers on up to three questions per section could also be a significant advantage for test-takers, as it allows them to correct any mistakes they may have made earlier in the section. The inclusion of more DS questions in the Quantitative section could also be beneficial for test-takers who prefer DS questions over PS questions.

On the negative side, the changes introduced in the GMAT Focus Edition could also have some drawbacks. The removal of the AWA and SC sections could impact a test-taker's writing and grammar skills, which are essential for success in business school. The changes could also harm the exam's reputation in the long run, as some business schools may not accept the new version of the exam.

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Conclusion

The GMAT Focus Edition is a new version of the GMAT exam that includes significant changes to the test structure, content, scoring, and score reporting. The new version of the exam is expected to be available from Q4 2023 and will only contain PS questions, with DS being part of the Quant section. The AWA and SC sections will be removed; the test consists of three sections with total duration 2 hours 15 minutes and individual each 45 minutes long. The changes could benefit test-takers in various ways, such as shorter testing time and the ability to go back and change answers for up to three questions per section. However, the changes could also have some drawbacks, such as impacting a test-taker's writing and grammar skills and potentially harming the exam's reputation in the long run. Therefore, students should carefully consider these changes before deciding which exam to take.