The answer—it depends when you want to apply to business school. To help you to clarify your next steps, BusinessBecause answers some candidate questions about the GMAT Focus Edition:
When does registration open for the new GMAT Focus Edition exam?
Registration for the GMAT Focus Edition exam opens on August 29, 2023, offering appointments to sit the new test in the last quarter—October to December 2023—and beyond. So, if you are planning to submit your application in early autumn 2023, the best option is to sit the current GMAT exam. And if you want the security of a retake option, don’t worry. The current GMAT exam is available until early 2024.
When can I start preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition exam?
The official free GMAT Focus Edition prep materials will be available on MBA.com from June 6, 2023.
What are the differences between the current and new GMAT exams?
Both are robust tests that are accepted more than 2,400 business schools for more than 7,700 programs. However, there are some differences in the content of the two tests. For example, the current GMAT has 80 questions in four sections—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment—and takes candidates just over 3 hours to sit. The GMAT Focus Edition, meanwhile, has three sections—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and the new Data Insights component—with 64 questions in total, and a test time of 2 hours and 15 mins. The GMAT Focus Edition is fully multiple-choice, meaning that the analytical writing component of the current GMAT is no longer required.
Which test is the cheapest to sit?
GMAT Focus Edition fees will be at parity with the current GMAT exam.
Can I resit the GMAT Focus Edition test to try for a higher score?
Yes. Both the current and GMAT Focus Edition allow candidates five attempts at the exam in a rolling 12-month period, with a lifetime limit of eight attempts.
Will the scores change with the new GMAT Focus Edition?
The scoring range for the GMAT Focus Edition is different from the current GMAT exam. It’s worth noting that the GMAT Focus Edition score card includes more detail within the exam fee. For the current GMAT exam, a basic score report is included, with an enhanced score report available for an additional fee.
How can I find out more about GMAT Focus?
Further details of the GMAT Focus exam structure and content can be found on MBA.com.
