The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) has long been a vital step for aspiring business school students worldwide. It serves as a benchmark for assessing their readiness for graduate-level studies in business. Recently, GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) made an exciting announcement: the arrival of the GMAT Focus Edition 2023. With its flexible structure, efficient time management, and insightful scoring system, this edition sets the stage for a transformative test-taking experience. Let us explore all the essential details you need to know about this new edition including its purpose, key features, and how it can benefit test-takers like you.

The upcoming GMAT Focus Edition introduces three sections, each lasting 45 minutes.

• The first section, Quantitative Reasoning, assesses problem-solving abilities.
• The second section, Verbal Reasoning, evaluates critical reasoning and reading comprehension, but without sentence correction.
• The newly developed Data Insights section measures candidates’ proficiency in data literacy, analyzing and interpreting data in real-world business contexts.

Sections	Total Questions	Total Duration
Quantitative Reasoning	21	45 minutes
Verbal Reasoning	23	45 minutes
Data Insights	20	45 minutes

In GMAT Focus Edition, test-takers will enjoy increased flexibility in selecting their section order. Unlike the current GMAT, which provides only three predefined options, the new version allows candidates the freedom to complete the three sections in their preferred order. This change empowers test-takers to personalize their test-taking experience and strategize according to their strengths.

Highlights of GMAT Focus Edition

Duration

• The exam has a duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, allowing test-takers to manage their time effectively.

Registration

• The registration for GMAT™ Exam Focus Edition will open on August 29 for testing starting in Q4 2023.

Review and Edit

• Test-takers have the option to bookmark and review their answers during the exam.
• They can make changes to up to three responses per section, ensuring accuracy and improving their scores.

Total Score Scale

• The GMAT Focus Edition uses a total score scale ranging from 205 to 805.
• All three sections, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, contribute equally to the total score.

Score Validity

• The scores obtained in the GMAT Focus Edition are valid for 5 years.
• This allows candidates to utilize their scores for admission within the specified timeframe.

Exam Attempts

• Test-takers are permitted a maximum of five attempts within a rolling 12-month period.
• Across both exam versions, a lifetime limit of eight attempts is allowed.

Score Reporting

• Immediately after completing the exam, test-takers can view their unofficial scores.
• Official Score Reports are typically available online within 7 business days, though it may take up to 20 days in some cases.

Rescheduling and Cancellation

• Fees for rescheduling and cancellation vary based on location, currency, and advance notice.
• Test-takers have the flexibility to reschedule or cancel their exam, provided they adhere to the specific guidelines and requirements.

In summary, the GMAT Focus Edition 2023 represents a milestone in the evolution of the GMAT, empowering aspiring business professionals with a more personalized and relevant assessment. Whether you are just beginning your GMAT journey or aiming to improve your previous attempt, this edition is set to revolutionize the way you approach the exam and elevate your chances of success in the competitive world of business education.

Considering Current GMAT

If you are preparing for the GMAT for over a month and have already scheduled your official exam, stick with your plan! There is no need to make any adjustments. It is highly improbable that the GMAT Focus Edition will be released in time for it to significantly impact the first-round admissions for 2023. Admissions decisions will primarily be based on the current testing format and environment, so stay focused on your preparation for the existing GMAT.