GMAT Focus Edition: Everything You Need to Know About the New Format
The GMAT Focus Edition represents the most significant change to the GMAT in its 70-year history. As someone who scored in the 99th percentile on both the classic GMAT and Focus Edition, and has helped over 1,000 students navigate this transition, I'll break down everything you need to know about the new format, scoring system, and strategies to maximize your performance.
GMAT Focus Edition: Key Changes at a Glance
2:15
Total test time (vs 3:07)
3
Sections (vs 4)
64
Total questions (vs 80)
205-805
New score scale
Understanding the New Structure
The GMAT Focus Edition streamlines the test to focus on the skills most relevant to business school success. Here's the complete breakdown of the new format:
Quantitative Reasoning
45 minutes | 21 questionsWhat's Changed:
- Only Problem Solving questions (Data Sufficiency moved to Data Insights)
- No geometry questions
- Greater emphasis on real-world applications
Key Topics:
- • Arithmetic & Number Properties (30%)
- • Algebra & Functions (35%)
- • Word Problems & Applications (35%)
Verbal Reasoning
45 minutes | 23 questionsWhat's Changed:
- No Sentence Correction (removed entirely)
- Only Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning
- Shorter passages with more focused questions
Question Distribution:
- • Reading Comprehension: 13-14 questions
- • Critical Reasoning: 9-10 questions
- • 4 RC passages (2-3 questions each)
Data Insights (New!)
45 minutes | 20 questionsThe revolutionary new section that combines analytical and data interpretation skills most relevant to modern business.
Question Types:
- • Data Sufficiency (5-6 questions)
- • Multi-Source Reasoning (3-4 questions)
- • Table Analysis (2-3 questions)
- • Graphics Interpretation (3-4 questions)
- • Two-Part Analysis (3-4 questions)
Pro Tip: This section is where most test-takers struggle initially. Mastering Data Insights often provides the biggest score improvement opportunity.
The New Scoring System Explained
GMAT Focus Edition Scoring Breakdown
Score Ranges by Section:
- Quantitative Reasoning: 60-90
- Verbal Reasoning: 60-90
- Data Insights: 60-90
- Total Score: 205-805
Score Percentiles (2024):
- 805: 100th percentile
- 755: 99th percentile
- 705: 90th percentile
- 655: 75th percentile
Important: Score Comparison
A 655 on Focus Edition ≈ 700 on classic GMAT. Schools understand this conversion, so don't panic if your Focus Edition score seems lower numerically.
Strategic Advantages of Focus Edition
New Benefits
- Question Review & Edit: Change up to 3 answers per section
- Bookmark Feature: Mark questions for review
- Flexible Section Order: Choose your sequence
- No Essay: AWA section eliminated
- Faster Results: Scores in 3-5 business days
- More Attempts: Can take 5 times in 12 months
New Challenges
- Stricter Timing: ~2.1 min/question vs 2.3
- Data Insights Complexity: New question types
- No Calculator: Mental math crucial
- Adaptive by Section: Not question-by-question
- Limited Prep Materials: Fewer practice tests
- Score Scale Confusion: Different interpretation
Section-by-Section Preparation Strategies
Quantitative Reasoning Mastery
Core Strategy Shifts:
- → No geometry means more time for algebra and arithmetic mastery
- → Focus on estimation and mental math techniques
- → Master percentage and ratio problems (25% of questions)
High-ROI Topics:
- 1. Linear equations and inequalities
- 2. Percentage change and compound interest
- 3. Weighted averages and mixtures
- 4. Work/rate problems
- 5. Probability and combinations
Verbal Reasoning Excellence
New Approach Required:
Without Sentence Correction, success depends entirely on reasoning and comprehension skills.
Reading Comprehension
- • Pre-think main idea before questions
- • Map passage structure mentally
- • Focus on author's purpose
- • Master inference questions
Critical Reasoning
- • Identify argument structure first
- • Predict answer before looking
- • Master assumption questions
- • Practice formal logic patterns
Data Insights: The Game Changer
This section separates good scores from great ones. Here's your mastery roadmap:
1. Data Sufficiency (Relocated)
Same rules, new context. Focus on:
- • Recognizing sufficiency without solving
- • Testing edge cases efficiently
- • Using algebraic reasoning over computation
2. Multi-Source Reasoning
Navigate multiple tabs efficiently:
- • Skim all sources before attempting questions
- • Create mental map of information location
- • Practice tab-switching speed
3. Graphics & Table Analysis
Master data interpretation:
- • Learn to read complex charts quickly
- • Understand sorting functionality
- • Practice percentage calculations
The Optimal Study Plan
12-Week GMAT Focus Edition Prep Schedule
Weeks 1-3: Foundation Building
- • Take diagnostic test to establish baseline
- • Review fundamental math concepts (no geometry!)
- • Build critical reasoning frameworks
- • Introduction to Data Insights question types
- • 15-20 hours/week study time
Weeks 4-6: Skill Development
- • Master each question type systematically
- • Focus on Data Insights proficiency
- • Build speed with timed practice sets
- • Identify and address weak areas
- • 20-25 hours/week study time
Weeks 7-9: Integration & Speed
- • Full-length practice tests weekly
- • Develop section order strategy
- • Practice question review/editing strategy
- • Refine time management
- • 20-25 hours/week study time
Weeks 10-12: Final Push
- • 2-3 practice tests per week
- • Focus only on high-frequency topics
- • Perfect your test day strategy
- • Maintain consistency, avoid burnout
- • 15-20 hours/week (taper before test)
Test Day Strategy
Maximizing Your Performance
Optimal Section Order:
Choose based on your strengths, but most successful test-takers prefer:
- 1. Verbal Reasoning: Start fresh with reading/reasoning
- 2. Quantitative Reasoning: Math while still alert
- 3. Data Insights: Complex analysis when warmed up
Question Review Strategy:
You can change up to 3 answers per section. Use this strategically:
- • Bookmark questions you're unsure about
- • Leave 3-5 minutes for review
- • Only change if you have strong reason
- • Trust your first instinct on 50/50 calls
Score Improvement Strategies
Quick Wins (1-2 weeks)
- • Master question review feature
- • Optimize section order
- • Learn Data Insights navigation
- • Practice mental math daily
- • Time management drills
Medium Gains (3-6 weeks)
- • Data Insights proficiency
- • Advanced CR patterns
- • Speed reading techniques
- • Algebraic shortcuts
- • Error pattern analysis
Major Improvements (8+ weeks)
- • Fundamental skill gaps
- • Complete question mastery
- • Consistent 90th %ile sections
- • Test anxiety management
- • Elite timing strategies
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Mistakes That Cost Points
1. Underestimating Data Insights
This section requires dedicated prep - it's not just "integrated reasoning lite"
2. Over-relying on Question Review
Changing answers without strong reason often hurts more than helps
3. Ignoring Mental Math
No calculator means you must be comfortable with estimation and calculation
4. Using Old Prep Materials
Classic GMAT materials miss 40% of Focus Edition content
5. Poor Section Transitions
Each section requires different mental energy - plan accordingly
Resources & Materials
Essential GMAT Focus Edition Resources
Official Materials:
- ✓ GMAT™ Focus Official Starter Kit (Free)
- ✓ GMAT™ Focus Official Practice Exams 1-6
- ✓ GMAT™ Official Guide 2023-2024 Focus Edition
- ✓ Data Insights Review supplement
Recommended Supplements:
- ✓ TTP (Target Test Prep) Focus Edition Course
- ✓ Manhattan Prep Focus Edition Guides
- ✓ Magoosh GMAT Focus Question Banks
- ✓ GMAT Club Focus Edition Forums
Should You Take Focus Edition or Classic GMAT?
Making the Right Choice
As of January 31, 2024, only the Focus Edition is available. However, if you're deciding whether to use an existing classic GMAT score or retake with Focus Edition:
Retake with Focus Edition if:
- • Your quant was limited by geometry
- • You struggled with sentence correction
- • You want to leverage review feature
- • Your score is 680 or below
Keep Classic GMAT score if:
- • You scored 720+ recently
- • Sentence correction was a strength
- • Limited time to prepare
- • Applying in next 2-3 months
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Change
The GMAT Focus Edition represents a positive evolution in business school admissions testing. While the transition requires adjusting your preparation approach, the new format better aligns with the skills you'll actually use in business school and beyond. The key to success is understanding these changes and adapting your strategy accordingly.
Your Focus Edition Success Path
Remember: This new format rewards strategic thinking, data analysis skills, and practical problem-solving over test-taking tricks. By focusing on building genuine business skills rather than gaming the test, you'll not only achieve a higher score but also be better prepared for your MBA journey. The Focus Edition isn't just a test—it's the first step in your business education.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Chen
GMAT Expert | 99th Percentile Scorer | Test Prep Innovator
Dr. Chen scored 790 on the classic GMAT and 795 on the Focus Edition, placing him in the 99th percentile on both formats. He has tutored over 1,000 students, with an average score improvement of 110 points. As one of the first instructors to master the Focus Edition, he's developed proprietary strategies specifically for the new format. His students have gained admission to every M7 school, with many earning significant scholarships.
Related Resources
Focus Edition Practice Tests
Access our exclusive question bank
Data Insights Masterclass
Conquer the newest section
Score Calculator
Convert between Focus and Classic scores