Which Business Schools Will Accept the GMAT Focus Edition?

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.

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.

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?

From the Desk of Yocket

Switching from the classic GMAT to the GMAT Focus Edition can be difficult. However, with proper knowledge and a preparation plan, you can succeed in it. Whether you want to take the GMAT Focus or the classic GMAT, commitment and careful preparation are keys to getting your target score and securing admission to your dream business school.

Besides scoring well on the GMAT, you must mindfully craft the university application essays and build your student profile according to the university’s requirements. Staying original is key, but improvising wherever needed is necessary too. If you are feeling overwhelmed, consider getting assistance from the best - our Yocket experts! With 15+ years of experience, they can help you ace the GMAT by providing tips and keeping you up-to-date with deadlines and registrations. Moreover, they can assist you through every step in your educational journey to one of the best business schools abroad. Connect with Yocket experts today to know more!