GMAT Syllabus for Focus Edition

Question

GMAT Focus Syllabus  
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Common question if you are studying on your own is what is tested on the GMAT and what should you study on the GMAT. GMAC does not publish the official list of study topics and materials besides some brief overview of what is provided in the Official Guide book but based on the analysis of the Official Questions as well as feedback from real GMAT exams, here is the most accurate un-official GMAT syllabus there is:

Problem Solving Question Distribution  
 Source: GMAT Prep Focus Edition based on 277 Problem Solving questions testing 416 topics

https://gmatclub.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/gmat-focus-quant-2.png

Word Problems:  
 
•  Distance/Rate Problems 
•  Mixture Problems 
•  Overlapping Sets 
•  Word Problems  (other)
•  Work/Rate Problems

Arithmetic and Algebra:  
 
• Absolute Values/Modulus
• Algebra
• Arithmetic
• Functions and Custom Characters (this includes Coordinate Geometry)
• Fractions/Ratios/Decimals
• Inequalities
• Min/Max Problems
• Must or Could be True Questions
• Exponents/Powers
• Percent and Interest Problems
• Roots
• Sequences

Number Theory:  
 
• Divisibility/Multiples/Factors
• Number Properties
• Remainders

Statistics and Probability:  
 
• Combinations
• Probability
• Statistics and Sets Problems

VERBAL (23 Questions, 45 mins)

Critical Reasoning Question Distribution  
 Source: GMAT Prep Focus Edition based on 98 Critical Reasoning questions testing 98 topics

https://gmatclub.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Critical-reasoning-gmatprep-1.webp

Critical Reasoning

Additional Evidence 
 Assumption 
 Bold Face CR 
 Cause and Effect 
 Complete the Passage 
 Conclusion 
 Evaluate Argument 
 Except 
 Inference 
 Logical Flaw 
 Method of Reasoning 
 Must be True 
 Numbers 
 Resolve Paradox 
 Similar Reasoning 
 Strengthen/Weaken  
  
Reading Comprehension

Main Idea questions 
 Specific detail questions 
 Inference & Reasoning questions 
 Vocabulary-related questions (based on the context)

DATA INSIGHTS (20 Questions, 45 mins)

Data Sufficiency Distribution  
 Source: GMAT Prep Focus Edition based on 157 Data Sufficiency questions testing 157 topics

https://gmatclub.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DS-focus.png

Data Sufficiency

Tests most topics covered by the Quantitative portion along with some logic-based and verbal-based questions  
  
Graphs Interpretation

Tests data analysis skills. Measures your ability to interpret the information presented in a graph or other graphical image (scatter plot, x/y graph, bar chart, pie chart, or statistical curve distribution) to discern relationships, and make inferences.  
  
Multi-Source Reasoning

Logic and Data analysis questions similar to reading comprehension. Measures your ability to examine data from multiple sources including text passages, tables, graphics, or some combination of the three—and to analyze each source of data carefully to answer multiple questions. Some questions will require you to recognize discrepancies among different sources of data, while others will ask you to draw inferences, or require you to determine whether data is relevant.   
  
Table Analysis

Measures your ability to sort and analyze a table of data, similar to a spreadsheet, in order to determine what information is relevant or meets certain conditions.  
  
Two-part Analysis

Logic, quant, and data analysis mixed in one question. Measures your ability to solve complex problems. They could be quantitative, verbal, or some combination of both. The format is intentionally versatile to cover a wide range of content. Your ability to evaluate trade-offs, solve simultaneous equations, and discern relationships between two entities is measured.

More Resources:

GMAT Focus Structure  
  Learn about the GMAT Content from mba.com  
  Official Sample Questions

GMAT Question Patterns:

GMAT Question Patterns: Work and Rate Problems  
  GMAT Question Patterns: Arithmetic  
  GMAT Question Patterns: Absolute Value  
  GMAT Question Patterns: Distance and Speed  
  GMAT Question Patterns: Remainders  
  GMAT Question Patterns: Algebra  
  GMAT Question Patterns: Overlapping Sets

MartyMurray · Answer

bb , that Quant question distribution is pretty cool.

How was it created?

bb · Answer

it is a snapshot of the analysis of all GMAT Prep Questions (Focus Edition). 
If you have better suggestions for analysis of topics of what is tested on the GMAT, please let me know.

bb · Answer

MartyMurray  - I have updated the Quant topic distribution above with the GMAT Focus GMAT Prep free version.

A total of 277 questions observed, out of which 416 topics were tested (some questions tested multiple topics).

Then a distribution was built based on 416 topics observed. The result was somewhat similar, but surprising. A lot more emphasis on Algebra is observed in the PS (which I guess makes sense now that DS lost many of the algebraic concepts).  Going from 26% to 34%.

For comparison, here is the Problem Solving / Data Sufficiency GMAT Prep Classic (OLD):

https://gmatclub.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/quant-topics-2024.gif

bb · Answer

Someone asked me to categorize the chart a bit differently and group things this way. Do you like it better?

This is still the same GMAT Prep Focus Edition Quant Questions (PS Only). One category was removed (Graphs and Illustrations)
 https://gmatclub.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/gmat-focus-quant-2.png

Word Problem:
  • Distance/Rate Problems
• Mixture Problems
• Overlapping Sets
• Word Problems
• Work/Rate Problems

Arithmetic and Algebra: 
 • Absolute Values/Modulus
• Algebra
• Arithmetic
• Functions and Custom Characters
• Fractions/Ratios/Decimals
• Inequalities
• Min/Max Problems
• Must or Could be True Questions
• Exponents/Powers
• Percent and Interest Problems
• Roots
• Sequences

Number Theory: 
 • Divisibility/Multiples/Factors
• Number Properties
• Remainders

Statistics and Combinations: 
 • Combinations
• Probability
• Statistics and Sets Problems

Bunuel · Answer

Yes, it's much better categorization.

thinkvision · Answer

Hi  bb  - Thank you so much for creating such a robust platform and for proactively incorporating so many details.

Just one question from you /  Bunuel  /  MartyMurray  - Is the coordinate geometry part of Gmat Focus? Technically if the geometry is not part of Gmat Focus, no reason to keep coordinate geometry out specifically when it is part of Quant review 2024, but not of OG 2024.

I tried searching through forums but couldn't find a satisfactory yes/no. Do we have questions on CG from GMAT Focus Prep tests and/or actual Gmat Focus exams?

Appreciate your response.

Su7sH · Answer

Also where to find (which section) it in the above chart? Thank you! 🎉

Posted from my mobile device

MartyMurray · Answer

Looks good.

Maybe Work/Rate should be adjacent to Distance/Rate.

MartyMurray · Answer

I think it should be under Algebra somehow.

bb · Answer

Hi. They coordinate geometry is included and is a part of the GMAT focus quantitative material. However, on the GE focus it is called “functions” (or at least I think it is)

I believe the classified as a part of algebra and it’s not a big sliver.

Posted from my mobile device

GMATNinjaTwo · Answer

This is great, thank you!

So does the 277 include the 19 free PS from the "Focus Edition Starter Kit", the 110 PS from "Focus Official Practice Questions - Quantitative", and the PS from the 6 focus edition practice tests? Anything else?

bb · Answer

Sorry, I don't know those questions. If they are new, and not repeats, then yes. 
However, I am going to have to check the 19 free Focus Edition Start kit.

bb · Answer

Finally had the time to get to the comparison of old vs. new Data Sufficiency Sections.

For the 5 people in the world who care about these these things 😂 This pie chart specifically looks at the Quant topics and their change in the DS from Classic to Focus. You can see the gutting of the quant topics. 
  Disclaimer: for Classic, this was a holistic view of PS + DS since they were quite similar and I don't have the patience of pulling old DS. Sorry.

As you can see the entire DS is dominated with the Word Problems 🤯
 44 --> 89%

https://gmatclub.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Data-Sufficiency-Changes-1.webp 
(click the image  to zoom in)

GMATCoachBen · Answer

bb  This is great, love the diagrams! Any chance you have any problem links for the 11% of DS that aren't word problems? I'm curious to review those.

bb · Answer

Sent it to you via PM. Let me know if you feel they should be reclassified into different topics/segments.

manrasingh · Answer

Hi bb
In the initial diagram for Gmat Focus DS I can see around 69% for Word Problems whereas in this diagram https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-syllabu ... 24188.html I can see 89% reserved for Word Problems. Can you explain this anomaly?

bb · Answer

Oh. I see it now, Sorry about that. I should probably delete the original one. 
The reason for the difference is a difference in classification. Initially (69%) did not classify probability and statistics as a part of word problems and instead had it a separate major category.

Guest96 · Answer

Change in Quant   Question Distribution from GMAT Classic to GMAT FE (Sorted based on descending multiplier value): 
     Topic   GMAT Classic   GMAT FE   Change   Multiplier       Functions & Custom Characters   1%   3%   200%   3x       Combinations   2%   5%   150%   2.5x       Exponents   3%   7%   133%   2.33x       Algebra   8%   17%   113%   2.13x       Roots   1%   2%   100%   2x       Must be True   2%   3%   50%   1.5x       Probability   2%   3%   50%   1.5x       Absolute Values   2%   3%   50%   1.5x       Percent and Interest   6%   8%   33%   1.33x       Arithmetic   6%   7%   17%   1.17x       Overlapping Sets   3%   3%   0%   1x       Divisibility/Multiples/Factors   4%   4%   0%   1x       Remainders   2%   2%   0%   1x       Word Problems   13%   11%   -15%   0.85x       Work/Rate Problems   3%   2%   -33%   0.67x       Number Properties   9%   5%   -44%   0.56x       Min/Max Problems   2%   1%   -50%   0.5x       Distance/Rate Problems   2%   1%   -50%   0.5x       Sequences   2%   1%   -50%   0.5x       Inequalities   7%   3%   -57%   0.43x       Fractions/Ratios/Decimals   5%   2%   -60%   0.4x       Statistics   7%   2%   -71%   0.29x       Mixture   0%   1%   Undefined   Undefined

Change in Quant   Question Distribution from GMAT Classic to GMAT FE (Sorted based on descending GMAT FE value): 
   Topic  GMAT Classic  GMAT FE  Change  Multiplier    Algebra  8%  17%  113%  2.13x    Word Problems  13%  11%  -15%  0.85x    Percent and Int  6%  8%  33%  1.33x    Exponents  3%  7%  133%  2.33x    Arithmetic  6%  7%  17%  1.17x    Combinations  2%  5%  150%  2.5x    Number Properties  9%  5%  -44%  0.56x    Divisibility/Multiples  4%  4%  0%  1x    Functions & Customary Units  1%  3%  200%  3x    Must be True  2%  3%  50%  1.5x    Probability  2%  3%  50%  1.5x    Absolute Values  2%  3%  50%  1.5x    Overlapping Sets  3%  3%  0%  1x    Inequalities  7%  3%  -57%  0.43x    Roots  1%  2%  100%  2x    Remainders  2%  2%  0%  1x    Work/Rate Problems  3%  2%  -33%  0.67x    Fractions/Ratios  5%  2%  -60%  0.4x    Statistics  7%  2%  -71%  0.29x    Min/Max Problems  2%  1%  -50%  0.5x    Distance/Rate Problems  2%  1%  -50%  0.5x    Sequences  2%  1%  -50%  0.5x    Mixture  0%  1%  Undefined  Undefined

hughng92 · Answer

Bunuel  — I am reviewing the OG 2024-2025 now and they have a graphing / coordinate plane under the math review section.

Should we add that to the Quant syllabus above?

Posted from my mobile device

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My Rewards

Topic	GMAT Classic	GMAT FE	Change	Multiplier
Functions & Custom Characters	1%	3%	200%	3x
Combinations	2%	5%	150%	2.5x
Exponents	3%	7%	133%	2.33x
Algebra	8%	17%	113%	2.13x
Roots	1%	2%	100%	2x
Must be True	2%	3%	50%	1.5x
Probability	2%	3%	50%	1.5x
Absolute Values	2%	3%	50%	1.5x
Percent and Interest	6%	8%	33%	1.33x
Arithmetic	6%	7%	17%	1.17x
Overlapping Sets	3%	3%	0%	1x
Divisibility/Multiples/Factors	4%	4%	0%	1x
Remainders	2%	2%	0%	1x
Word Problems	13%	11%	-15%	0.85x
Work/Rate Problems	3%	2%	-33%	0.67x
Number Properties	9%	5%	-44%	0.56x
Min/Max Problems	2%	1%	-50%	0.5x
Distance/Rate Problems	2%	1%	-50%	0.5x
Sequences	2%	1%	-50%	0.5x
Inequalities	7%	3%	-57%	0.43x
Fractions/Ratios/Decimals	5%	2%	-60%	0.4x
Statistics	7%	2%	-71%	0.29x
Mixture	0%	1%	Undefined	Undefined