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GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know

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gmatstudyer123
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 20:57
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Very interesting changes... I'm very early (~2 weeks) into my GMAT studying, and here are just some thoughts swirling around in my head:
  • I would be applying for MBAs about 3-4 years later and I currently have the MGMAT 6th edition set + 2020 OG books.
  • If SC is getting removed -- a section I am weaker in -- would it be advisable to continue reviewing the MGMAT set and to omit the books whose content is being removed? In this case, SC and AWA. Or, is it expected that the question content for remaining sections such as RC will also change significantly?
  • Ideally, I would like to continue studying despite all of these changes. Would there by any issues with omitting SC + AWA and waiting to take any official practice CATs until the new Focus version is out for those? It doesn't really make sense to take the current "old" CATs since the test format + rules will be changing drastically.
  • I'd also be looking to pick up a 2023 OG once that comes out later this month.

Thank you!
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 21:16
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Hi. Welcome to the mad house! :lol:

First of all, you are trying to buy a ticket on a train that you don't know when it is leaving. The new test may be here in April or Sept. It may also be here in April but be ridden with issues - there is risk.

At the same time, It seems no content is changing in terms of what is tested on the CR or RC or Quant based on all the evidence and so you can prep without SC or at least leave the SC portion for the very end. So far no indication is given that you cannot use the materials you have even the 2014 edition of the MGMAT guides - I would expect all of them to be valid because GMAC is not going to voerhaul and completely change their questions/content/etc - there is no reason really.... they may make some very small tweaks such as remove Geometry from quant just like on EA (it is missing from the list).

But the rest is the same material, so minus SC and minus Geometry.


gmatstudyer123 wrote:
Very interesting changes... I'm very early (~2 weeks) into my GMAT studying, and here are just some thoughts swirling around in my head:
  • I would be applying for MBAs about 3-4 years later and I currently have the MGMAT 6th edition set + 2020 OG books.
  • If SC is getting removed -- a section I am weaker in -- would it be advisable to continue reviewing the MGMAT set and to omit the books whose content is being removed? In this case, SC and AWA. Or, is it expected that the question content for remaining sections such as RC will also change significantly?
  • Ideally, I would like to continue studying despite all of these changes. Would there by any issues with omitting SC + AWA and waiting to take any official practice CATs until the new Focus version is out for those? It doesn't really make sense to take the current "old" CATs since the test format + rules will be changing drastically.
  • I'd also be looking to pick up a 2023 OG once that comes out later this month.

Thank you!
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 21:20
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Is there any information regarding total lifetime attempts? Since GRE does not have any limit, should we assume that GMAT FOCUS will go GRE's way?
bb
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 21:22
If the old version will be in place until early 2024, does that mean we can opt in to take that version instead? I've been studying on and off again since 2021 and finally took the last few months of studying seriously. Would be good to know if I can commit to taking this mid-year without significantly changing my study schedule.
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 21:24
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satya2029 wrote:
Is there any information regarding total lifetime attempts? Since GRE does not have any limit, should we assume that GMAT FOCUS will go GRE's way?
bb


Hi. Potentially. I think moreover, people would have their lifetime counter reset on the Focus GMAT, so if you had 8 attempts, or got 800, I suspect you could take the GMAT again.... but that's speculation not corraborated by anything.


There is no information about cost, frequency of attempts, or how many life time attempts you can have.
EA has only 2 attempts for example and this test is getting modeled very closely after it.... but I think this GMAT Focus will be more like the GMAT - at least 8 attempts.... and likely a clean slate since the tests are different enough but don't hold your breath :angel:
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 21:26
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lecremeglace wrote:
If the old version will be in place until early 2024, does that mean we can opt in to take that version instead? I've been studying on and off again since 2021 and finally took the last few months of studying seriously. Would be good to know if I can commit to taking this mid-year without significantly changing my study schedule.


You are correct - you will be able to take the current/old version of the GMAT until early 2024.
And I would guess you could take the new version of the test on the same day if you wanted since the 2 tests will not be connected...

I wonder if they will fix the ESR and all those other issues with the GMAT Online and at least make the same score reporting system for the new test that is the same for the online and offline test... I guess we now sort of know why they stopped investing into the GMAT and features :(
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 21:34
bb wrote:
satya2029 wrote:
Is there any information regarding total lifetime attempts? Since GRE does not have any limit, should we assume that GMAT FOCUS will go GRE's way?
bb


Hi. Potentially. I think moreover, people would have their lifetime counter reset on the Focus GMAT, so if you had 8 attempts, or got 800, I suspect you could take the GMAT again.... but that's speculation not corraborated by anything.


There is no information about cost, frequency of attempts, or how many life time attempts you can have.
EA has only 2 attempts for example and this test is getting modeled very closely after it.... but I think this GMAT Focus will be more like the GMAT - at least 8 attempts.... and likely a clean slate since the tests are different enough but don't hold your breath :angel:


Sorry but I think EA has total 4( 2 online and 2 in-person). Correct me if I am wrong. Can we say that many more B schools in the upcoming application cycle accept EA as FOCUS GMAT is going to be,say, Advance EA?
Thanks bb
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 21:44
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satya2029 wrote:
bb wrote:
satya2029 wrote:
Is there any information regarding total lifetime attempts? Since GRE does not have any limit, should we assume that GMAT FOCUS will go GRE's way?
bb


Hi. Potentially. I think moreover, people would have their lifetime counter reset on the Focus GMAT, so if you had 8 attempts, or got 800, I suspect you could take the GMAT again.... but that's speculation not corraborated by anything.


There is no information about cost, frequency of attempts, or how many life time attempts you can have.
EA has only 2 attempts for example and this test is getting modeled very closely after it.... but I think this GMAT Focus will be more like the GMAT - at least 8 attempts.... and likely a clean slate since the tests are different enough but don't hold your breath :angel:


Sorry but I think EA has total 4( 2 online and 2 in-person). Correct me if I am wrong. Can we say that many more B schools in the upcoming application cycle accept EA as FOCUS GMAT is going to be,say, Advance EA?
Thanks bb


I did not realize EA was 2 online and 2 in person. I have not followed the test accurately so you may have more specific information.
GMAT does not distinguish between online and in person so it is 5 of either one.

In general, I don't see much difference between EA and GMAT. It seems you will get about the same number of questions and the same exact sections just adaptive vs. sectional. I can see EA being killed :-o
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 21:49
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I have been able to put together a comparison highlight the difference in the table of contents as posted by doublecool.


Comparison of Official Guide Editions: 2022 vs. 2023-2024





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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 21:50
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Thank you doublecool for confirming the new structure.

It's nice to see that IR is being made part of the main score. GMAC certainly took their time though (I remember asking them about it ~5 years ago :)).

bb wrote:
Based on the Paul we’ve been conducting for the last two weeks, completely unrelated to this change but very relevant now it seems, the most hated section is actually reading comprehension. Critical reasoning and sentence correction are both tied as 2 most favorite ones.

My main concern is that more RC (%) may also mean more timing issues. Some test takers slow down more than others when they hit an RC passage.
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 21:54
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AjiteshArun wrote:
Thank you doublecool for confirming the new structure.

It's nice to see that IR is being made part of the main score. GMAC certainly took their time though (I remember asking them about it ~5 years ago :)).

bb wrote:
Based on the Paul we’ve been conducting for the last two weeks, completely unrelated to this change but very relevant now it seems, the most hated section is actually reading comprehension. Critical reasoning and sentence correction are both tied as 2 most favorite ones.

My main concern is that more RC (%) may also mean more timing issues. Some test takers slow down more than others when they hit an RC passage.



Just to clarify the RC is not confirmed but the assumption that 62 min test with 36 questions minus 17 minutes and CR section = 45 mins and 22 questions with a combination of RC and CR. We don't know how many RC/CR questions will be. Perhaps it it is 11 and 11 or 10 and 12. The question is not confirmed and purely speculation at this time. However, currently GMAC is running CR/SC/RC with just 10-12 questions each of those, so there is no change really in respect of their algorithm, they just have to kill one of the sections. As one expert pointed out to me - they need at least 10 it seems to establish proficiency per the ESR (ESR lists each of the sections separately). No idea if this was clear but the main point I wanted to communicate is that the question split is ONLY a SPECULATION at this time :angel:
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 22:00
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So do we send you "Thank you" cards for including the IR into the main portion of the test? :twisted:

AjiteshArun wrote:
Thank you doublecool for confirming the new structure.

It's nice to see that IR is being made part of the main score. GMAC certainly took their time though (I remember asking them about it ~5 years ago :)).

bb wrote:
Based on the Paul we’ve been conducting for the last two weeks, completely unrelated to this change but very relevant now it seems, the most hated section is actually reading comprehension. Critical reasoning and sentence correction are both tied as 2 most favorite ones.

My main concern is that more RC (%) may also mean more timing issues. Some test takers slow down more than others when they hit an RC passage.
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 22:20
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bb wrote:
Just to clarify the RC is not confirmed but the assumption that 62 min test with 36 questions minus 17 minutes and CR section = 45 mins and 22 questions with a combination of RC and CR. We don't know how many RC/CR questions will be. Perhaps it it is 11 and 11 or 10 and 12. The question is not confirmed and purely speculation at this time. However, currently GMAC is running CR/SC/RC with just 10-12 questions each of those, so there is no change really in respect of their algorithm, they just have to kill one of the sections. As one expert pointed out to me - they need at least 10 it seems to establish proficiency per the ESR (ESR lists each of the sections separately). No idea if this was clear but the main point I wanted to communicate is that the question split is ONLY a SPECULATION at this time :angel:

I agree. This isn't something test takers need to worry about. But as someone working in the field, I'll be tracking this (23 questions | 45 minutes, only RC and CR, and generally, RC > CR > SC), just to see whether it could lead to timing issues.

bb wrote:
So do we send you "Thank you" cards for including the IR into the main portion of the test? :twisted:

Haha. I get it, but give it a chance. IR is fun. :)
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   09 Mar 2023, 22:39
AjiteshArun wrote:
It's nice to see that IR is being made part of the main score. GMAC certainly took their time though (I remember asking them about it ~5 years ago :)).

Was it at the 2018 Knowledge Refresher with Dr Chris Han that you asked about IR?

Among other things, he acknowledged the problem of the Quant scores clumping together at the high end. That could be a major reason for the upcoming change.

Posted from my mobile device
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   10 Mar 2023, 00:39
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bb wrote:
I have been able to put together a comparison highlight the difference in the table of contents as posted by doublecool.


Comparison of Official Guide Editions: 2022 vs. 2023-2024







That is pure gold. I understand the major changes we are going through and the sea of madness this post is creating :lol: Marvelous. I love it.

However, I do not see a real concern after all:

  • the concepts tested I am pretty sure will be likely the same as ever
  • thanks to the shortest format GMATNinja now will advise us to drink gallons of Redbull instead to cool down and sleep better to clear our brain from waste (never advice was better than this for an exam such as the GMAT ) to speed up the process being the test shorter than before :lol: :lol:
  • concentrate of what is the new keyword: FOCUS. A more centered exam for the current business world

What are the students concerned about?

They are forgetting what the GMAT teaches them all the time and is the most important skill to have: flexibility.

It is beautiful to attend the show that is happening. It is like a movie. Therefore, just relax and enjoy. Will be a new adventure. Spectacular

Moreover, bb and the team have already planned everything: new sections, new tools to study, and experts to help us along the way.

What do you want more ?? :blushing: :blushing: :cool: :cool: :cool:

GMATCLUB will be always at the epicenter of this coming change, helping all the students out there!!


:cool: :cool:


BTW: does someone at this stage have information about the at home version of the test ?
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   10 Mar 2023, 01:38
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AjiteshArun wrote:
I'll be tracking this (23 questions | 45 minutes, only RC and CR, and generally, RC > CR > SC), just to see whether it could lead to timing issues.

Regarding timing issues, the 45 minutes for 23 questions on the Verbal section of the Focus Edition gives test-takers about 1:58 per question, which is about 10 seconds more than they have per question on the current GMAT.

Looking at some ESRs, I see that the typical test-taker who spends about 1:30 on each SC question averages under 2:00 per CR and RC question. So, for most test-takers, the 1:58 per question allotted by the GMAT Focus Edition Verbal section should be about right.

Here's an example.



However, for test-takers who would have gotten through the Verbal section on time by completing SC questions in well under 1:30, the timing of the GMAT Focus Edition Verbal section is going to be tough to handle.
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   10 Mar 2023, 02:26
bb wrote:
lecremeglace wrote:
If the old version will be in place until early 2024, does that mean we can opt in to take that version instead? I've been studying on and off again since 2021 and finally took the last few months of studying seriously. Would be good to know if I can commit to taking this mid-year without significantly changing my study schedule.


You are correct - you will be able to take the current/old version of the GMAT until early 2024.
And I would guess you could take the new version of the test on the same day if you wanted since the 2 tests will not be connected...

I wonder if they will fix the ESR and all those other issues with the GMAT Online and at least make the same score reporting system for the new test that is the same for the online and offline test... I guess we now sort of know why they stopped investing into the GMAT and features :(


Hey BB, how do you suppose the rollout will be? Will the FOCUS edition be available online only for some time before GMAC allows users to sit for in-person testing?

I'm relieved to learn that students will be given the option to select his/her preferred version till early 2024 :)
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   10 Mar 2023, 02:48
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Looks like GMAC is targeting India market :P This new test format is so similar to CAT (Common Admissions Tests) in India. Although GMAC will never match the pricing if they compete with CAT (~15$ for attempting the test) :P

But, given the fact that world is moving towards Data side of things, this is a good move from GMAC side. All international aspirants would be more keen to enrol for GMAT now.
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   10 Mar 2023, 03:47
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MartyTargetTestPrep wrote:
Looking at some ESRs, I see that the typical test-taker who spends about 1:30 on each SC question averages under 2:00 per CR and RC question. So, for most test-takers, the 1:58 per question allotted by the GMAT Focus Edition Verbal section should be about right.

Hi MartyTargetTestPrep,

It's possible that you didn't understand the point I was trying to make.

1. As a tutor, I work closely with individuals, not big groups of students, and, as I mentioned in my first post, some test takers struggle with RC. It is those individuals I am thinking about, not test takers in general.

2. An ESR can't tell us how much time a test taker needs. It can only give us a limited view into one possible time/score combination for that test taker.

Just to be clear, I really do hope that those some ESRs you looked at of typical test takers who spend about 1:30 on each SC question are representative of the experience of most test takers.
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink] New post   10 Mar 2023, 03:59
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vv65 wrote:
Was it at the 2018 Knowledge Refresher with Dr Chris Han that you asked about IR?

Among other things, he acknowledged the problem of the Quant scores clumping together at the high end. That could be a major reason for the upcoming change.

Yes, I think it was the 2018 summit.

It'll be hard for GMAC to do anything about quant scores without increasing the difficulty of the quant section. Increasing the number of questions could have also worked, but they've opted not to do that.
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Re: GMAT Focus Edition - Everything You Need to Know [#permalink]
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