GMAT Focus Edition: I am targeting 2024 Fall, should I wait?

Question

Hi everyone,

Apologies in advance if this topic has been discussed multiple times. Please direct me to the right thread if my question has already been answered.

I have started my MBA preparation, & finished Sentence Correction; almost 45% of the quant is done ( based on TTP material). I have a long way to go. However, I am not confident about my Sentence correction section; hence I am very keen to take the Focus edition.
However, based on the dates announced, August 29 is when registration begins, & Q4 is when exams can be taken, but nothing concrete. My biggest worry is that if I take focus edition, I might miss Round 1 of top colleges, especially Ivy leagues.

How should I proceed?

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Just a quick fyi if you're thinking of applying to HBS, the Focus Edition exam won't be accepted for R1 or R2.

bixby · Answer

Thanks for sharing this information. This is helpful. Any idea where can I track this? I would like to know about other colleges as well.

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi bixby.

The issue is that the Focus Edition will score differently from the current GMAT. So, it's going to take a while for schools and test-takers to get a handle on what Focus scores mean.

665 on the Focus Edition, is that a high score or a medium score? According to GMAT, it will be about the same as 700 on the current GMAT, but nobody really knows.

So, if you plan to apply in 2023 - 2024, you may be best off taking the current GMAT so that you know what to shoot for and schools will know what your score means.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi bixby,

Since the GMAT Focus Edition won't be available to take until AFTER most Programs have had their Round 1 deadlines pass, IF you are placing a priority on applying for that first Round, then you'll either take the current version of the GMAT, the GRE or you'll apply for a Program that does not require a Test Score. If you have a first-choice School, you should research that Program in more detail and base your plans around how to put yourself in the best possible position to get into that Program.

Have you taken any CATs/mocks yet? If you have, then how did you score (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

bixby · Answer

Thanks,  MartyTargetTestPrep  in my mind was willing to take that risk, but if most of the applications in Round 1 (as pointed out by others) will be done, then it would defeat the purpose.

EMPOWERgmatRichC  I started my prep 2 months back, and I have not taken mock tests.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

"For the 2023-2024 application cycle, we will not accept the GMAT Focus exam for Round 1 and Round 2; we will accept the GMAT Focus for 2+2 applications." - https://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/appl ... fault.aspx

For those applying for the HBS 2+2 program, a Focus Edition score would be accepted.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi bixby,

You still have plenty of time before the Round 1 application deadlines that you might be considering. However, if you have not taken any CATs/mocks yet, then we currently have no idea what your actual 'ability level' is right now. As such, I strongly recommend that you take one of the Official GMAC CATs sometime soon (perhaps this weekend). Make sure to take it in a realistic fashion that matches-up with what you will face when you take the Official GMAT (take the FULL CAT - with the Essay and IR sections, at the same time of day as when you'll take the Official GMAT, etc.). Once you have that Score, you should PM me and we can discuss the results and how you might best proceed with your studies.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

At the moment, no others have announced this, but I'm sure as they do, it will be publicized.

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GMAT Focus Edition: I am targeting 2024 Fall, should I wait?

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