NEW HERE? LEARN MORE
closeclose
Last visit was: 28 Apr 2024, 06:01 It is currently 28 Apr 2024, 06:01
Decision Tracker
My Rewards
New posts
New comers' posts

Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel

GMAT Focus vs Classic

SORT BY:
Date
Kudos
User avatar
B
raju1212
Manager
Manager
Joined: 02 Jun 2021
Posts: 64
Own Kudos [?]: 14 [0]
Given Kudos: 249
Location: India
GMAT 1: 620 Q40 V34
Send PM
GMAT Focus vs Classic [#permalink] New post   13 Oct 2023, 11:12
Three months ago, I received an official GMAT score of 630 (V29, Q48). Although I consistently scored between V34 and V37 and Q48 to Q50 on my practice tests, I felt my verbal score was too low. I primarily struggled with Sentence Correction (SC), and even after putting in significant effort, I couldn't improve it. I know that V29 indicates low scores not only in SC but also in CR and RC, I feel the reason was overall test anxiety that might have affected my performance. since in timed practice I'm getting 80+ accuracy.

Yesterday, I took the GMAT Focus without any preparation and scored 615 (V80, Q83, DI79). The major difference I observed was that I felt less anxious and tired due to the shorter format. I felt more in control in almost all sections. I also discussed with the schools ( I'm applying for MiM programs ) I'm applying to, and all of them confirmed that they accept GMAT Focus scores. When I asked about the average scores, most mentioned a range of 615 - 655, which is equivalent to their classic score average of 670 - 700.

I am planning to retake the GMAT in December. Should I trust the practice tests and take GMAT Focus, or should I try to improve my original score, given that only the verbal section needs attention? I have seen many people significantly increase their verbal scores in just a month.
User avatar
L
GmatKnightTutor
GMAT Club Legend
GMAT Club Legend
Joined: 31 Jan 2020
Posts: 4416
Own Kudos [?]: 1304 [0]
Given Kudos: 16
Send PM
GMAT Focus vs Classic [#permalink] New post   13 Oct 2023, 11:29
Quote:
I know that V29 indicates low scores not only in SC but also in CR and RC, I feel the reason was overall test anxiety that might have affected my performance. since in timed practice I'm getting 80+ accuracy.


In a sense, based on your Focus mock result, you may have a "safe" option to apply to your programs. If you have the flexibility to do so, you could study/retake the current version and, later on, decide to take the Focus as well (or vice versa). If you feel your fundamentals are solid, consider working on your solving approach. May boost your score a bit. Had a student who went from a similar score (V31) to a V40 in about 30 days for example. If you can find a study buddy who is strong on Verbal and needs help with Quant, that could be a good fit. There's a study buddy thread on gmatclub you could check out/sign up to.

-contact: gmatknight site | gmatclub dm
User avatar
L
bb
Founder
Founder
Joined: 04 Dec 2002
Posts: 37320
Own Kudos [?]: 72911 [0]
Given Kudos: 18870
Location: United States (WA)
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V42
GPA: 3
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User CAT Tests Forum Quiz Mode
Re: GMAT Focus vs Classic [#permalink] New post   13 Oct 2023, 11:51
Expert Reply
raju1212 wrote:
Three months ago, I received an official GMAT score of 630 (V29, Q48). Although I consistently scored between V34 and V37 and Q48 to Q50 on my practice tests, I felt my verbal score was too low. I primarily struggled with Sentence Correction (SC), and even after putting in significant effort, I couldn't improve it. I know that V29 indicates low scores not only in SC but also in CR and RC, I feel the reason was overall test anxiety that might have affected my performance. since in timed practice I'm getting 80+ accuracy.

Yesterday, I took the GMAT Focus without any preparation and scored 615 (V80, Q83, DI79). The major difference I observed was that I felt less anxious and tired due to the shorter format. I felt more in control in almost all sections. I also discussed with the schools ( I'm applying for MiM programs ) I'm applying to, and all of them confirmed that they accept GMAT Focus scores. When I asked about the average scores, most mentioned a range of 615 - 655, which is equivalent to their classic score average of 670 - 700.

I am planning to retake the GMAT in December. Should I trust the practice tests and take GMAT Focus, or should I try to improve my original score, given that only the verbal section needs attention? I have seen many people significantly increase their verbal scores in just a month.


GMAT Focus is a new animal still, and we have not fully figured out the intricacies of scoring but there may be some strategies
Which section did you start your test with? Q, V, or DI?
User avatar
B
raju1212
Manager
Manager
Joined: 02 Jun 2021
Posts: 64
Own Kudos [?]: 14 [0]
Given Kudos: 249
Location: India
GMAT 1: 620 Q40 V34
Send PM
Re: GMAT Focus vs Classic [#permalink] New post   13 Oct 2023, 12:33
bb wrote:

GMAT Focus is a new animal still, and we have not fully figured out the intricacies of scoring but there may be some strategies
Which section did you start your test with? Q, V, or DI?


i started with V, DI, QA. even on Classic I kept it as V, QA,IR. My main concern is fluctuation of scores. the major swing I saw was only in SC, my RC, CR and QA were always consistent. I feel i can maximise them, specially in focus, as i am very good in DS, and feel more confident while attempting CR than SC.. Also I'm not sure whether this new exam have that 30 pts +/- fluctuation.

The verbal felt very similar only 4-5 questions required a very in depth comprehension. couldn't get much data from first reading. DI seemed easy, but time consuming, they were only 6 mistakes, and most of them happened because i rushed and didnt read properly. DS seemed easy ( like i said i always was good at it. Im used to solving them withouit pen and paper under 2mins. thats how actually got better at them.)

And QA too seemed easy none of the question were head scratcher, few were time consuming and lengthy but still doable.

The point is even during my last GMAT attempt I felt comfortable with everything except SC. on the d day I still was thinking twice before answering them. Now it may just be my test anxiety, but if Gmat focus eliminate that feeling for me and let me capitalise on my strengths is it worth taking the risk, Worth noting that colleges accept those scores and from their answers it seems like they are using the gmac score conversions..

PS do you think its just a coincidence that my focus score coincide with old gmat mock score. Which range from 660 to 710 and focus score is 615 equivalent to 670-680
User avatar
L
ScottTargetTestPrep
Target Test Prep Representative
Joined: 14 Oct 2015
Status:Founder & CEO
Affiliations: Target Test Prep
Posts: 18768
Own Kudos [?]: 22073 [0]
Given Kudos: 283
Location: United States (CA)
Send PM
Re: GMAT Focus vs Classic [#permalink] New post   16 Oct 2023, 10:59
Expert Reply
Hi raju1212,

Based on your practice test score, it seems like GMAT focus is a no-brainer for you.
User avatar
B
IndianinTexas
Intern
Intern
Joined: 22 Aug 2014
Posts: 21
Own Kudos [?]: 7 [0]
Given Kudos: 3
Schools: Oxford Said'25 (A$$) Sauder (A$$) LBS '26 (D)
GMAT Focus 1:
685 Q88 V82 DI82
WE:Corporate Finance (Finance)
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User
Re: GMAT Focus vs Classic [#permalink] New post   20 Oct 2023, 12:13
Since GMAT focus edition and GMAT classic scores are not on the same scale, wouldn’t Bschools prefer a 700 candidate vs a 655 to boost their average GMAT in marketing materials??!

Posted from my mobile device
User avatar
G
Maheshkv
Manager
Manager
Joined: 30 Nov 2021
Posts: 120
Own Kudos [?]: 80 [0]
Given Kudos: 367
Location: India
GMAT 1: 610 Q49 V25
Send PM
Re: GMAT Focus vs Classic [#permalink] New post   21 Oct 2023, 08:13
Hi saurabhatmumbai,

I guess Bschools would use the score concordance charts to convert the focus edition scores to normal score equivalent and use that for publish/marketing?

Referenece (official): https://www.gmac.com/-/media/mbasite/gm ... tables.pdf
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
Re: GMAT Focus vs Classic [#permalink]
21 Oct 2023, 08:13

Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group | Emoji artwork provided by EmojiOne
Main navigation
GMAT Resources
Partners
MBA Resources
www.gmac.com|www.mba.com | | GMAT Club Rules | Terms and Conditions