So, you’re gearing up for the GMAT exam in 2024.
The GMAT has undergone a significant transformation. In November 2023, the GMAC (the administrating body for the GMAT exam) introduced a newer and shorter format called the GMAT Focus Edition, which replaced the older format of the exam, called the GMAT Exam (10th Edition).
Note that from 1st July 2024, the name of this exam will change back to ‘GMAT Exam’ but the pattern will continue to be the same as in the GMAT Focus Edition. This means that even if you take the exam after July 2024, your preparation strategy will remain the same.
Understanding and mastering this latest version of the GMAT exam is extremely important to get a good score.
However, developing a solid GMAT exam strategy from scratch can be challenging because of the contradictory and ambiguous information available online.
That’s why we have created this comprehensive guide for anyone preparing for GMAT Focus Edition in 2024.
In this guide, we decoded the exam structure, discussed effective strategies, and shared tips for preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition.
So, stick with us until the end, and you’ll be on your way to achieving a top score that will make your MBA application stand out.
Let’s begin.
What is the GMAT Exam?
The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a standardized test for admission into graduate business programs. It is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and is recognized in more than 110 countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, Ireland, and Canada.
The current version of the test (as of June 2024) – the GMAT Focus Edition – is a shorter version of the old version of the test. The duration of the exam has been reduced from the original 3 hours and 7 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes with one optional 10-minute break. The number of questions has also reduced from 80 to 64.
This streamlined version focuses on three main sections:
Quantitative Reasoning
Verbal section
Data Insights
These sections are specifically designed to test your math skills, English proficiency, and data analysis skills.
It’s important to score well in each section to get a good overall score, so you need a solid preparation plan to study for the GMAT Focus Edition in 2024.
We’ve curated a detailed preparation strategy for GMAT Focus Edition in 2024 to help you get started.
GMAT Exam preparation strategy 2024
Let’s explore a step-by-step strategy you can adopt to prepare for the GMAT Exam in 2024.
Step 1: Understand the GMAT exam structure
The first step in preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition is to familiarize yourself with its streamlined structure to formulate an effective study plan.
It will also help you plan your study time more wisely, focusing on the sections requiring more attention and choosing the right practice material from the start.
Here’s the section-by-section breakdown of the GMAT exam.
Subject
Number of questions
Time
Question types
Scores
Quantitative reasoning
21
45 minutes
Problem-solving
60-90
Data Insights
20
45 minutes
Data sufficiency
Graphic interpretation
Table analysis
Multi-source reasoning
Two-part analysis
60-90
Verbal Reasoning
23
45 minutes
Reading comprehension
Critical reasoning
60-90
64 questions
2 hours 15 minutes
In the next step, we will thoroughly discuss each section with various question types.
Step 2: Understand the question types
The next step is to understand the type of questions you will face in the exam. Let’s understand them in detail.
Quantitative reasoning
This section involves problem-solving questions to test your ability to apply mathematical concepts and solve questions related to arithmetic, geometry, and algebra.
Data Insights
This section consists of 5 types of questions.
Data sufficiency: These questions evaluate your quantitative reasoning and data adequacy from the given data.
Table Analysis: It assesses your capacity to extract relevant information from a table.
Graphical interpretation: It evaluates your ability to analyze and interpret data from the graph.
Multi-source reasoning: You’ll be provided multiple data sources, such as text, graphs, or diagrams, and you must answer certain questions based on the given data.
Two-part analysis: You will have two questions linked to one data type. For example, you’ll be given one passage or table and asked to evaluate two things from the data. This data can be related to Quantitative, verbal, or even basic logical topics.
Verbal reasoning
In verbal reasoning, you’ll have two types of questions:
Reading comprehension: Read passages and answer questions that follow.
Critical reasoning: Short paragraphs will be given and you’ll have to answer certain questions regarding the core arguments of the content. Questions will challenge you to select statements that strengthen or weaken the arguments in the content.
Step 3: Set a baseline score
Once familiar with the exam pattern, question types, and timing, it’s time to establish a baseline score.
The reason is that a baseline score helps you make necessary adjustments to your strategy and track your progress throughout the study time.
To do this, take the free GMAT Official Starter Kit which includes Exam 1 and Exam 2. The exams which mimic the format and scoring of the real exam. Once you complete a test, you’ll get a score report that shows the strong areas and sections you need to improve.
This test gives you a starting point and helps you plan your study time effectively.
Step 4: Lay special focus on the Data Insights section
The Data Insight section is the most integral part of the exam. The most important skills needed to ace this section are accuracy and quick thinking. Familiarize yourself with multiple data interpretation problems through resources like the GMAT official data insights question bank and GMAT official practice questions.
Step 5: Practice the quant and verbal sections
Next, practice number properties and basic arithmetic questions, then move on to algebra in the Quant section.
If you’re not confident about independent research and learning, you can get an official GMAT guide, consisting of an e-book and an online guide for the Quant section alone.
It has 900+ GMAT questions from previous exams, which can help you get accustomed to the nature of the questions. You can also quickly refer to mathematical formulas and practice questions accordingly.
For GMAT verbal preparation, you can download the GMAT official verbal preparation guide and e-book, which has more than 200 reading comprehension and critical reasoning questions. For integrated reasoning, you can start with graphics interpretation and table analysis, then move on to data sufficiency later.
Step 6: Review regularly and adjust your strategy.
Always take regular practice tests and assess your progress in GMAT exam preparation. This will help you identify your weaknesses, and reiterations can improve your techniques and fine-tune your time management skills.
These steps allow you to approach the GMAT exam with a well-honed strategy and a clear mind.
Advantages of taking a GMAT Exam
Here are a few compelling reasons why GMAT will be the smart move for your future.
Better universities to attend
Over 7,700 business schools worldwide consider GMAT scores while evaluating applications for admission to their prestigious MBA programs. For example, here are some of the top universities, according to the QS rankings (for their MBA programs and GMAT scores.
University
Location
GMAT score required
NYU (Stern)
New York, NY, United States
602-728
Oxford (Said)
Oxford, United Kingdom
650 or above
Esade Business School
Barcelona, Spain
660
Imperial College Business School
London, United Kingdom
650+
SDA Bocconi
Milan, Italy
650-750
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High chances for scholarships
A high GMAT score opens up your prospects for getting scholarships. For example, GMAT scholarships for the Amsterdam MBA and MIF GMAT-based waiver are some of the prestigious scholarships offered to students.
Note: While a scholarship is a vital part of reducing the financial stress of your education abroad, nothing beats getting an education loan that can save you several lakhs in interest expenditure. To get your best education loan in terms of terms and interest rates, we recommend you use FundRight.
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Better job prospects
A good GMAT score is a gateway to top roles in consulting and banking firms. According to GMAC’s 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey, today’s employers value communication, strategy, and data analysis. These skills rank higher for relevancy than typical skills such as business ethics, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.
It implies that attempting the GMAT focus edition exam and scoring well increases one’s chances of receiving high salary packages post-MBA.
How to study for the GMAT exam?
We’ve already discussed step-by-step preparation steps for the GMAT exam. However, here are some additional ways to improve your preparation for the GMAT exam:
Start early
First and foremost, create a structured strategy to avoid last-minute cramming or overwhelming preparation plans.
Start by deciding the sequence you want to cover the GMAT exam syllabus within the stipulated time. Make a sequence of the sections you want to prepare from first to last. Like data insights first, quant reasoning second, and verbal reasoning last or vice versa.
Take the advanced GMAT practice exam
Source
Once you’ve taken the free versions of GMAT official practice tests 1 and 2, you can take full-length stimulating tests consisting of 4 practice tests. You get to attempt practice tests 3 and 4 and practice tests 5 and 6, which can help you develop a deeper comprehension of test logic and improve your ability to answer similar questions correctly in the main exam.
Get a personalized GMAT preparation plan
Source
If you are confused about the multiple options, opt for a personalized plan customized to your requirements. Whether you are a fresher or a regular test taker, answer 5 on a short quiz, and the quiz will guide you to the best materials and official resources suited for your GMAT preparation.
Join online forums or groups
When preparing the exam section-by-section, you’ll have many questions like ‘Which is the best strategy to handle a certain question?’ or ‘How much time should I allocate to a certain section?’. Join forums like the GMAT club to discuss or ask complex questions.
Lastly, be calm and optimistic
Remember, mental well-being is as important as academic preparation. Try self-meditation and avoid overstressing yourself.
FAQs
What are the best resources for GMAT Focus Edition preparation?
The best resources are available on the official sites–GMAC.com and mba.com. For comprehensive GMAT Focus edition preparation, you can use official GMAT Focus Edition question banks, practice tests, and renowned prep courses from the official site itself.
How much time is required to prepare for the GMAT
Preparing for the GMAT focus edition exam can take 3-6 months for beginners. However, a well-guided student in a coaching program can prepare for the exam in 2.5 months.
What are the best ways to improve my GMAT verbal preparation?
The best way to improve GMAT verbal preparation is to practice regularly with official GMAT verbal questions, read extensively, and improve grammar skills through conversations, and reading multiple newspapers and magazines.
How is the GMAT focus edition different from the old GMAT?
GMAT focus edition is the latest official GMAT exam accepted by 7,700+ programs and 2,300+ business schools worldwide. It has become more leaner and convenient for students studying business abroad. It has included a rich syllabus that will help you get jobs in data-oriented and top-level management roles.
