The GMAT underwent its biggest overhaul in decades with the Focus Edition, which became the only available format after the classic GMAT was retired on January 31, 2024. If you are preparing for the GMAT, you need to understand exactly what changed — removed sections, new question types, a different scoring scale, and features like answer review that fundamentally change test-taking strategy.
What Changed in the Focus Edition is a critical area for GMAT test takers to understand. This section covers awa removed, sentence correction removed.
| Feature | Classic GMAT | Focus Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3+ hours | 2 hours 15 min |
| Sections | 4 (Quant, Verbal, IR, AWA) | 3 (Quant, Verbal, DI) |
| Score Range | 200-800 | 205-805 |
| Essay (AWA) | Required | Removed |
| Sentence Correction | Tested | Removed |
| Geometry | Tested | Removed |
| Calculator | IR section only | DI section only |
| Answer Review | Not available | 3 changes per section |
| Section Order | Fixed | Your choice |
Sections Removed is an important aspect of what changed in the focus edition. AWA removed. Classic GMAT retired January 31, 2024.
Sentence Correction removedAdditionally, Geometry removed. Understanding these elements helps you prepare more effectively for this portion of the GMAT.
New Features Added is an important aspect of what changed in the focus edition. Sentence Correction removed. Classic GMAT retired January 31, 2024.
The New Data Insights Section is a critical area for GMAT test takers to understand. This section covers replaced integrated reasoning, 5 question types.
Five Question Types is an important aspect of the new data insights section. Replaced Integrated Reasoning. Focus Edition is 2h15m vs 3+ hours for classic.
5 question typesAdditionally, DS moved from Quant. Understanding these elements helps you prepare more effectively for this portion of the GMAT.
Data Sufficiency Migration is an important aspect of the new data insights section. 5 question types. Focus Edition is 2h15m vs 3+ hours for classic.
Scoring Scale Changes is a critical area for GMAT test takers to understand. This section covers 205-805 vs old 200-800, scores end in 5.
| Classic Score | Focus Edition Score | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 760 | 705 | 99th |
| 730 | 675 | 95th |
| 700 | 645 | 87th |
| 650 | 595 | 70th |
| 600 | 545 | 50th |
| 550 | 505 | 34th |
New 205-805 Scale is an important aspect of scoring scale changes. 205-805 vs old 200-800. 645 Focus = 700 Classic (87th percentile).
Scores end in 5Additionally, 645 Focus = 700 Classic. Understanding these elements helps you prepare more effectively for this portion of the GMAT.
Score Conversion Benchmarks is an important aspect of scoring scale changes. Scores end in 5. 645 Focus = 700 Classic (87th percentile).
Answer Review and Section Order is a critical area for GMAT test takers to understand. This section covers review and change up to 3 answers per section, choose which section to start with.
How Answer Review Works is an important aspect of answer review and section order. Review and change up to 3 answers per section.
Choose which section to start withAdditionally, Strategic implications. Understanding these elements helps you prepare more effectively for this portion of the GMAT.
Choosing Your Section Order is an important aspect of answer review and section order. Choose which section to start with.
How to Adapt Your Study Plan is a critical area for GMAT test takers to understand. This section covers stop studying geometry and sc, prioritize data insights.
Drop Outdated Content is an important aspect of how to adapt your study plan. Stop studying geometry and SC.
Prioritize Data InsightsAdditionally, Use updated materials. Understanding these elements helps you prepare more effectively for this portion of the GMAT.
Focus on New Areas is an important aspect of how to adapt your study plan. Prioritize Data Insights.
Look up how your classic GMAT score translates to the Focus Edition scale.
The classic GMAT was fully retired on January 31, 2024. The Focus Edition launched in late 2023, and on July 1, 2024, GMAC dropped the 'Focus Edition' label, simply calling it the GMAT since it's now the only version available.
The Focus Edition uses a 205-805 scale (all scores ending in 5) compared to the classic 200-800 scale. A Focus Edition score of 645 is roughly equivalent to a classic score of 700. Section scores now range from 60-90, and all three sections are equally weighted.