GMAT Focus Structure
The GMAT Focus Edition has three sections, each 45 minutes: Quantitative Reasoning (21 Problem Solving questions), Verbal Reasoning (23 questions - Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension), and Data Insights (20 questions). You can choose the order in which you take sections. Total testing time is 2 hours 15 minutes.
Data Insights Strategy
Data Sufficiency questions ask whether two statements are individually or jointly sufficient to answer a question - the answer is never the actual value. Practice the Data Sufficiency answer choices until they are automatic. Two-Part Analysis requires satisfying two constraints simultaneously.
Verbal Reasoning Strategy
GMAT Focus Verbal includes Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. The correct answer must be directly supported by the passage - avoid answers that require outside knowledge or large inferential leaps.
All Guides
GMAT Focus vs GRE for MBA Admissions: Which to Take
GMAT Focus vs GRE for MBA: acceptance data from top programs, format differences, diagnostic approach for choosing, score conversion table, and when to switch tests.
GMAT Focus Score Guide for MBA Programs: The 205-805 Scale Explained
GMAT Focus Edition score guide: 205-805 scale explained, percentile rankings, M7 program benchmarks, top 25 score ranges, and how adcoms use scores with GPA.
GMAT Focus Quantitative and Verbal Strategies: Problem Solving Guide
GMAT Focus Quant and Verbal strategy guide: Problem Solving pacing, Critical Reasoning question types and stimulus framework, RC passage approach, and error taxonomies.
GMAT Focus Data Insights: Complete Guide for 2025
Complete GMAT Focus Data Insights guide: Data Sufficiency 5 answer choices and decision tree, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Two-Part Analysis strategies and pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in the GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT Focus Edition launched in 2023. Key changes: Sentence Correction questions were removed; a new Data Insights section replaced Integrated Reasoning; there is no Analytical Writing Assessment. The exam is shorter (2 hours 15 minutes vs 3.5 hours) and the scoring scale changed to 205-805. Test-takers can review and change answers within each section.
GMAT Focus vs GRE for MBA - which should I take?
Most top MBA programs accept both equally. The GMAT is still preferred at programs with a strong finance and consulting culture. Take a diagnostic of each to see where you score relatively higher.
What is a good GMAT Focus score for top MBA programs?
Top 10 MBA programs typically report median GMAT Focus scores of 720-760+. Scores of 700+ are broadly competitive for top-25 programs. Your score should be at or above the median for your target programs.
What are the best GMAT Focus prep resources?
Official GMAT Focus materials from GMAC are essential. Manhattan Prep and Target Test Prep offer highly-rated structured courses. For Data Insights specifically, official materials are more reliable than third-party content since the section is relatively new.
What does this GMAT Focus Prep Guide section cover?
GMAT focus prep guide: The GMAT Focus Edition is the current format of the GMAT, redesigned in 2023. Required or preferred by most top MBA programs worldwide, the GMAT tests analytical reasoning, data interpretation, and verbal precision at a high level.