Decoding the Enhanced GMAT Focus Edition & The Revised GRE
For years, the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and GRE (Graduate Record Examination) have been the gatekeepers to graduate business school admissions.
Now, both exams have been reshaped in ways that go beyond small tweaks. They’ve been streamlined, shortened, and restructured to reflect how schools evaluate candidates today.
That leaves many students asking: “What is the GMAT Focus Edition, and how does it compare to the revised GRE?”
The GMAT has been reimagined as the GMAT Focus Edition, cutting test time by nearly an hour, removing the essay, and debuting a new Data Insights section that blends critical reasoning with data interpretation. Its scoring system has also been rebuilt, creating a new scale that can shift how schools view applicants.
Meanwhile, ETS has trimmed the GRE into a leaner, two-hour test. The revised version has fewer sections, no experimental portion, and only one essay. These changes make it much less of an endurance test than the old format.
Here’s what this article will cover:
A clear breakdown of what the GMAT Focus Edition is and how it differs from the old GMAT
A look at the revised GRE and its updated format
GMAT Focus Exam scoring explained, including a sample score chart
Tips for choosing between the GMAT Focus and GRE for graduate business school admissions
FAQs about old scores, school preferences, exam timing, and practice resources
If you’re planning to apply to business school in 2024 or beyond, understanding these changes is the first step in choosing the right exam for your applications.
What is the GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT Focus Edition is the updated version of the GMAT exam, officially launched in late 2023. Designed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), it’s shorter, more focused, and intended to align better with the skills needed for graduate business school admissions.
Key Changes from the Old GMAT
The GMAT Focus differs from the traditional GMAT in several ways:
Length: The exam now takes just under 2 hours and 15 minutes, compared to the old 3.5 hours.
Essay Removed: The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is no longer part of the test.
New Section: Data Insights replaces Integrated Reasoning, combining data interpretation and critical reasoning.
Fewer Questions: Each section has been shortened, reducing fatigue.
Enhanced Review Tool: Students can bookmark questions and review them before submitting.
Streamlining the test and updating its content means the GMAT Focus Edition measures practical, decision-making skills that are highly valued in business programs.
For applicants, this leads to less test-day exhaustion and more emphasis on demonstrating analytical and data-driven thinking.
GMAT Focus Scoring Explained
One of the biggest updates with the GMAT Focus Edition is its new scoring scale.
Instead of the familiar 200–800 range, the GMAT Focus uses a scale of 205 to 805, reported in 10-point increments. This change reflects the shorter format while keeping score comparisons consistent across applicants.
How the GMAT Focus Is Scored
Scores are based on three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section contributes equally to the overall score.
Unlike the old GMAT, where Integrated Reasoning and the essay were separate, the Focus Edition integrates skills more directly into the total score.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Total Score Range: 205–805
Section Scores: Reported individually, allowing schools to see strengths and weaknesses
Percentiles: Updated regularly by GMAC to reflect how scores compare with other test takers
GMAT Focus Score Chart
To give students a sense of performance benchmarks, GMAC has published a GMAT Focus score chart that aligns scores with percentile rankings.
While percentiles may shift slightly over time, a simplified version looks like this:
| GMAT Focus Score | Percentile Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 805 | 99th percentile | Exceptional performance, top 1%. |
| 675 | ~90th percentile | Strong candidate for top-tier programs. |
| 555 | ~50th percentile | Average performance compared to peers. |
| 455 | ~25th percentile | Below average, improvement recommended. |
| 205 | 1st percentile | Lowest reported performance. |
What This Means for Applicants
Admissions officers use these scores in the same way they evaluated the old GMAT: by comparing candidates across a wide range of applicants. A score in the 675+ range typically signals competitiveness for highly selective business schools.
Revised GRE Format Updates
Just as the GMAT Focus Edition has been streamlined, the GRE has also undergone significant changes. In September 2023, ETS released the revised GRE, reducing both the length of the test and the number of sections.
Key Changes to the GRE
The updated GRE is now shorter and more straightforward:
Length: About 1 hour and 58 minutes, compared to nearly 4 hours previously
Sections: Two verbal reasoning sections and two quantitative reasoning sections remain, but with fewer questions
Essay: Reduced to one Analytical Writing task instead of two
Experimental Section: Removed entirely, eliminating extra, unscored questions
These updates make the exam more approachable and reduce the endurance factor that used to challenge test takers.
How Long Is the GMAT Compared to the GRE?
The new GMAT Focus Edition runs about 2 hours and 15 minutes, while the revised GRE is just under 2 hours.
Both are now significantly shorter than their older versions, giving test takers more options without the marathon sessions of the past.
Choosing Between GMAT Focus & GRE
With two newly updated exams, applicants often wonder which one gives them the best edge. The GMAT Focus Edition is designed specifically for business school, while the GRE remains a flexible option for a wider range of graduate programs.
Why Choose the GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT has always been closely tied to MBA and business master’s admissions, and the Focus Edition continues that tradition. You may want to lean toward the GMAT Focus Edition if:
You’re applying to top MBA programs where the GMAT is still viewed as the standard.
You want a test that highlights problem-solving, data interpretation, and reasoning skills valued in management.
You prefer a format tailored to business schools rather than general graduate admissions.
Why Choose the GRE?
The revised GRE appeals to students looking for flexibility. It’s a good choice if:
You’re considering both business and non-business graduate programs.
You want the shortest possible test length, at just under 2 hours, the GRE is even quicker than the GMAT Focus.
You feel stronger in vocabulary and verbal reasoning than in quantitative reasoning.
Bottom Line
Both exams are now shorter and less exhausting than their previous versions. The best choice depends on your target schools and personal strengths.
If you’re set on an MBA, the GMAT Focus Edition still carries weight with admissions committees. If you’re keeping doors open to a wider range of graduate programs, the GRE might be the more strategic option.
FAQs About the GMAT Focus Edition & Revised GRE
Here are common questions.
Can I still use old GMAT scores?
Yes. Business schools will continue to accept scores from the older GMAT for several years, typically up to five years from your test date. However, since the traditional GMAT has been retired, new test takers must register for the GMAT Focus Edition.
Which schools prefer GMAT Focus vs GRE?
Most schools accept both exams, but many MBA programs still view the GMAT Focus Edition as the stronger indicator of readiness for business studies. The GRE offers more flexibility, but if your top-choice school emphasizes business skills, the GMAT may give you a slight edge.
When are practice exams available?
Practice tests for both the GMAT Focus Edition and revised GRE are available directly through GMAC and ETS. It’s recommended to use official practice materials since they best reflect the real test-day experience.
Your Path to a Higher Score Starts Here
Preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition or the revised GRE can feel overwhelming, but the right guidance makes all the difference.
At Score At The Top, our tutors specialize in graduate test prep and know how to help students navigate format changes, build confidence, and maximize scores. Whether you’re aiming for business school or keeping multiple graduate paths open, we’ll create a personalized plan that fits your goals and schedule.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Start your GMAT or GRE preparation with an experienced partner. Contact us today!
