On 2 May 2023 GMAC filled in key details of the GMAT Focus Edition. The new Total Score would range from 205 to 805, made up equally of the Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights sections, each scored from 60 to 90. The existing GMAT used a 200 to 800 range.
Key facts
- Announced 2 May 2023
- Total score 205 to 805
- Section scores 60 to 90, equally weighted
- Fees Same as the existing GMAT
- Validity 5 years
Why a different scale
Focus Edition totals end in 5, while totals on the old scale end in 0, so the two are easy to tell apart. GMAC also said it had reset the distribution of scores to reflect current test takers, so the same number does not mean the same performance on both versions.
Fees and validity
GMAC said Focus Edition fees would stay the same as for the existing GMAT; it did not give figures in the announcement. All GMAT scores, including Focus Edition scores, remain valid for five years.
Timetable
The same release said registration would open on 29 August 2023, with testing in the last quarter of 2023. Testing began on 7 November 2023.
What this means
When you read target score ranges from schools or forums, check which scale they use. A 655 on the current GMAT and a 650 on the old one are different measures. Use GMAC’s percentile tables to compare, and remember that your score stays usable for five years from the test date. Because the three sections are weighted equally, a weak Data Insights score pulls down the total as much as a weak Quant or Verbal score. Check the date on any score you plan to send.