What does GMAT stand for? The GMAT acronym stands for Graduate Management Admission Test.
The GMAT is now also known as the GMAT Focus Edition, which you may see abbreviated as GMAT Focus or GFE.
KEY FACT:
The acronym GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test.
So, we know what GMAT stands for. But what exactly is the GMAT, and what is it used for? Read on for answers to those questions and more.
Here are the topics this article covers:
- What Is the GMAT and Why Is It Used?
- The GMAT Focus Structure and Scoring
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Key Takeaways
- What’s Next?
Let’s start by discussing what the GMAT is and why it’s used.
What Is the GMAT and Why Is It Used?
The GMAT, or GMAT Focus Edition, is a computer-administered standardized exam produced by the Graduate Management Admission Council, or GMAC.
The GMAT Focus tests the skills necessary to be successful in the business world. Those skills include critical thinking, logical reasoning, data analysis, and basic math and English skills.
So, business schools look at GMAT Focus scores as key measures of how applicants will perform in their MBA programs. Although MBA programs generally also accept the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, the GMAT is the most commonly taken exam for admission to business school.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT Focus is a computer-administered standardized exam used to apply to business school.
Now that we know what the GMAT is, let’s take a look at the structure of the GMAT.
The GMAT Focus Structure and Scoring
The GMAT Focus takes about 2.5 hours to complete, including a 10-minute break, and consists of 3 sections:
- Verbal Reasoning (English)
- Quantitative Reasoning (math)
- Data Insights (data analysis)
Each section of the exam is 45 minutes long, though the number of questions you’ll face in each section varies slightly. The section time limits add another challenge to the GMAT: not only must you have the knowledge to answer questions correctly, but also you must have the skill to determine those answers relatively quickly.
As for scoring, each test section has the same scale, 60-90 in 1-point increments. When you take your exam, you’ll receive a score for each section and a total score, which has a scale of 205-805 in 10-point increments. Note that each section factors equally into your total score. You can learn more about the GMAT Focus scoring system here.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT Focus takes about 2.5 hours to complete, including a 10-minute break, and consists of 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
Below is a table with a detailed breakdown of the GMAT Focus section structure and scoring.
GMAT Focus Section Structure and Scoring
| Verbal Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning | Data Insights | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section Time | 45 min. | 45 min. | 45 min. | 2 hr. 15 min.(+10 min. break) |
| Number of Questions | 23 | 21 | 20 | 64 |
| Question Types | Critical Reasoning Reading Comprehension | Problem Solving | Data Sufficiency Multi-Source Reasoning Table Analysis Graphics Interpretation Two-Part Analysis | |
| Avg. Time per Question | 1:57 | 2:09 | 2:15 | |
| Score Scale | 60-90 | 60-90 | 60-90 | 205-805 |
Next, let’s discuss an interesting and important feature of the GMAT Focus test structure: section order selection.
Section Order Selection
It may surprise you to learn that you can select the order in which you complete the GMAT sections on test day. This option gives you the flexibility to—at least somewhat—tailor the test-taking experience to your skills and preferences. For instance, you may want to complete the section you’re strongest in first. (More on that later.)
There are 6 possible section orders on the GMAT Focus:
- Data Insights → Quant → Verbal
- Data Insights → Verbal → Quant
- Quant → Verbal → Data Insights
- Quant → Data Insights → Verbal
- Verbal → Data Insights → Quant
- Verbal → Quant → Data Insights
Keep in mind that there is no “right” section order. Every test-taker has different strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. So, a great section order for one person may not be so great for another.
Keep in mind also that, if you’re well-prepared for the GMAT Focus, your section order should not have a huge impact on your test scores. In other words, a well-prepared test-taker can score high on the GMAT Focus regardless of section order.
Nevertheless, this feature of the exam is somewhat important because of the next feature we’ll discuss: computer-adaptivity.
KEY FACT:
You can choose the order in which you complete the GMAT Focus sections on test day.
The GMAT Is Computer-Adaptive
The GMAT Focus is a computer-adaptive exam. Specifically, it is question-adaptive. So, the test algorithm selects questions based on your responses to the questions you have already seen. In each section, question difficulty increases or decreases depending on whether you answer questions correctly or incorrectly. The harder the question, the higher the potential to boost your score with a correct answer. Note that the exam will begin with a medium-difficulty question.
Because of this feature, you cannot skip questions as you’re completing a section. Rather, you must answer the current question in order to see the next question.
For the most part, the GMAT Focus adapts the difficulty within each section separately. However, there is some crossover. So, say you perform well on your first section. In that case, you will have seen some higher-difficulty questions as you answered questions correctly. However, you’ll also start the next section with a higher-difficulty question, rather than a medium-level one.
Conversely, if you don’t perform well on the first section, you’ll see a somewhat lower-difficulty question to start your next section.
So, we can see why section order is more than just personal preference. To have the best shot at starting with harder (and thus more score-boosting) questions in subsequent sections, you may want to complete the test sections from your strongest to weakest subject.
Of course, you’ll also have to weigh whether completing your weakest section after you’ve already been sitting for an exam for 1.5 hours will negatively affect your performance in that section. Hopefully, you will have prepared for the GMAT such that you’ll be strong in every section and you have the stamina to maintain focus for the entire exam.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT Focus is computer-adaptive at the question level.
Question Review and Edit
One nice feature of the GMAT Focus is that it gives test-takers the option to return to questions at the end of each section and edit up to 3 answers per section.
As you’re completing a section, you can bookmark as many questions as you like. Then, after you answer the final question in a section, you’ll see a Question Review & Edit screen for that section. On that screen, there will be a numbered list of the questions in the section, with bookmark icons next to the questions you’ve flagged. From there, you’ll be able to return to any question in the section.
Of course, to take advantage of this feature, you have to have time remaining at the end of the section. If your section time runs out, you will not see the Question Review & Edit screen for that section.
However, keep in mind that when you’re on the review screen, the section clock keeps ticking. So, there is no extra time given or “pause” for review.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT Focus allows you to edit your answers to up to 3 questions per section, time permitting.
Key Takeaways
Here are the highlights of what we’ve discussed about the GMAT:
- The GMAT acronym stands for Graduate Management Admission Test.
- The GMAT is also known as the GMAT Focus Edition, which you may see abbreviated as GMAT Focus or GFE.
- The GMAT is a computer-administered standardized exam. The exam adapts in difficulty at the question level, based on your performance.
- The GMAT is used as an admissions test for business school.
- The GMAT takes about 2.5 hours to complete, including a 10-minute break.
- The GMAT consists of 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section is 45 minutes long.
- Each test section has a scoring scale of 60-90 in 1-point increments. Each section factors equally into your total score.
- The GMAT Focus total score has a scale of 205-805 in 10-point increments.
- Business schools look at GMAT Focus scores as key measures of how applicants will perform in their MBA programs.
- You can edit your answers to up to 3 questions per section, time permitting, on the GMAT Focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Let’s answer some common questions about the GMAT.
Who created the GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) designs and administers the GMAT.
How long has the GMAT been around?
The GMAT has been around since 1953! However, the most recent version of the GMAT, the GMAT Focus Edition, launched in November 2023.
What types of questions are on the GMAT?
The GMAT features a variety of question types that fall into 3 main categories:
- Verbal questions, which focus on your ability to understand and interpret passages of text.
- Quantitative questions, which focus on high school-level math skills
- Data analysis questions, which involve a mix of verbal and math skills and can involve interpreting data in charts, tables, and graphs.
Learn more about the topics and question types on the GMAT Focus here.
Why do business schools require the GMAT?
Since the GMAT Focus tests skills necessary to be successful in the business world, business schools consider GMAT performance a good predictor of how applicants will fare in MBA programs.
Note, however, that not all business schools require GMAT scores. For example, some accept GRE or Executive Assessment scores instead. Additionally, others are test-optional.
What are the best GMAT prep resources?
There are TONS of GMAT prep resources on the market–from tutors and in-person classes to books and online self-study courses. The best way to choose the right study resource for you is to consider how you learn best and read plenty of reviews by former GMAT students.
In addition, you may want to check out our guide to the best GMAT prep resources for more information about what’s out there and what to look for.
Is it worth taking a GMAT prep course?
Every student learns differently, so only you can decide what the best test prep method for you is. That said, many, many GMAT test-takers have had great success preparing for test day with a GMAT prep course, including many Target Test Prep students. Check out some of their stories here!
What’s Next?
Now that you know the basics of what the GMAT is and the structure of the exam, check out this detailed GMAT vs. GRE comparison.
Looking for GMAT exam prep? We’ve got your back! The Target Test Prep online self-study course has helped thousands of students earn top scores on test day. See for yourself with a free 5-day trial!
