GMAT Changes in 2024: Everything You Need to Know
📚 Additional Study ResourceThis content is not part of the original "30 Day GMAT Success" book by Brandon Wu. It has been created as a supplementary resource to help GMAT students with additional practice questions, guides, and study materials.
Quick Summary of 2024 Changes
The GMAT underwent its biggest transformation in 2024 with the Focus Edition becoming the primary format. Key changes include a shorter 2:15 test duration, elimination of AWA, new Data Insights section, and the ability to review and edit answers. Both Classic and Focus editions available through early 2024.
Major Format Changes
GMAT Focus Edition vs Classic GMAT
| Feature | Classic GMAT (Until Jan 31, 2024) | Focus Edition (From Nov 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours 7 minutes | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Sections | 4 (AWA, IR, Quant, Verbal) | 3 (Quant, Verbal, Data Insights) |
| Total Questions | 80 + essay | 64 |
| Question Review | Not allowed | Can review & edit 3 per section |
| Section Order | 3 options | Any order |
| Breaks | Two 8-minute | One 10-minute optional |
| Score Range | 200-800 | 205-805 |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
Section-Specific Changes
Quantitative Reasoning
- Questions reduced: From 31 to 21
- Time reduced: From 62 to 45 minutes
- Content focus: Problem Solving only (Data Sufficiency moved)
- Difficulty: Slightly increased per question
Verbal Reasoning
- Questions reduced: From 36 to 23
- Time reduced: From 65 to 45 minutes
- Content unchanged: RC, CR, SC remain
- Weight: Equal to other sections now
New: Data Insights Section
- Replaces: IR and some Quant DS
- Questions: 20
- Time: 45 minutes
- Content: Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis
Eliminated: AWA
- No more essay requirement
- Saves 30 minutes of test time
- Schools adapting assessment methods
Scoring Changes in 2024
New Score Scale
- Total Score: 205-805 (vs 200-800)
- Section Scores: 60-90 each
- No separate IR or AWA scores
- Equal weighting: All three sections
Score Concordance
| Classic GMAT | Focus Edition | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | 805 | 99.9% |
| 760 | 755 | 99% |
| 730 | 715 | 96% |
| 700 | 675 | 88% |
| 650 | 615 | 72% |
| 600 | 565 | 53% |
2024 Test Dates and Scheduling
Test Availability
- Classic GMAT: Available until January 31, 2024
- Focus Edition: Available year-round from November 2023
- Online Option: Both formats available online
- Test Centers: Gradual transition through Q1 2024
Key 2024 Dates
| Period | Important Information |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | Last month for Classic GMAT |
| February 2024 | Focus Edition only begins |
| March-May 2024 | Peak testing for Round 1 (Fall 2024) |
| June-August 2024 | Heavy volume, book early |
| September-November 2024 | Round 2 preparation period |
Scheduling Tips for 2024
- Book 2-3 months in advance for preferred dates
- Monday-Wednesday slots less crowded
- Avoid month-end (busiest times)
- Consider online for flexibility
- Check rescheduling policies (fees increased)
Pricing Updates for 2024
Test Fees
| Service | 2023 Price | 2024 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Test Registration | $275 | $275 (unchanged) |
| Online Test | $275 | $300 |
| Rescheduling (7+ days) | $50 | $55 |
| Rescheduling (less than 7 days) | $150 | $165 |
| Additional Score Report | $35 | $40 |
| Enhanced Score Report | $30 | $35 |
| Score Reinstatement | $50 | $50 |
Business School Responses
Top School Policies for 2024
Accepting Both Formats
- Harvard Business School
- Stanford GSB
- Wharton
- Chicago Booth
- MIT Sloan
- Kellogg
- Columbia
- All other top 50 schools
Score Preferences
- No stated preference: 95% of schools
- Slight Classic preference: Some consulting feeders
- Focus Edition encouraged: Tech-focused programs
Application Considerations
- Both scores valid if you have them
- No conversion penalty for Focus Edition
- Schools want consistency in reporting
- Focus on highest score regardless of format
Preparation Changes for 2024
Study Material Updates
- New Official Guides for Focus Edition (Released Dec 2023)
- Updated question banks from test prep companies
- Shorter practice tests reflecting new format
- Data Insights specific preparation needed
Strategy Adjustments
For Focus Edition
- Faster pacing required (2.14 min/question)
- Question review strategy crucial
- Data Insights preparation essential
- No essay practice needed
- Shorter endurance requirement
Transition Strategies
- If starting fresh: Go directly to Focus Edition
- If already preparing: Assess based on timeline
- If scoring 700+: Consider sticking with Classic
- If struggling with essays: Switch to Focus
2024 Trends and Predictions
Test-Taker Trends
- Volume shift: 80% taking Focus by mid-2024
- Score inflation: Initial period of adjustment
- Retake rates: Expected to increase
- Online preference: 30% choosing online option
Admission Trends
- Score importance: Slightly decreased weight
- Holistic review: Increased emphasis
- Video essays: Replacing AWA assessment
- Test waivers: Continued flexibility
Geographic Differences
- US/Canada: Rapid Focus adoption
- Europe: Gradual transition
- Asia: Maintaining Classic preference longer
- Online global: Uniform availability
Month-by-Month 2024 Guide
January 2024
- Last chance for Classic GMAT
- Heavy booking for Classic
- Focus Edition available parallel
February-March 2024
- Focus Edition only
- Adjustment period for test-takers
- Score concordance questions
April-June 2024
- Round 1 preparation begins
- Full Focus Edition adoption
- Peak prep season
July-September 2024
- Application season intensity
- Last-minute test-takers
- Round 1 deadlines approach
October-December 2024
- Round 2 preparation
- Year-end rush
- 2025 planning begins
Frequently Asked Questions - 2024 Specific
Should I take Classic or Focus Edition?
If testing before February 2024, Classic might be better if you're already prepared. After February, you have no choice - Focus Edition only.
Will schools prefer Classic scores in 2024?
No official preference, but both are equally valid. Schools are prepared for the transition.
Is Focus Edition easier?
Not easier, just different. Shorter duration but higher per-question difficulty. Data Insights adds complexity.
Can I submit both Classic and Focus scores?
Yes, schools will see both if taken within 5 years. They typically consider your highest score.
How do I prepare for Data Insights?
Use new Official Guide, focus on integrated reasoning concepts, and practice data interpretation.
Action Items for 2024 Test-Takers
Immediate Steps
- Decide on format if testing before February
- Book test date 2-3 months out
- Get updated materials for Focus Edition
- Adjust study plan for new format
- Take official practice test in chosen format
Preparation Timeline
- 3-4 months before: Begin preparation
- 2 months before: Intensive practice
- 1 month before: Practice tests weekly
- 2 weeks before: Final review
- Test day: Execute strategy
Latest Updates (January 2024)
Recent Announcements
- ✅ Classic GMAT sunset confirmed for Jan 31
- ✅ Focus Edition score reports enhanced
- ✅ New Official Guide 2024 released
- ✅ Online proctoring improvements
- ✅ Mobile score reporting launched
Coming in 2024
- Q2: Enhanced score analytics
- Q3: AI-powered prep tools from GMAC
- Q4: Potential further format refinements
- 2025: Possible score scale adjustments
Resources for 2024
Official GMAC Resources
- MBA.com - Latest updates
- Focus Edition Official Guide
- GMAT™ Official Practice Exams
- GMAT™ Focus Edition Prep
Preparation Resources
This page is updated monthly with the latest GMAT changes and announcements for 2024. Last update: January 2024. Check back regularly for new information.