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As of September 2023, the GRE General Test has undergone substantial changes, ushering in a revamped format with a shortened testing duration of just under 2 hours. Simultaneously, GMAC has introduced the GMAT Focus Edition. This blog aims to provide clarity on the distinctions between the new GRE exam and the GMAT Focus Edition, offering a section-wise breakdown and comparative insights.
Here is a brief outline of the article:
Changes in the New GRE Exam:
New GRE Format 2023
GMAT Focus vs Shorter GRE: Questions and Time
Shorter GRE vs GMAT Focus: Key Differences
Conclusion
Changes in the New GRE Exam:
- Duration: Reduced from nearly 4 hours to 1 hour and 58 minutes.
- Sections: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
- Elimination: The unscored portion and scheduled break have been eliminated.
- Score Delivery: Accelerated, with anticipated results within 8-10 calendar days.
New GRE Format 2023:
- Analytical Writing: 1 essay task in 30 minutes.
- Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections with a total of 27 questions in 47 minutes.
- Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections with a total of 27 questions in 41 minutes.
- Total Time: 1 hour and 58 minutes.
GMAT Focus vs Shorter GRE: Questions and Time:
| Sections | Shorter GRE | GMAT Focus Edition |
| Analytical Writing | 1 essay task in 30 minutes | – |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 27 questions in 47 minutes | 21 questions in 45 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 27 questions in 41 minutes | 23 questions in 45 minutes |
| Data Insights | – | 20 questions in 45 minutes |
| Total | – | 2 hours, 15 minutes |
Shorter GRE vs GMAT Focus: Key Differences:
| Feature | Shorter GRE | GMAT Focus Edition |
| Registration Dates | Launched on September 22, 2023. Registration open for test dates on or after September 22. | Launching in Q4 2023, registration opens on August 29. |
| Content | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights. |
| Test Length | 1 hour, 58 minutes. | 2 hours, 15 minutes. |
| Fees | $220 (varies by location). | Pricing varies but generally ranges from $250-$275 to test at a center and $275-$300 to test at home. |
| Score Reports | Four included with fees, additional reports at $30 each. | Five included with fees, additional reports at $35 each. |
| Test Experience | Flexibility to move around, answer questions in chosen order, and change answers without limits. | Questions must be answered in the order received, with a limited ability to change answers. |
| Score Penalty for Unanswered Questions | No penalty for unanswered questions. | Penalty for unanswered questions. |
| Official Scores | Typically within 8-10 calendar days. | Typically within 7 business days. |
| Score Options for Multiple Tests | Can send scores to schools from Most Recent, All, or Any specific test administration. | Official Score Report includes all exams taken in the past five years. |
Conclusion:
Choosing between the shorter GRE and GMAT Focus Edition depends on your preferences, application deadlines, and individual test-taking characteristics. Consider factors like test format, question adaptive nature, and content to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals.
