What changed on the GMAT?

Earlier this month, the Graduate Management Admissions Test, or GMAT, changed. The revised GMAT now contains a new section called “Integrated Reasoning” – leaving test takers and MBA hopefuls the task of tackling it with little preparation.

Why did the GMAT change? What can you do to prepare for the new section? How does this affect you and your GMAT experience? Do not fear, we’re here to help.

How has the GMAT changed? The length of the GMAT is still 3.5 hours. The Integrated Reasoning section replaces the second 30 minute essay, and contains twelve questions. These questions range from data interpretation from multiple sources to graphics interpretation and table analysis. Some of these questions contain two parts, instead of just one multiple choice question. The Integrated Reasoning section is graded in intervals of one on a scale of one to eight. Perhaps more importantly, the score will not count towards the overall GMAT score out of 800, but rather be a separate score that admissions officers evaluate when reviewing applications.

Why did the GMAT change? The business world has changed in the last decade to be highly digital and data driven. The Integrated Reasoning section is designed to test graduates on interpreting data from many different sources that may be presented in many complex ways. The aim is to determine how test takers might succeed given a similar project in the business world. Another reason the GMAT may have changed is to lessen any advantage of random guessing. Many of the new questions contain a two-part analysis with no partial credit, so the chances of guessing an answer correctly drop from one in five to one in twenty-five.

What can you do about it? Preliminary test takers note that the new section is not as intimidating as described. With that said, in order to adequately prepare, test takers should familiarize themselves with the types of questions – the GMAT has released sample questions. Test takers have also noted that questions on the exam are formatted exactly like the offered practice questions. Finally, there has been feedback from some test takers of a time crunch – be sure to practice your pacing through the section.

Bottom line: Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the new section, and make sure that you have the appropriate materials that include practice questions and study guides. Online test prep courses might prove to be a better option in the short-term due to the delay in publishing new concepts into books. In many cases, the inclusion of the new quantitative data-driven section instead of a second essay may appeal more to your strengths and weaknesses – helping you stand out in the process!