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Next Generation GMAT with Integrated Reasoning

I heard it said once that the only constant in life is change. That may be true, yet it seems like nobody really likes change. Why, then, would the GMAC up and change the GMAT after so many years when the GMAT seems to have been doing its job just fine in its current form?

The GMAC’s answer is that the nature of business is changing, the business school classroom is changing, and therefore the GMAT must change and adapt as well. Regardless of the reasons, the fact remains: There is going to be a new GMAT format starting on June 5, 2012, and it’s our job to help make sure you’re prepared.

How is the New GMAT Different?

The truth of the matter is that the new GMAT format, called the “Next Generation GMAT with Integrated Reasoning,” isn’t going to be all that much different from the current GMAT.

Here’s what will remain the same:

  • The total time will still be 3 hours, 30 minutes
  • You will still write an “Analysis of an Argument” essay (30 minutes)
  • The quantitative and verbal sections will remain the same
  • You will still get a collective 200-800 point score for the quantitative and verbal sections
  • You will still get a separate essay score (0-6)

Here’s what will be different:

  • There will no longer be an “Analysis of an Issue” essay
  • Instead, there will be a 30-minute “Integrated Reasoning” section
  • You will get a separate Integrated Reasoning score

Specific information about preparing for the Integrated Reasoning section will be released in April 2012. In the meantime, you can continue studying for the Argument Essay and the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT, which will remain the bulk of your GMAT score anyway. For a summary of the new test format, click here.

Five (5) Things You Need to Know About the Next Generation GMAT

  1. There will be a new “Integrated Reasoning” section on the GMAT. It will consist of 12 questions, and you will receive a separate Integrated Reasoning score in addition to your 200-800 point Verbal/Quant score. To practice some of the new Integrated Reasoning questions types, click here.
  2. The new Integrated Reasoning section will be comprised of four new question types that will test your data analysis skills. You will need to analyze information from a variety of sources, and develop strategies and make decisions based on that information. Click here to check out the new question formats.
  3. There will no longer be an “Analysis of an Issue” essay; it is being replaced by the 30-minute Integrated Reasoning section. Click here to see what skills the new section is designed to test.
  4. The GMAT quantitative and verbal sections remain the same, as does the total 200-800 point score that business schools use.
  5. The total exam length remains the same at 3 hours, 30 minutes.

Don’t Panic

At the end of the day, the new Integrated Reasoning section tests skills that you use every day. The new question types aren’t rocket science, and yet they will require a bit of preparation on your part. At Dominate the GMAT, our GMAT preparation courses and a-la-carte concept lessons will incorporate this new material as soon as possible and make sure that you’re well-prepared if you plan to take the GMAT after June 5, 2012.

With that, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes by Tony Robbins: “By changing nothing, nothing changes.”