Next Generation GMAT

GMAT in its new avatar

GMAT to introduce the Integrated Reasoning section - starting June 5, 2012

Cone June 5, 2012, the GMAT exam will introduce a new section - Integrated Reasoning. This section is designed to measure test takers ability to evaluate information presented in new formats and from multiple sources, skills necessary for management students in a technologically rich world. The Integrated Reasoning score also will provide a new data point for schools to differentiate among candidates for management programs. The 30-minute Integrated Reasoning section will test skills that business school faculty worldwide have identified as important for incoming management students:

To assimilate and integrate information from different sources to solve challenging problems. To accurately interpret data presented visually in graphs to determine or estimate probabilities and statistics. To recognize and evaluate tradeoffs and the likelihood of outcomes. To convert quantitative data between graphical and verbal formats. Important dates

January 2012: Current GMAT test takers sit for a 30-minute Integrated Reasoning research section to help develop the test. April 2012: The Integrated Reasoning score scale is published, and online training starts on how to interpret and use Integrated Reasoning scores. Upgraded GMAT Prep and the Official Guide for GMAT Review, 13th Edition, are available for students. June 5, 2012: Next Generation GMAT exam launches. Test Format While the order of the sections has not been determined, the total length of the exam will remain 3 hours, 30 minutes (approximately four hours with breaks).

The GMAT Verbal, Quantitative, AWA, and Total scores will not change. The Analytical Writing Assessment will consist of one 30-minute essay (Analysis of an Argument) rather than two. The Integrated Reasoning section will have 12 questions to be attempted in 30 minutes Test takers will receive a separate score for the Integrated Reasoning section. Like the AWA score, the Integrated Reasoning score will not count toward the Total Score. Next Generation GMAT vs. Old GMAT Exam Section Analytical Writing Assessment Quantitative Verbal Integrated Reasoning Total Exam Time 3 hours 30 minutes Old GMAT 60 minutes ( 2 AWA) 75 minutes 75 minutes Next Generation GMAT 30 minutes (1 AWA) 75 minutes 75 minutes 30 minutes 3 hours 30 minutes

From http://www.mba.com Sample Integrated Reasoning Question GMAC has provided some sample question for the Integrated Reasoning sections. For attempting those question please click here Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Next Generation GMAT Q: How will the new section alter the GMAT scores? A: There will be an additional score for the Integrated Reasoning section, providing a new data point for schools. The IR score will not count toward the Total score. The current GMAT exam scoresa Total score based on Quantitative and Verbal subscores, plus a separate Analytical Writing Assessment scorewill not change, although the AWA will be based on one Analysis of an Argument essay rather than both Analysis of an Argument and Analysis of an Issue. Q: How will the Next Generation GMAT exam be structured? A: A 30-minute Integrated Reasoning section, which will contain 12 questions, will be added. The Analytical Writing Assessement will be streamlined to one essay instead of two. The order of the sections has not been determined. With breaks, the exam should still last approximately four hours. Q: How long will it take to get Integrated Reasoning scores? A: Unofficial score reports, containing the Total score and Verbal and Quantitative section scores, will continue to be provided immediately after the test to those who accept their scores. Official Score Reports will be available 20 days after the test date. Although GMAC has published a 20-day score report turnaround for many years, test takers and programs have become accustomed to a much quicker reporting time. With the launch of the Next Generation GMAT exam, GMAC will look to publish Official Score Reports as quickly as possible, but it will take close to 20 days before Official Score Reports are available to ensure that all Integrated Reasoning scores are equivalent. Q: Should candidates take the GMAT exam now or later? A: Applicants should be advised to test well in advance of any application deadlines they face, and programs requiring paper score reports should include additional mailing time. If students are applying for a program with a deadline before July 2012, they should take the current exam. Current GMAT and Next Generation GMAT scores are good for five years, and the Verbal, Quantitative, and Total scores will stay the same. Q: When can students begin registering for the Next Generation GMAT? A: Registration opens in December 2011. Q: When will Integrated Reasoning test prep materials be ready? A: The new GMATPrep, with free practice exams, as well as the Official Guide to GMAT Review, 13th Edition, will be available by April 2012, giving students time to prepare for the Next Generation GMAT exam. Q: If applicants already have a GMAT score, can they take the Integrated Reasoning section by itself to get that extra score? A: No. The Integrated Reasoning Section will not be offered separately. Test takers who want to have an Integrated Reasoning score must retake the entire test. Score reports will continue to provide all scores from the past five years. Q: Is the new section computer adaptive?

A: No, but some questions may have multiple parts. Test takers may not skip questions. Q: Will the Next Generation GMAT allow calculator use? A: An online calculator with basic functions will be available for the Integrated Reasoning section, but not for the Quantitative section. Test takers are not currently and will not be allowed to bring calculators or other electronic devices into the testing room. Q: What if I retake the GMAT to get an Integrated Reasoning score and do poorly on the Verbal and Quant? A: The current Verbal and Quant section will remain the same so your scores in these areas should be similar. (Source: www.gmac.com)