New GMAT Format: Which Section Matters Most?

The launch of the GMAT Focus Edition has led many test-takers to question the weighting of each section in the total score. Which section contributes the most to the GMAT new score and can help us achieve our ideal total score? This video will provide an in-depth analysis of the new GMAT scoring mechanism and offer practical study advice to help you plan your study strategy more precisely.

Related：To truly understand which GMAT section carries the most weight in the new format, you first need to grasp the complex methodology behind how your overall GMAT score is calculated.

Related：With the new GMAT format changing which sections matter most, it’s an opportune time to delve into bold predictions for the future of business school admissions and the GMAT.

Related：When considering which sections matter most in the new GMAT format, equip yourself with top strategies for faster answers in Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR).

Analysis of Section Score Contributions in the New GMAT

In the old GMAT exam, Quant and Verbal each accounted for 800 points, and the total score was the sum of these two parts. However, the GMAT Focus Edition exam adopts a brand-new scoring method, with a total score range of 205-805 points, and introduces Data Insights as a new section.

Many students might wonder if the three sections of the GMAT Focus Edition—Data Insights, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning—have different weights in the total score calculation. According to official statements, these three sections are equally weighted at the raw score level. This means that answering one question correctly in Data Insights has the same “value” in the initial calculation as answering one question correctly in Quant or Verbal.

However, this does not mean you can take any section lightly. The GMAT scoring system is very complex; it uses a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) model, which adjusts the difficulty of subsequent questions in real-time based on your performance. Therefore, your performance in each section will affect your final section score, which in turn impacts your total score. Data Insights, in particular, as a new section, combines diverse question types such as graphic analysis and Multi-Source Reasoning, aiming to assess test-takers’ data analysis skills required in the modern business world. Due to its unique nature, many test-takers may face new challenges in this section, so its impact on the total score should not be underestimated.

Dustin will explain in more detail in the video that while the official statement emphasizes equal weighting, how should we view this “equal weighting” in terms of actual preparation and score achievement? Should we focus more on improving weaknesses, or ensure balanced development across all sections? This will have a substantial impact on your GMAT exam score. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid detours and efficiently improve your score on your GMAT Focus Edition preparation journey.