GMAT preparation: Graduate Management Admission Test
GMAT Focus Edition preparation for MBA admissions worldwide
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is the global standard for MBA and business graduate programme admissions, used by 2,100+ business schools across 110 countries. The current GMAT Focus Edition replaced the legacy GMAT in November 2023 — shorter (2 hours 15 minutes), more focused, with no Analytical Writing section. Smartious offers structured 40-session GMAT preparation covering all three sections — Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights — designed to take students from competitive baseline scores to elite-programme scores (655+).
- Programme: 40 sessions · 1.5 hours · 12-16 weeks (2-3 sessions/week)
- Fee: USD 900 / 60 hours at USD 15/hour
Who it is for
- MBA applicants targeting global business schools (Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD, LBS, Wharton, Booth, Kellogg)
- Applicants to specialised business Master's programmes (Master of Finance, MSc Management, etc.)
- Career switchers preparing for business school as part of a strategic career transition
- Working professionals balancing GMAT preparation with full-time roles (we offer evening and weekend sessions)
Quantitative Reasoning (45 minutes, 21 questions)
Problem-solving questions testing algebra, arithmetic, and word problems. Calculator NOT allowed in Quant section — mental math and approximation skills are critical. Score 60-90.
Verbal Reasoning (45 minutes, 23 questions)
Critical Reasoning (evaluate arguments) and Reading Comprehension (understand passages). Tests ability to analyse business-relevant written material. Sentence Correction was removed in Focus Edition. Score 60-90.
Data Insights (45 minutes, 20 questions)
New section in Focus Edition. Includes Data Sufficiency (legacy GMAT format), Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis. Calculator allowed in Data Insights. Score 60-90.
What's included
- 40 live 1-on-1 sessions with qualified GMAT specialist
- Diagnostic full-length GMAT Focus Edition assessment at session 1
- 6 full-length mock tests with detailed analytics
- Quantitative concept review with calculator-free strategy training
- Verbal Reasoning critical thinking framework
- Data Insights pattern recognition training (the highest-value section for top scores)
- MBA application strategy session (school selection, essay timing, application deadlines)
- Official GMAT prep material access (Official Guide, Focus Practice Exams)
- Test registration support
- Personal statement and MBA essay coaching (separate add-on available)
Score targets
- 505-555: Many business school programmes (Focus Edition scoring)
- 555-605: Above-average MBA programmes
- 605-655: Top 30 MBA programmes
- 655-705: Top 10 MBA programmes (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD)
- 705+: Most competitive scholarships and elite programmes (rare)
Key facts
- Test fee: USD 275 (test centre), USD 300 (online), 2026 rates
- Total duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (Focus Edition)
- Validity: 5 years from test date
- Result delivery: Unofficial: immediate · Official: 3-5 business days
- Test centres in Kenya: Pearson VUE Nairobi (Westlands) · Online testing available
- Score reporting: Send to up to 5 schools free on test day
Frequently asked questions
GMAT Focus Edition vs old GMAT — what changed?
GMAT Focus Edition (launched Nov 2023) is shorter (2h 15m vs 3h 7m), has 3 sections instead of 4 (no Analytical Writing), uses scaled 60-90 per section (vs old 0-60), and total scores are 205-805 (vs old 200-800). Sentence Correction was removed; Data Insights is new. The Focus Edition is generally considered more business-relevant.
GMAT or GRE for MBA?
Most MBA programmes now accept both. GMAT is specifically designed for business school and may be marginally preferred by some adcoms. GRE has broader application if you're considering non-MBA Master's. Top MBA programmes treat them equivalently. We help students choose based on their strengths (GMAT favours mental math; GRE has calculator).
What's a competitive GMAT Focus Edition score?
Top 10 MBA programmes typically expect 655+ (equivalent to ~720+ on the old GMAT scale). Top 30 programmes typically expect 605-655. Strong MBA programmes typically expect 555-605. Scores depend heavily on the school — Wharton/Stanford/Harvard average above 730 on the old scale.
How long should I prepare for GMAT?
Most students benefit from 3-4 months of focused preparation. Working professionals balancing GMAT with full-time roles often need 4-5 months. Our 40-session programme spans 12-16 weeks. Students aiming for top-10 MBA programmes (655+) typically need additional self-study time alongside our sessions.
Why does GMAT not allow calculators in Quant?
GMAT Quantitative Reasoning tests mathematical reasoning and problem-solving under time pressure — not raw calculation ability. Mental math, estimation, and elimination strategies are core skills. We train these systematically. Calculator IS allowed in the Data Insights section.
Can I take GMAT online from home?
Yes — GMAT Online is available. Requires a quiet private workspace, a webcam, stable internet, and approved monitoring software. Online GMAT and test-centre GMAT scores are reported identically to schools.
How many times can I take the GMAT?
You can take GMAT Focus Edition up to 5 times in any rolling 12-month period (lifetime limit 8 attempts). At least 16 days between attempts. Most business schools use the highest score from your attempts.
Do you provide MBA application support?
Yes — we offer MBA application strategy sessions (school selection, essay coaching, recommendation letter guidance) as a separate add-on (8 sessions at USD 15/hour). Many of our GMAT students also use this to prepare full MBA applications.
Do you support EA (Executive Assessment) preparation?
Yes — the Executive Assessment is a shorter alternative to GMAT for executive MBA programmes. Custom preparation available; contact us for pricing.
Do you guarantee a specific GMAT score?
No score guarantees. Students completing the full 40-session programme typically see 50-100 point improvement on the GMAT Focus Edition scale. Outcomes depend on starting level, effort and test-day performance.
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What parents say
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“Smartious eSchool is exceptional. Professional, caring tutors who truly understand their students and deliver results. Lessons are engaging, personalized, and well-structured, creating a supportive environment where learners thrive. If you want quality education and real academic progress, this is the place to go.” — Derrick A., Google review