Choosing Your GMAT Section Order

Hey, future MBAs! Did you know that students taking the GMAT Focus Edition can choose the order in which they complete the three sections of the GMAT ? Here’s everything you need to know about it.

How GMAT Section Order Selection Works

On test day, GMAT test-takers will choose their preferred section order from six options:

1. Data Insights, Quantitative, Verbal
2. Verbal, Quantitative, Data Insights
3. Quantitative, Verbal, Data Insights
4. Data Insights, Verbal, Quantative
5. Verbal, Data Insights, Quantative
6. Quantative, Data Insights, Verbal

The six options will be presented on your GMAT computer screen immediately before you start the exam.

Benefits for GMAT Test-Takers

GMAC says its goal was to improve the overall test-taking experience. Here's how choosing your GMAT section order can benefit you. 

1. It can help decrease anxiety.

Students have the option to get their “worst” section out of the way first or to start with a strength—whichever approach will help them feel more confident on test day.

2. It can help with test-taking fatigue.

Data Insights, in particular, can be an exhausting section for some students. You might prefer to prioritize the Quantitative and Verbal sections, to help with test exhaustion.

What GMAT section order should I choose?

This decision is completely up to you! Reflect on your GMAT strengths and weaknesses, and choose the option that will make you feel most self-assured on test day. The bottom line is that pacing within sections will still be key to GMAT success, no matter which section order you choose.

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