Difference between Mini GMAT and GMAT

The newly launched exam by GMAC called Executive Assessment is creating quite a hype among Indian students. This is being referred to as a condensed version of GMAT or Mini GMAT, however, this statement isn’t completely true. The EA exam is different than the GMAT. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between the EA exam and the GMAT exam.

Stuck between Mini GMAT and GMAT exam? Check out the article to understand which one is better for you - Mini GMAT or Executive Assessment (EA) or GMAT Focus Edition which is the current edition of GMAT. Understand how EA is different from GMAT's 11th Edtion and which is a better one among the two from the article. 

What is Mini GMAT?

The Executive Assessment from GMAC is a standardized test designed specifically for experienced professionals seeking admission to EMBA programs. It assesses business-related skills, including critical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. This exam is also referred to as the Mini GMAT exam because it is shorter than the main GMAT exam required for MBA abroad by a large number of popular B-schools in the world. 

Difference Between GMAT Focus & Executive Assessment

Check out the difference between Mini GMAT or EA and GMAT Focus Edition in the following section: 

Thus, applicants have to make a choice between the GMAT Focus Edition or Executive Assessment if available for admission. Based on the two, whichever seems more appropriate can be given a shot. 

Pros of Taking Executive Assessment Exam

There are numerous positive points to take the Mini GMAT and they are as follows:

Shorter Sections

The Executive Assessment contains three sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal and Quant. Each section is 30 minutes long. The exam is delivered on-demand at test centers where GMAT is currently offered in all countries. EA scores are valid for 5 years like GMAT. Candidates can register at least 24 hours in advance.

There is an in-built calculator for the IR section, but not for the Quantitative section. As far as test structure is concerned, there are 40 questions: 12 in Integrated Reasoning section, 14 in Verbal section, and 14 in Quantitative section. The order of sections is a bit different than the GMAT, as EA begins with Integrated Reasoning and then follow the Verbal and Quantitative sections.

From a content perspective, the EA questions have a bent towards business. Some of the practice questions have appeared in the Official GMAT Guide, which suggests that the content is consistent with current GMAT questions.

Finally, there are no breaks between the sections.

Relevant to Business Experience

The test is designed to evaluate your business acumen and decision-making skills, which are essential for success in an EMBA program.

Convenient and Flexible

The test is shorter and less time-consuming than the GMAT, and it can be taken online or at a test center. 

Recognized & Accepted by Top Business Schools

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Cons of Taking Mini GMAT

Irrespective of the choice, the applicants must also consider that there are few cons also for taking the Executive Assessment and they are as follows: 

More expensive

the exam being shorter in duration does not mean the registration cost will be lesser than GMAT fee. This shorter version of GMAT is going to cost you more. Its registration fee is $350, while GMAT fee is $250. However, rescheduling is free. If you aren’t happy with your score, you can re-take the exam but you can do it only once more in your lifetime! So make sure you are sure of scoring better the second time. The waiting period for re-taking the exam is only 24 hours.

EA isn’t exactly a computer-adaptive test

EA test is not computer-adaptive in the exact way GMAT is. So it doesn’t matter if you answer a question correctly or incorrectly; this criteria does not decide the difficulty of the next question. Instead of that, questions are decided in groups, based on your performance in the last group. This is what the GMAC is calling multi-stage adaptive design.

The score scale is different than the GMAT as individual sections are on scales of 0-20.

No preparation material available

GMAC is promoting the idea that EA requires minimal preparation and has not presently released any preparation materials meant for the exam.

Which Executive MBA courses require EA currently?

Currently, more than 100 B-schools require it as part of their admissions processes:

• INSEAD (France)
• CEIBS (China)
• London Business School (UK)
• University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
• Columbia University (New York, USA),
• University of Chicago (USA).

Note: These findings are based on the sample papers shared by GMAC. The actual exam could be slightly different as proper evaluation can be only over some time.