How to Score 700+ On the GMAT Exam: Full-proof Strategy!
Scoring 700 or above on the GMAT is no walk in the park, but it’s still quite an achievable goal with the right preparation and strategy. A 700+ GMAT score not only places you in the top percentile of candidates but also significantly improves your chances of securing admission to top-tier business schools worldwide. However, achieving this requires a combination of core concept understanding, time management, and smart study techniques! We believe you can majorly improve your potential to reach that 700+ on the GMAT and we’ll tell you how as you keep reading further.
Key Highlights:
- The GMAT Focus Edition evaluates Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, with a total score range of 205–805.
- Time management and targeted preparation can help tackle sections like Data Insights (60–90 points range).
- Scoring 700+ on the GMAT places you in the top percentile, with top B-schools like Harvard (average GMAT: 740) and MIT Sloan (average GMAT: 730) valuing such scores.
- Guessing is a useful strategy, even for a 700+ goal. Remove clearly wrong answers and make an educated guess to save time and improve your chances.
- Quality prep resources and consistent practice can turn a competitive GMAT score into an Ivy League-worthy application.
How is the GMAT Scored?
The GMAT Focus Edition is a new version of the GMAT with a score range of 205-805. It gauges key skills most crucial for success in graduate management programmes. This version focuses on three main sections: Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Verbal Reasoning (VR), and Data Insights (DI). These sections test your ability to analyse and interpret information, solve problems, and think critically. Here is a holistic view of the score division for each section:
Section |
Score Range |
Point Increment |
---|---|---|
Total Score (QR + VR) |
205 - 805 |
10-point increment |
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) |
60-90 |
1-point increment |
Verbal Reasoning (VR) |
60-90 |
1-point increment |
Data Insights (DI) |
60-90 |
1-point increment |
Cracking a 700+ on the GMAT isn’t some far-fetched dream, it’s all strategy-based. Yocket Prep aids with personalised practice and insights, along with study-plans made to suit your schedule.
How to Score 700+ in GMAT?
To score 700+ on the GMAT, apart from having a consistent routine, incorporate the tips below and get a step closer to your ideal score. Scoring a 700+ on the GMAT is common for candidates aiming to enter top business schools. Achieving this score requires a blend of strategic preparation, time management, and a deep understanding of the exam format.
Here are 10 essential pointers that can help you achieve a 700+ GMAT score:
1. Understand the GMAT Format and Structure
Familiarity with the GMAT format is crucial for achieving a high score. The GMAT is divided into three main sections: Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Verbal Reasoning (VR), and Data Insights (DI).
Understanding each section’s format allows you to better anticipate the types of questions and manage your time effectively during the exam. Know the number of questions, the time limit for each section, and how your performance is scored. This knowledge will help you make decisions regarding your focus areas during the GMAT preparation.
2. Master the Core Concepts
Each section of the GMAT tests specific skills. To score well, you need to master the core concepts in each section:
- Quantitative Reasoning (QR): With 21 questions, make sure you focus on algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and word problems. Practice applying formulas, solving equations, and interpreting data.
- Verbal Reasoning (VR): Strengthen your grammar, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning skills. Improve your ability to evaluate arguments and spot errors in the 23 questions in this section.
- Data Insights (DI): Learn to interpret data presented in tables, charts, and graphs. Get comfortable with drawing conclusions and identifying trends in all 20 questions here.
3. Practice Regularly with Official GMAT Questions
Using official GMAT practice materials is essential. These materials closely replicate the actual exam and offer a realistic sense of question difficulty. Consistent practice with GMAT questions will help you become familiar with the types of problems you’ll face, build your test-taking stamina, and identify areas for improvement.
Set aside time each week to solve GMAT practice questions, and try to simulate exam conditions by timing yourself. Regular practice will help you refine your strategies and increase your chances of scoring high.
4. Focus on Your Weak Areas
To achieve a score above 700, it’s essential to target your weaknesses. Review your practice tests to identify areas where you consistently make mistakes or take longer to solve questions. Whether it's advanced math problems or reading comprehension, devoting time to your weaker areas will boost your overall score.
For example, if you struggle with data interpretation, spend extra time working through practice questions related to graphs, tables, and charts. A focused approach to your weaknesses will help you maximise your strengths and close gaps in your knowledge.
5. Learn Time Management Skills
Time management is one of the most important aspects of the GMAT. You have a limited amount of time to answer all questions in each section, and it’s easy to get stuck on a particularly challenging question.
To optimise your time:
- Set a time limit for each question (e.g. 2 minutes per question in the Quantitative and Verbal sections).
- Skip difficult questions and come back to them if you have time at the end of the section.
- Don’t get bogged down in lengthy calculations or overly detailed reading. Learn to identify key information quickly.
6. Take Full-Length Practice Tests
Simulating the real test environment is necessary to build stamina and improve your test-taking strategy. Full-length practice tests will help you understand the pacing of the exam, improve your ability to manage stress, and get a sense of how your performance may translate to your final score.
Try to take at least one or two full-length tests per week as you approach your GMAT test date. Analyse your performance after each test to identify trends and areas for improvement.
7. Develop a Strategic Approach for Each Section
Each section of the GMAT requires a different strategy. For instance, in the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) section, start with the easier questions first to build momentum, then tackle the more difficult ones. In Verbal Reasoning (VR), focus on understanding the meaning of the passage rather than memorising every detail.
For Data Insights (DI), practice quickly extracting key data from tables and charts, and use the process of elimination when faced with challenging questions. A tailored strategy for each section ensures that you use your time effectively and make the most of your skills.
8. Focus on Mental and Physical Well-being
Your physical and mental well-being play a huge role in your GMAT performance. It’s important to maintain a healthy study routine, get adequate rest, eat well, and exercise regularly.
The GMAT is a long, intense exam, and being well-rested and in a good mental state can help you think more clearly and manage stress effectively. Be sure to schedule breaks during your study sessions, and get a full night’s sleep before the exam day.
9. Avoid Overloading on Content
While covering all the GMAT content is important, it’s easy to overwhelm yourself by trying to learn everything at once. Focus on understanding core concepts deeply, rather than trying to memorise every detail. The GMAT tests your critical thinking and analytical skills, so the ability to apply your knowledge in different contexts is more important than rote learning.
In addition, avoid studying 12+ hours a day. Overloading yourself with too much information can lead to burnout. Aim for regular, balanced study sessions and take time to review what you've learned.
10. Use Quality GMAT Prep Resources
Using high-quality prep resources is critical for reaching a 700+ score. Invest in GMAT prep courses, books, or online resources that are known for their accuracy and relevance to the exam. Official GMAT prep materials, as well as trusted third-party resources, can provide valuable practice questions and strategies.
Consider investing in a GMAT prep course that includes personalised feedback, as well as an adaptive learning platform that customises the material based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Suggested: GMAT Question Papers with Answers PDF Download
Impact of 700+ GMAT Score on your MBA application
A GMAT score of 700 or above places you in the top 10% of test-takers, giving your MBA application a major push. This score shows your strong analytical and problem-solving skills, qualities highly valued by top business schools. With a score of 700+, your chances of getting into elite schools improve significantly. Here’s a look at the average GMAT scores for some of the top business schools:
Top B-Schools and Average GMAT Scores
The average score for top B-schools ranges from 710 to 740. Getting a spot at a top business school often relies on more than just a strong profile. Your GMAT score plays a major role. Many elite MBA programmes have high average GMAT scores, reflecting their high standards and competitive applicant pool. Here’s a list of the averages to help you:
Top 10 B-Schools |
2024 Average GMAT Scores |
---|---|
Stanford GSB |
737 |
Harvard Business School |
740 |
The Wharton School |
732 |
Northwestern Kellogg |
733 |
Chicago Booth |
729 |
Columbia Business School |
732 |
MIT Sloan |
730 |
Dartmouth Tuck |
727 |
Berkeley Haas |
730 |
Virginia Darden |
718 |
From the Desk of Yocket
Achieving a 700+ GMAT score is not just a goal, it's a way to get into some of the most elite business schools in the world. With a score like that, you’ll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with top candidates aiming for spots at Harvard, MIT Sloan, and Stanford GSB. But it takes more than just hard work, it takes the right strategy, disciplined practice, and a deep understanding of the exam.
Yocket Prep encourages and enables you to reach that 700+ mark by providing tailored study plans, targeted practice, and expert guidance. With our resources, you’ll not only understand your weaknesses but also turn them into strengths, giving you the edge you need to dominate the GMAT and secure a spot at your dream B-school.