Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- A high GMAT score is typically considered to be 700 or above, placing you in the top 10% of test-takers globally.
- The average GMAT score for admitted students at top 10 MBA programs ranges from 720 to 740.
- A high GMAT score can compensate for weaker areas in your application, such as a lower GPA or limited work experience.
- Applicants with high GMAT scores often have a 25-30% higher admission rate compared to the overall applicant pool.
- A score above 700 can increase your chances of receiving merit-based scholarships, with some schools offering full tuition waivers for exceptional scores.
Introduction
Achieving a high GMAT score is a significant milestone for many aspiring business school applicants. A score above 700 can open doors to top-tier MBA and management programs worldwide, potentially transforming your educational and career prospects. This comprehensive guide explores the implications of a high GMAT score, offering insights into how it can impact your application, the advantages it provides, and strategies to leverage this achievement. Whether you're aiming for elite business schools or seeking to stand out in a competitive applicant pool, understanding the value of a high GMAT score is crucial for maximizing your opportunities.
Why is it Important to Score above 700?
Getting a high GMAT score of over 700 is crucial because it positions you among the top 10% of test-takers worldwide, as per GMAT percentiles. A high GMAT score can significantly boost your chances of being noticed by admissions committees, increase your likelihood of securing a scholarship, and confirm your admission to prestigious international B-schools.
Moreover, GMAT scores account for more than a fifth (21.7%) of the weight in business school admission decisions.
Below is a list of the average GMAT scores for some of the top B schools in the world.
| B - School | GMAT Score |
|---|---|
| Stanford University | 733 |
| University of British Columbia | 730 |
| Harvard University | 730 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 727 |
| Northwestern University | 727 |
| Chicago-Booth | 724 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 722 |
| Dartmouth College | 722 |
| Yale University | 720 |
| University of Massachusetts | 720 |
| MIT | 720 |
| University of Michigan | 710 |
Understanding the GMAT Exam
Before you consider how you can get a 700+ score on the GMAT, let's understand some basics about the GMAT syllabus and scoring system. The table below gives you an idea of the exam structure and the scoring range.
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Limit | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 | 62 mins | 6 - 51 |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 | 30 mins | 1 - 8 |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 1 | 30 mins | 0 - 6 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 | 65 mins | 6 - 51 |
How to Determine Your Level for GMAT?
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Aiming for a high GMAT score can seem challenging. But the first step is figuring out where you stand. Here's how you can do that and make a plan to reach your goal score:
Take a Diagnostic Test
Do it like it's the real test day: time yourself, do it all in one go, and find a quiet spot. Your practice score will show you where you're doing well and where you need work.
Figure Out How Many Hours You'll Need to Study
Compare your practice test score with your target score. Figure out how many points you need to improve. Based on this, estimate how many hours of studying you'll need.
- 0 – 50 points: 50 hours
- 51 – 100 points: 100 hours
- 101 – 150 points: 150 hours
Analyze Your Weaknesses
Look at your practice test results to see what you're good at and what needs work. Pay attention to the kinds of questions you struggle with the most. This will help you know where to focus your study efforts.
How do You Prepare for the GMAT?
Getting ready for the GMAT, especially if you're aiming for a high GMAT score like 700 or more, might feel overwhelming. But with a good plan and approach, you can take it one step at a time. Here's how you can prepare for the GMAT smartly and effectively.
Draft Your GMAT Study Schedule
Plan out when and how long you'll study each week. Write it down so you don't forget. Having a plan makes it easier to stick to your study goals.
Below is a 6 Month week-by-week schedule for GMAT preparation. This 200-hour plan will give you plenty of time to prepare for a High GMAT score while still leaving you with enough time to manage your work and personal obligations.
| Month | Week | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Learn Test Format and Structure | 2 hours |
| 2 | Build Quant Foundation (Format and Tips) | 5 hours | |
| 3 | Build Verbal Foundation (Format and Sentence Correction) | 5 hours | |
| 4 | Build Reading Strategies and Practice Grammar Fluency | 4 hours | |
| 2 | 1 | Quant Review: Algebra and Geometry | 6 hours |
| 2 | Quant Review: Word Problems, Verbal: Reading Comprehension | 7 hours | |
| 3 | Verbal: Critical Reasoning, Quant: Number Properties | 7 hours | |
| 4 | Quant: Sets, Advanced Skills, Flashcards | 6 hours | |
| 3 | 1 | Quant: Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving | 8 hours |
| 2 | Verbal Practice: All Question Types | 8 hours | |
| 3 | Practice Challenging Question Types | 8 hours | |
| 4 | 1 | AWA Review and Practice | 6 hours |
| 2 | IR Review and Practice | 6 hours | |
| 3 | Review Challenging Quant and Verbal Concepts | 8 hours | |
| 5 | 1-4 | Review Needed Quant and Verbal Concepts | 12 hours |
| Review Needed IR and AWA Concepts | 5 hours | ||
| 6 | 1-4 | Final Review of Quant and Verbal Concepts | 12 hours |
| Light Prep and Rest Before Test Day | 4 hours |
Importance of Practice Tests
Taking practice tests at key points in your study plan is crucial for your GMAT preparation. These tests help you:
- Assess Your Progress: Identify your strengths and weaknesses to focus your study efforts more effectively.
- Simulate Test Conditions: Get used to the timing and pressure of the actual GMAT, which helps build your stamina and test-taking strategies.
- Track Improvement: Regular practice tests allow you to see your improvement over time, keeping you motivated and on track.
Schedule practice tests at the end of each month and go over your results thoroughly to adjust your study plan as needed. This is one of the significant steps you must follow to aim for a high GMAT score.
Master Official GMAT Materials
Dive deep into the official GMAT prep materials provided by GMAC. These resources are gold mines for high-scoring strategies and tactics. Immerse yourself in practice tests, question banks, and study guides tailored to the nuances of a high GMAT score of 700+. Familiarise yourself with the exam's format and intricacies to gain a competitive edge.
Practice with Precision
Precision is critical when aiming for a high GMAT score. Focus on quality over quantity in your practice sessions. Aim for a balance of timed and untimed exercises, emphasising accuracy and efficiency. Analyse each question meticulously, understanding not just the correct answer but also the underlying logic and reasoning behind it.
Refine Your Weaknesses
Identify your weak spots early on and tackle them head-on. Whether it's refining your algebraic skills, honing your critical reasoning abilities, or mastering complex data interpretation, dedicate focused study sessions to shore up your weaknesses.
By implementing these strategies tailored for a high GMAT score of 700+, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the GMAT with confidence and precision.
How Important are Mock Tests?
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Mock tests are practice exams designed to help you prepare for a High GMAT score. They're like trial runs before the actual test day. Here's why they're so helpful:
Spot Your Mistakes: Mock tests show you where you're doing well and where you're making mistakes. After each test, take some time to go through the answers and understand why you got specific questions wrong. This helps you learn from your errors.
Get a Feel for the Real Test: Mock tests are designed to mimic the actual GMAT format and timing. By practising with these tests, you'll become more comfortable with the structure of the exam. This reduces anxiety and boosts confidence when you sit for the actual GMAT.
Practice Managing Your Time: Time management is crucial on the GMAT. Mock tests are timed, just like the actual exam. They help you practice pacing yourself so that you can answer all the questions within the allotted time.
Improve Your Skills: Regular practice with mock tests helps sharpen your GMAT skills. You'll become better at tackling different question types and topics. Plus, analysing your performance after each test enables you to identify areas for improvement.
Track Your Progress: Mock tests allow you to track your progress over time. You can see how your scores improve as you continue practising. This motivates you to keep working hard towards your target score.
Hence, if you want to get a high GMAT score, take your GMAT online mock tests very seriously. Allocate time to take at least 5 complete practice online tests to enhance your performance on the actual GMAT. Ensure that you take your final practice test a week before Test Day.
Some useful websites for GMAT preparation and practice tests are:
GMAT Tips for Individual Sections
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Section:
Structured Approach: To master the Analytical Writing Assessment, start with a clear introduction and thesis, followed by detailed explanations and examples in the body paragraphs. Conclude by summarising key points and reinforcing your thesis.
Support with Examples: Back up your arguments with real-world examples, case studies, or anecdotes. Choose relevant examples that add credibility and include specific details.
Integrated Reasoning (IR) Section:
Understanding Data: Learn how to look at complicated data in tables, graphs, and charts. Pay attention to trends and essential points to answer questions accurately.
Know Graphs: Get familiar with different kinds of graphs, such as bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts. Understand them well so that you can answer questions about them.
Quantitative Reasoning Section:
Strengthen Your Math Fundamentals: Build a solid foundation in basic math concepts, including algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. Review fundamental principles and formulas, and practice solving a variety of math problems to reinforce your understanding.
Hone Your Problem-Solving Skills: Practice solving problems using different approaches, such as algebraic manipulation, logical reasoning, and estimation.
Verbal Reasoning Section:
Enhance Your Reading Comprehension: Improve your reading comprehension skills by exposing yourself to a diverse range of passages from different subjects and disciplines. Practice reading actively, identifying main ideas, supporting details, and the author's arguments.
Sharpen Your Critical Reasoning Skills: Focus on dissecting arguments presented in the passages, identifying the main conclusion, premises, and assumptions.
Refine Your Sentence Correction Abilities: Brush up on grammar rules, sentence structure, and language usage to improve your sentence correction abilities.
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Conclusion
Getting a High GMAT score requires more than just memorising formulas or reading textbooks. It demands consistent practice, focused study, and strategic planning. By dedicating time to understanding question types, focusing on weak areas, and utilising tools like flashcards and apps, you can build the skills needed to excel on the exam.
Remember, achieving a high GMAT score is attainable with perseverance and dedication. Stay committed to your study plan, learn from your mistakes, and face the exam with confidence and determination. These tips will help you navigate your GMAT preparation journey successfully.
