How to Score Above 700 in the GMAT: A Comprehensive Plan

How to Score Above 700 in the GMAT: A Comprehensive Plan

Achieving a GMAT score above 700 is a significant milestone for candidates aiming to secure admission to top business schools worldwide. This score places test-takers in the 88th percentile or higher, showcasing their superior analytical, quantitative, and verbal reasoning abilities. Success on the GMAT requires strategic planning, disciplined preparation, and effective test-taking techniques. This guide provides a step-by-step plan to help you reach your target score.

Step 1: Understand the GMAT Format and Syllabus

Familiarize Yourself with the Sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): 1 essay task (30 minutes) – Evaluates critical thinking and writing skills.
• Integrated Reasoning (IR): 12 questions (30 minutes) – Tests data interpretation and decision-making abilities.
• Quantitative Reasoning: 31 questions (62 minutes) – Focuses on mathematical problem-solving and data sufficiency.
• Verbal Reasoning: 36 questions (65 minutes) – Measures reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills.

Key Tip: Understanding the syllabus will help you identify weak areas and plan your study schedule accordingly.

Step 2: Take a Diagnostic Test

Why Take a Diagnostic Test?

• Assess your current level and understand your strengths and weaknesses.
• Get used to the adaptive nature of the GMAT, where question difficulty changes based on your performance.

Tools for Diagnostics:

• Use official GMAT Prep Software or platforms like Manhattan Prep and Magoosh to simulate test conditions.

Step 3: Create a Study Plan

Timeline:

• 3–4 Months for Preparation: Allocate at least 10–15 hours per week to studying.
• Weekly Focus: Dedicate specific weeks to each section—Verbal, Quantitative, and IR—before combining practice tests.

Plan Breakdown:

• Month 1: Focus on fundamentals—math formulas, grammar rules, and question patterns.
• Month 2: Practice section-wise tests and focus on weaknesses.
• Month 3: Take full-length practice exams and focus on improving speed and accuracy.

Step 4: Master the Quantitative Section

The Quantitative Section is often the deciding factor for high GMAT scores.

Key Focus Areas:

• Arithmetic: Percentages, ratios, averages, and fractions.
• Algebra: Equations, inequalities, and quadratic expressions.
• Geometry: Lines, angles, circles, and coordinate geometry.
• Data Sufficiency: Evaluating whether data provided is sufficient to solve problems.

Strategy:

1. Memorize important formulas.
2. Practice problem-solving under timed conditions.
3. Focus on Data Sufficiency Questions, as they can be tricky.

Pro Tip: Use GMAT Official Guide and platforms like Target Test Prep for focused practice.

Step 5: Master the Verbal Section

High scorers often excel in the Verbal Section, as it differentiates good scores from great scores.

Key Focus Areas:

• Reading Comprehension: Practice skimming for main ideas and details.
• Critical Reasoning: Focus on strengthening or weakening arguments.
• Sentence Correction: Improve grammar, sentence structure, and logical flow.

Strategy:

1. Read academic articles and journals to enhance comprehension skills.
2. Practice identifying assumptions and flaws in arguments.
3. Memorize grammar rules and practice correcting sentences.

Pro Tip: Use tools like Manhattan GMAT Verbal Guide and E-GMAT Verbal Online Course for targeted practice.

Step 6: Build Data Interpretation Skills for IR

The Integrated Reasoning section evaluates your ability to interpret complex data from graphs, tables, and text.

Strategy:

• Solve IR questions daily to improve data interpretation.
• Practice multi-source reasoning and table analysis questions.
• Focus on logical organization of information and finding connections.

Step 7: Perfect the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

The AWA section requires analyzing an argument and writing a logical critique.

Strategy:

• Practice structuring essays with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions.
• Focus on grammar, coherence, and logical flow.
• Analyze sample essays to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Step 8: Take Regular Practice Tests

Why Practice Tests Matter:

• Mimic real test conditions to improve time management.
• Highlight areas that need improvement.
• Help you build stamina for a 3-hour-long test.

Frequency:

• Take at least one full-length test every week in the final month of preparation.
• Use GMAC’s Official Practice Tests for realistic scoring.

Step 9: Analyze Your Mistakes

How to Review Tests:

• Identify error patterns (e.g., careless mistakes, timing issues).
• Focus on weak areas and redo questions you answered incorrectly.
• Track improvement in specific question types.

Step 10: Time Management on Exam Day

Key Tips:

• Quantitative Section: Spend no more than 2 minutes per question.
• Verbal Section: Allocate 1–1.5 minutes per question.
• IR and AWA: Manage time effectively to complete tasks without rushing.

Step 11: Final Preparation and Relaxation

• Avoid studying intensely in the last 48 hours before the exam.
• Focus on revising key formulas and grammar rules.
• Get sufficient sleep and stay hydrated.

Conclusion

Scoring above 700 on the GMAT requires a combination of consistent practice, strategic planning, and effective time management. Focus on building a strong foundation in both Quantitative and Verbal Sections, and use mock tests to simulate real exam conditions. Identify weaknesses early, improve steadily, and stay confident on test day. With the right mindset and preparation strategy, a high GMAT score is within your reach, opening doors to top business schools and career opportunities.