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The average legacy GMAT score at top business schools was generally around 730. According to the score concordance chart on mba.com, that score is equivalent to a GMAT score of 685. However, for a variety of reasons, you may want a GMAT score that exceeds the averages at your target schools. So, you may be wondering how to score 705+ on the GMAT (equivalent to 750 on the legacy GMAT).
In this article, we’re going to answer that question in depth. We’ll cover everything from the performance needed for a 705 GMAT score to the best GMAT preparation approaches, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to make your 705+ GMAT score goal a reality!
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- The Performance Needed for a 705+ GMAT Score
- Top 6 GMAT Preparation Tips for Scoring 705+
- Tip 1: Master One GMAT Topic at a Time
- Tip 2: Learn Each GMAT Topic from the Ground Up
- Tip 3: Achieve High Accuracy and Long Streaks When Practicing
- Tip 4: Practice Answering Quant Questions in More Than One Way
- Tip 5: Use Sophisticated Thinking in Answering Verbal Questions
- Tip 6: Become Familiar With Data Insights Question Types
- How to Break Out of a GMAT Score Plateau on Your Way to 705+
- How Long Do I Have to Study for a 705+ GMAT Score?
- Key Takeaways: How to Score 705+ on the GMAT
- What’s Next?
Let’s begin by discussing the GMAT Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights performance needed for scoring 705 or higher.
The Performance Needed for a 705+ GMAT Score
When we’re shooting for a goal, it helps to know what we have to accomplish to achieve that goal. Moreover, you’re probably wondering, “How hard is it to score 705 on the GMAT?”
So, let’s start by discussing the section scores needed to reach 705+.
The Section Scores Needed to Score 705+
In the GMAT scoring system, your total score is determined by your Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights section scores. Furthermore, each section contributes equally to your total score. So, what section scores do you need to reach 705+?
To determine the necessary section scores, we researched actual GMAT exams and official GMAT Prep practice exam scores reported by test-takers. According to that research, a GMAT total score of 705+ requires a combined section score total of 255+. In other words, your average section score must be 85 or better.
Of course, you can achieve a 255+ combined section score total in many different ways. For example, a balanced performance of Q85/V85/DI85 will get you to 255. Similarly, a section score combination biased towards one section can also get you to your goal. If you can achieve an excellent Quant score, for instance, then you have a little margin for error on Verbal and Data Insights. With a score of Q89, you can get to 255 with scores of V84 and DI82.
KEY FACT:
To score 705+, your Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights scores must total 255+.
However, keep in mind that “a little margin for error” does not mean that you can perform poorly on a section and still reach your 705+ goal.
705+ Means No Weak Sections
To achieve a 705+ GMAT score, your Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights scores must average 85 or better. Given that each section’s score scale only goes to 90, this means that each section score must be relatively strong.
To illustrate, let’s say that you earn a Data Insights score of 80. DI80 is a good score: currently, it is in the 86th percentile of all GMAT test-takers.
On the Quant and Verbal sections, you would need a combined score of 255 – 80 = 175 for a 705 total. Getting to 175 requires excellent Quant and Verbal scores: combined, you’d need an average section score of 87.5. Achieving that average could be accomplished with scores of Q88 and V87. Currently, Q88 is in the 95th percentile, and V87 is in the 99th percentile. WIth one “good” section score, you’d need two “excellent” section scores to hit 705+.
While it’s possible to score 705+ with a section score below 80, we would not recommend trying to do so! Instead, work to ensure that you can score high in each section. Doing so gives you the best chance of scoring 705+ on the GMAT.
TTP PRO TIP:
To maximize your chances of reaching 705+ on the GMAT, aim to perform well in all three sections.
Now that you know the required section scores for a 705+ score, you may be wondering how many correct answers you need in each section. Let’s discuss.
How Many Correct Answers Do I Need in Each Section?
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to state the exact number of correct answers needed to earn a given section score. Only GMAC, the makers of the GMAT know the exact scoring algorithm. However, we know that there are 3 key factors associated with your section scores:
- the number of questions you answer
- the number of questions you answer correctly
- the difficulty of the questions you face
These factors lead to some variability in the relationship between section score and number of correct answers. In our GMAT score research, we’ve seen students earn the same section score with different numbers of correct answers. Additionally, we’ve seen students with the same number of correct answers earn different section scores.
These differences are likely due to the difficulty of the questions each test-taker answered correctly and incorrectly. Simply put, missing an easy or medium question hurts your score more than missing a hard question. Conversely, getting a hard question correct helps your score more than getting an easy or medium question correct.
Here’s the takeaway: getting medium-difficulty questions correct is the foundation of a high GMAT score. By achieving high accuracy on medium questions, you accomplish 2 important things:
- You avoid giving away points on questions you can answer correctly.
- The GMAT algorithm shows you harder questions, giving you the opportunity to earn more points by answering them correctly.
Later in the article, we’ll discuss how to achieve high accuracy. For now, keep these factors in mind as we discuss the performance needed in each GMAT section.
KEY FACT:
There is no definitive number of correct answers that guarantees a particular GMAT section score.
Next, let’s discuss how you need to perform in the Quant section to earn a 705+ GMAT score.
The Quant Performance Needed to Score 705+
If there’s one GMAT section that admissions committees pay extra attention to, it’s the Quant section. On the legacy GMAT, top-ranked programs generally preferred to see Quant scores of 47+. Using the GMAT Quant score concordance chart, this is equivalent to 80+ on the GMAT.
As discussed, it’s difficult to reach 705+ on the GMAT without scoring at least 80 in each section. So, treat Q80 as a “minimum” acceptable score. Of course, the better you perform, the easier it is to reach 705+, and the more competitive you’ll be at top business schools.
For instance, Harvard Business School’s class of 2025 achieved a median legacy GMAT Quant score of 49, equivalent to Q85 on the GMAT. If you’re targeting HBS or similarly lofty programs, Q85 is a logical goal. So, how many correct answers are necessary to get there?
According to our research, scoring Q85+ typically requires answering at least 18 of the 21 Quant questions correctly.
Keep in mind that this is based on a limited data set of early GMAT test-takers. So, treat it as an estimate, not a guarantee. As discussed earlier, it’s possible that you could earn a Q85 with slightly fewer correct answers. Conversely, you may need slightly more correct answers.
KEY FACT:
To score Q85+ on the GMAT, you’ll likely need to answer at least 18 of the 21 Quant questions correctly.
Next, let’s examine the Verbal performance you’ll need to stay on track for 705+.
The Verbal Performance Needed to Score 705+
In our score research, we’ve seen that GMAT test-takers who score 705+ typically earn a GMAT Verbal score of 85 or higher. So, how many correct answers can you expect to need?
According to our research, scoring V85+ typically requires answering at least 17 of the 23 Verbal questions correctly.
As with the Quant section, though, it’s impossible to give you an exact number of correct answers that will guarantee V85+. Depending on your exact performance, you may need slightly more or fewer correct answers.
KEY FACT:
To score V85+ on the GMAT, you’ll likely need to answer at least 17 of the 23 Verbal questions correctly.
Next, let’s discuss the Data Insights performance you’ll need to complete your 705+ GMAT performance.
The Data Insights Performance Needed to Score 705+
If you’ve met (or exceeded) your Q85 and V85 score goals, then your Data Insights target score is determined by what you need to reach a 255 combined section score.
Let’s say that you scored Q85 and V85: you then need to score 85 in Data Insights for a 705 GMAT score. How many correct answers will you need to score DI85?
According to our research, scoring DI85 typically requires answering at least 15 of the 20 Data Insights questions correctly.
Of course, the same caveats that we discussed in the Quant and Verbal sections apply here as well. This is a typical scenario, not a guarantee: it is possible to score DI85 with different numbers of correct answers.
Are you aiming to score better than Q85, V85, or both? The TTP GMAT score calculator can help you set a target DI score. Simply enter your Quant and Verbal scores, then adjust your Data Insights score to see what score you need for 705+.
KEY FACT:
To score DI85+ on the GMAT, you’ll likely need to answer at least 15 of the 20 Data Insights questions correctly.
Now that we know what we must do in each GMAT section, let’s review the important facts about scoring 705+.
A 705+ Performance: Key Takeaways
Here are some key things to keep in mind as you work to achieve a 705+ GMAT score:
- To score 705+, your Quant, Verbal, and Data Insight section scores must total 255 or higher.
- A total section score of 255 can be achieved with various section score combinations.
- Our research on early GMAT score reports indicates that 705+ scorers tend to score 85+ in each section.
- Admissions committees tend to pay extra attention to Quant section scores, so aim for Q85+ if you’re targeting highly ranked MBA programs.
For a 705 total score with a balanced performance of Q85, V85, and DI85, plan to get:
- at least 18 of the 21 Quant questions correct
- at least 17 of 23 Verbal questions correct
- at least 15 of the 20 Data Insights questions correct
Next, let’s discuss some tips to help you prepare for a 705+ performance on exam day.
Top 6 GMAT Preparation Tips for Scoring 705+
If we consider GMAT score percentiles, we see that 705 is a 98th percentile score. Put simply, 705+ is something that the vast majority of a motivated, skilled group of people don’t achieve.
Thus, for you to score 705+, your GMAT preparation has to be especially effective. So, let’s discuss our top 6 tips for effectively preparing for test day.
Tip 1: Master One GMAT Topic at a Time
The most effective GMAT study plans allow us to work on one GMAT topic at a time, in the following way:
The first step in mastering a GMAT topic is to learn the concepts and strategies involved in the topic. For example, to master a Quant topic, such as Rates, we would learn formulas and strategies for applying the formulas. To master a Verbal topic, such as Reading Comprehension, we would learn key concepts and strategies for understanding the passage and answering the questions.
The second step in mastering a GMAT topic is to practice answering questions involving the topic UNTIMED. Many people skip this step, but it is very important. In fact, untimed practice is the most powerful type of GMAT practice we can do. By taking time to fully break down and analyze questions, you learn to truly see how to attack them. So, to score 705+, you should answer questions involving a topic untimed until you achieve very high accuracy.
The final step in mastering a GMAT topic is to work on answering questions involving that topic at test pace. Once we’ve developed the skills to consistently get questions correct, we can work on answering them faster.
TTP PRO TIP:
The best way to prepare for the GMAT is to master one topic at a time.
Next, let’s discuss how to master each GMAT topic.
Tip 2: Learn Each GMAT Topic from the Ground Up
Another way we can make our GMAT preparation super-effective is to learn each topic from the ground up. Learning GMAT topics from the ground up means going beyond simply learning formulas or strategies involved in the topics. It involves fully understanding the foundations of each topic.
By learning from the ground up, you understand how and why formulas, strategies, and other aspects of the topic work. By learning GMAT topics from the ground up, we remember them better. We also set ourselves up to be able to apply what we have learned in a variety of ways.
For example, let’s consider the compound interest formula:
A = P(1 + r/n)nt
While that formula isn’t complex, it’s easy to forget, especially when we’re dealing with the pressure of taking the GMAT. However, we can remember that formula better by learning why it works.
I won’t explain the formula here. However, I can say that each component of the formula reflects part of the logic of compound interest. By understanding compound interest and connecting that to the components of the formula, we can easily remember the formula. We can even derive the formula if we forget it.
Verbal concepts work in similar ways. For instance, there is a logic to how the parts of a Critical Reasoning argument fit together. On an Identify the Assumption question, for example, we can learn to identify gaps in the author’s argument. By learning the logic underlying these concepts, we can better understand and remember them.
TTP PRO TIP:
To maximize your knowledge retention and ability to apply concepts, learn each GMAT topic from the ground up.
Once you’ve mastered a given topic, it’s time to put that mastery to practice. Let’s examine how to turn mastery into high accuracy.
Tip 3: Achieve High Accuracy and Long Streaks When Practicing
As we’ve discussed, for a 705+ GMAT score, you must get almost all medium-difficulty questions correct. In addition, you need to get some hard questions correct. To perform at that level on the exam, you need to achieve very high accuracy when practicing.
Accordingly, as you prepare for the GMAT, shoot for high accuracy. Look to achieve accuracy close to 100 percent on easy, 90 percent on medium, and 80 percent on hard questions. Achieving high accuracies must be a priority, even if that means spending 10+ minutes on some questions at first. You can work on answering GMAT practice questions at test pace once you are achieving high accuracy consistently.
To develop high accuracy, consider using the Streaks Method when you practice answering questions. The Streaks Method involves shooting for long streaks of correct answers in a row. When training to score 705+, you should shoot for streaks of 20 or more correct answers in a row. The Streaks Method is discussed in detail in this post on the best GMAT practice methods.
TTP PRO TIP:
To score 705+, achieve accuracy near 100 percent on easy, 90 percent on medium, and 80 percent on hard questions.
To achieve high accuracy in Quant, being able to answer questions in multiple ways is a key skill. Let’s discuss.
Tip 4: Practice Answering Quant Questions in More Than One Way
One thing the GMAT tests is our skill in finding ways to answer questions. In other words, GMAT questions aren’t simply straightforward math or verbal questions. Many GMAT questions are designed to require us to come up with a creative path to the solution. So, developing skill in finding paths to solutions can help us achieve a high GMAT score.
One way to develop such skill is to answer GMAT Quant practice questions in multiple ways. While it doesn’t make sense to answer all Quant questions in multiple ways, many are appropriate for identifying different paths to solutions.
For example, you could answer an Overlapping Sets question first using a diagram and second using only a formula. You could answer an Inequalities question first by using algebra and next by plugging in numbers. You could first answer a Combinations question using the combinations formula, then answer using the box and fill method.
If you don’t see a way to answer a question, stick with it! Try to find a path to the answer. Even if you don’t find an elegant solution, you can likely find some way to answer. Worst case, you’ll at least be able to eliminate answer choices. By doing so, you’ll be getting good practice in coming up with ways to solve questions.
TTP PRO TIP:
To develop skill in finding ways to solve GMAT Quant questions, practice answering the same question in multiple ways.
Next, let’s discuss the kind of thinking you’ll need to develop to achieve a high Verbal score.
Tip 5: Use Sophisticated Thinking in Answering Verbal Questions
As we saw earlier, achieving a 705+ GMAT score generally requires a Verbal section score of V85 or higher. To achieve such a score in Verbal, we need to use sophisticated thinking in answering Verbal questions. Here’s why.
We can achieve average (or slightly above) Verbal performance by learning concepts and strategies and applying them in basic ways. However, such an approach won’t work for the harder Verbal questions we need to get correct to score V85+. Getting harder Verbal questions correct requires picking up on subtle logical issues and nonobvious relationships between elements of the questions.
To see those issues and relationships, we need to use fairly sophisticated thinking. There is no way we’ll see them by using simple strategies or hacks.
For more on the type of sophisticated thinking required for scoring V85+, see our post on how to score high on GMAT Verbal.
TTP PRO TIP:
To score 85+ on GMAT Verbal, use sophisticated thinking in answering Verbal questions.
Let’s wrap up our GMAT preparation tips with a way to improve your Data Insights performance.
Tip 6: Become Familiar With Data Insights Question Types
Want some good news about the GMAT Data Insights section? The hard work you put into developing strong Quant and Verbal skills will serve you well in DI. In general, DI tests the same math and reasoning skills you’ve already practiced.
For many test-takers, the biggest hurdle to performing well in Data Insights is the unfamiliarity of many of the question types. To illustrate, consider Graphics Interpretation questions. A GI question may present you with:
- column charts
- Pareto charts
- bar graphs
- frequency tables
- histograms
- scatterplots
- bubble charts
- pie charts
- Venn diagrams
- flowcharts
- organizational charts
Are you familiar with each of these ways to present data? For example, are you comfortable estimating correlation from a scatterplot? If not, you can see why Data Insights can be challenging!
So, the key to effective Data Insights preparation is learning how to handle each question type. For example, in the Target Test Prep GMAT Course, you’ll learn the ins and outs of each DI type in detail. In addition, you’ll master crucial strategies and techniques for attacking DI questions efficiently. When exam day rolls around, you’ll know how to handle any DI question that comes your way!
TTP PRO TIP:
To perform well in Data Insights, learn how to attack each DI question type.
Now that we understand how to prepare effectively to achieve a top GMAT score, let’s discuss what to do if you hit a score plateau on your way to 705+.
How to Break Out of a GMAT Score Plateau on Your Way to 705+
Often, people preparing for the GMAT reach a point where their scores stop increasing. They keep preparing, but their practice question accuracies or practice test scores remain the same. So, what is going on? And what can you do to get your GMAT score to start increasing again?
Sometimes people think they have hit a so-called “GMAT score ceiling.” In our experience, hitting a “hard limit” on your GMAT score is unlikely. It is more likely that a GMAT score plateau indicates that your current preparation method has hit its limits.
For instance, learning Critical Reasoning (CR) rules and concepts will initially cause your performance to improve. At some point, however, learning rules and concepts may stop increasing the percentage of CR questions you get correct. Similarly, you could find that reviewing formulas isn’t doing much to improve your Quant score. Or you may not get more Reading Comprehension (RC) questions correct no matter how many Official Guide passages you read.
What all these situations have in common is that some aspect of your GMAT prep has reached its limits. So, to keep making progress, you need to find new ways to prepare.
Find New Levers to Pull
If you hit a score plateau, your move is to look for new levers to pull. For example, you may need to find new practice techniques, such as the Streaks Method, to boost your GMAT score. Or you may need to learn to solve questions in new ways. For example, perhaps you’ve emphasized using orthodox methods to answer Quant questions. It may help to work on finding more creative paths to correct answers.
To find new levers, try new prep resources or read debriefs from people who have scored 705+ on the GMAT. I’ve seen people use everything from reading coaches to hypnotherapy to increase their GMAT scores.
Here’s the key: something will work. Something will have a new impact that will result in your GMAT score increasing.
If you’ve been practicing in one way, practicing in a new way will make a difference. If test anxiety or a negative mindset are holding you back, work to address them. If your reading speed is too slow, practicing by reading articles or working with a coach will speed you up. Your performance will improve, and your GMAT score will increase because effective preparation works.
TTP PRO TIP:
To break out of a GMAT score plateau, look for new levers to pull until you find ways to get your score to increase.
Now, you may be wondering how long it will take you to get to 705+. Let’s discuss.
How Long Do I Have to Study for a 705+ GMAT Score?
Every GMAT student has a different starting point and different things to accomplish to score 705+. So, the amount of preparation time you’ll need to reach 705+ isn’t easy to predict.
However, if you’ve taken a baseline test and thus have a starting score, we can make the following estimates:
- If you’re starting in the low to mid 600s, you’ll probably need 3 to 4 months, or 250-400 hours, to reach 705+.
- If you’re starting between 550 and 600, you’ll likely need 6 months or more, or 500+ hours, to reach 705+.
- If your starting score is below 500, you’ll likely need more than 6 months to reach 705+.
If you haven’t taken an official GMAT practice test to get a baseline score, you should do so. Your score will give you a sense of how long you’ll have to study to get to 705 or higher.
TTP PRO TIP:
To estimate how long you’ll need to reach 705+, determine your baseline score with an official GMAT practice test.
Let’s now wrap up with a summary of the important points we’ve discussed.
Key Takeaways: How to Score 705+ on the GMAT
We’ve seen that, to score 705 or higher on the GMAT, you can do the following:
- To score Q85/V85/DI85, plan to get at least 18 Quant, 17 Verbal, and 15 Data Insights questions correct.
- Master one GMAT topic at a time by first learning the concepts and strategies involved. Next, do practice questions about the topic untimed, then work on answering questions at test pace.
- Learn each GMAT topic from the ground up to remember key concepts. Be able to apply those concepts in a variety of ways.
- Achieve high accuracy and long streaks of correct answers when practicing.
- Practice answering Quant questions in more than one way.
- Use sophisticated thinking in answering Verbal questions.
- Build a high level of familiarity with Data Insights question types.
- If you hit a score plateau, find new levers to pull.
Finally, perhaps the most important takeaways from everything we’ve discussed are these:
- To score 705+, you must prepare in particularly effective ways.
- Scoring 705+ is doable because effective preparation works.
With time, dedication, and a smart study plan, you can achieve your 705+ GMAT score goal!
What’s Next?
Looking for more tips to increase your GMAT score? Learn how to improve your Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights scores.
Interested in maximizing your chances of scoring 705+? Schedule a free GMAT tutoring consultation to learn how working with an expert TTP tutor can help you achieve your goal.
