Optimizing GMAT Sectional Scores for a Total of 720

Scoring a 720 on the GMAT is a significant achievement, typically associated with top business schools. This score is the sum of high sectional scores across four critical sections: the Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. Let's break down what you need to aim for in each section to achieve that impressive total.

Sectional Scores for a GMAT Total of 720

To achieve a total GMAT score of 720, you need to perform well in all four sections of the exam:

Quantitative Section Verbal Section Integrated Reasoning Section Analytical Writing Assessment Section

The GMAT scoring system ranges from 200 to 800. A 720 score is generally considered highly competitive for admission to top business schools. Here’s a breakdown of what sectional scores you might aim for:

Quantitative Section

The Quantitative section is scored on a scale of 0 to 60. Scoring around 50 in this section typically corresponds to a percentile rank in the 80th to 90th range. This means that you would be performing better than 80 to 90 percent of all test takers. A section score of 45-50 is considered strong and will significantly contribute to your overall score.

Verbal Section

The Verbal section is also scored on a scale of 0 to 60. To reach a total GMAT score of 720, aim for a Verbal section score of approximately 35 to 40. This typically corresponds to a competitive percentile around 80th, providing a strong overall contribution to your total score.

Integrated Reasoning Section

The Integrated Reasoning section is scored on a scale of 1 to 8, with a score of 6-8 generally considered strong. This section tests your ability to analyze and interpret complex data from multiple sources.

Analytical Writing Assessment Section

The Analytical Writing Assessment section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6. A score of 4.5-6 is typically satisfactory and will contribute positively to your overall score, though it is the section with the lowest impact on your total score.

Combining Sectional Scores for 720

Combining the sectional scores effectively can be challenging, as there are multiple combinations that can sum up to 720. For instance:

A Quantitative score of 50 and a Verbal score of 39 A Quantitative score of 49 and a Verbal score of 40 A Quantitative score of 48 and a Verbal score of 41

Each of these combinations can still result in a 720 total score, but achieving a minimum combined score of 89 (e.g., Quantitative 50, Verbal 39) is considered safer. This ensures you are meeting the typical requirements for a competitive score and percentile ranking.

Consider Your Strengths and Weaknesses

It's crucial to tailor your sectional score goals based on your relative strengths and weaknesses in the Quantitative and Verbal sections:

If you excel in the Quantitative section, aim higher in this section but ensure a balanced performance in the Verbal section. Conversely, if the Verbal section is your strength, focus on maintaining a high score there while managing your Quantitative performance.

Understanding your performance in each section is vital for effective preparation. This may involve taking practice tests and analyzing your results to identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Scoring a 720 on the GMAT requires well-coordinated performance across all four sections. While the exact requirements can vary, aiming for a minimum combined score of 89 in Quantitative and Verbal sections is a safe and strategic approach. By focusing on these areas, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving this impressive score and meeting the expectations of top business schools.

Keywords: GMAT score, sectional scores, percentile ranking