High GMAT Score Study Tips

Every test taker aspires for a high score on the GMAT, and for a good reason—a competitive score can significantly enhance your MBA application. In the latest version of the exam, scores now range from 205 to 805 instead of the previous 200-800 scale. A score of 700 in the old format roughly equated to the 90th percentile, but with the updated GMAT, percentile distributions are still settling. Therefore, it’s essential to research what score aligns with your target schools.

Although a strong GMAT score does not guarantee getting into a top MBA program, it will make the admissions committee notice you. And if anything, it will keep your application out of the immediate rejection pile.

But how do you reach an impressive score if stuck in the mid-range? Let’s examine the habits of high scorers and dispel some common myths to help you succeed with these high GMAT score study tips.

Partner with SBC’s best-in-class GMAT and GRE experts and increase your score significantly. Our test prep team will help you recognize your individual learning style, discover flaws in your foundation knowledge and set manageable yet ambitious goals.

High GMAT Score Study Tips: Practice GMATs are not the Real GMAT

First, to score competitively, calibrate your expectations. Taking mock tests is a crucial part of preparing for the exam, but don’t expect your performance on a practice test to match your performance on the actual GMAT.

Every practice test was not created equal, and every practice question is not necessarily a strong representation of actual GMAT questions. Data insights and adaptive testing play an even more prominent role in the updated GMAT. So, use official GMAT prep materials and reputable third-party resources that align with the new test format.

Multiple Attempts

The real test can cause more stress, which leads to a loss of focus and an increase in mistakes compared to a practice test. So do not expect to reach your target score in one, two, or even three attempts. Many students need multiple attempts to see an increase from a mid-range score to a competitive one.

High GMAT Score Study Tips

The GRE and GMAT tests require a ton of preparation. The students who break into the top percentile work hard to do so and often take the test multiple times. “If applying to B-school is on your radar, the sooner you start, the better,” says Anthony Ritz, SBC’s Director of Test Prep. “Because this is a major commitment, two to three months minimum for two to three hours a day on average.”

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Practice Questions Aren’t Enough

Plenty of students think that if they answer 1000+ practice questions, they will be ready for the test. This is a myth. The best test takers answer many practice problems and engage with complex reading material, such as The Economist and The New York Times, to refine their critical thinking and reading comprehension skills.

With the latest version of the GMAT placing more weight on data analysis and logical reasoning, test takers should also integrate data-heavy sources, such as financial reports and business case studies, into their preparation to build familiarity with interpreting complex charts and tables.

“A lot of people make the mistake of studying until they get the problem right. But they should be studying until they can’t do the problem wrong—until it feels so automatic that it’s totally inconceivable that you’d ever not nail it,” Ritz says.

Pacing is Key

Not only are they expanding their skills outside of practice problems, but successful test takers also have a firm understanding of the question types, common wrong answer traps, and strategies for each type of question. This knowledge, like knowing how to efficiently eliminate incorrect choices in Data Sufficiency, ultimately saves them time.

The new GMAT has reduced the total test duration, meaning time management is even more critical than before. High scorers master pacing by setting timed benchmarks for each section and practicing under realistic conditions. If you lack a pacing strategy, now is the time to develop one.

Focused, Targeted Practice

Each time you sit down to study, you need direction and purpose. The difference between an average score and a competitive one is targeted improvement. That means identifying weaknesses and dedicating study time to fixing them.

Be honest with yourself and track your weaknesses in a notebook or spreadsheet. The GMAT allows test-takers to review their answers immediately after the test, providing valuable insight into areas that need work. Use this data to refine your study plan.

“If you keep making silly mistakes on basic questions, getting underneath the errors is critical,” says Ritz. “Figure out why they keep happening, and fix the problem(s). If you don’t, the scoring algorithm may punish them severely.”

For example, if you struggle with identifying assumptions in arguments, spend time generating assumptions and working through related practice problems. If you find data interpretation challenging, practice with statistical analysis and learn to quickly read and assess charts, graphs, and trends.

By incorporating these high GMAT score study tips into your prep routine, you can strategically improve your weak areas and maximize your performance on test day.

Do You Even Need the GMAT?

Let’s step back from this question—do you even need to take the GMAT? Many business schools now accept the GRE, and some even have test-optional policies. With the GMAT Focus Edition offering a new format, some applicants may find that the GRE aligns better with their strengths. Take a practice GRE test and see how you perform. You might want to pivot your preparation if your GRE results are stronger.

Beyond the GRE, some top MBA programs have also introduced expanded pathways for applicants, such as accepting Executive Assessment (EA) scores or offering test waivers for highly qualified candidates. You can apply without a standardized test if you have extensive professional experience, strong undergraduate academics, or exceptional leadership achievements.

Ultimately, the best approach is to research the admissions policies of your target schools. If they emphasize holistic admissions, focus on strengthening your application beyond test scores—through essays, recommendations, and professional achievements. Standardized testing is just one piece of the puzzle, and understanding your strengths will help you decide whether the GMAT, GRE, or test-optional route is best for you.

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Partner with best-in-class GMAT and GRE experts and increase your score significantly. Check out our test prep services here. Request a free game plan chat with SBC’s lead test prep tutor by emailing testprep@stacyblackman.com.

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High GMAT Score Study Tips

Partner with SBC’s best-in-class GMAT and GRE experts and increase your score significantly. Our test prep team will help you recognize your individual learning style, discover flaws in your foundation knowledge and set manageable yet ambitious goals.