Explanation of 700-level questions and Quant Score

Hi squidzekid,

The truth is that the expression “700 level questions” is not an exact one. You can score well above 700 even with a quant score in the low to mid 40s, if your verbal score is high enough. In any case, you don’t have to be scoring at the 90th percentile in quant to see what are commonly termed “700 level questions.”

Since you are scoring in the range of 47 to 48, you are seeing 700 level questions. For one thing, the quant scoring scale maxes out at 51. So, when you are at 47 or 48, you are near the top of the scale, and you are seeing some of the most difficult quant questions that the test has to offer. Also, the difficulty of the quant section is quite fluid, meaning that, even if you end up scoring at the 75th percentile, as you go through the section, you see questions above the 75th percentile, and below.

Also, for what it’s worth, the set of questions that a test taker who scores 51 in quant sees is not so much different from the set that a test-taker who scores 48 sees. The test-taker who scores 51 sees perhaps a half dozen somewhat more tricky or complex questions. Other than that difference, a Q51 quant section can look pretty much the same as a Q48 quant section.

With that said, as I like to tell my students, you really should focus on the things you can control, and the number one thing you can control is getting better at the GMAT every day. If you get to a place where you can dominate GMAT quant, it’s not going to matter when and where you see 700 level questions, because you are going to have the skills that you need to get an amazing GMAT quant score.

With that said, when is your GMAT? What is your GMAT score goal?

If you have any further questions, please reach out.

Good luck!