Hi Stockmoose16,
Yes, if you had finished with a 99th percentile verbal score, you would have received a 700+, but you would not have received a 99th percentile score overall.
I think your confusion stems from the fact that your verbal percentile matches your overall percentile, both of which are actually calculated differently. Here's an example:
You scored a subscore of 43 on the quantitative section. If you were to take everyone who took the GMAT in a given year and arrange them by their quant subscores in descending order, yours would be roughly 70% of the way down the list, meaning that you scored higher or the same as 70% of test-takers, but lower than 29% of test-takers. By the same token, your 40 on the verbal section is 91% of the way down the list, meaning that you scored the same or better than 91% of all test-takers. This is how the GMAT calculates your subscore percentiles from your raw scores.
However, the GMAT calculates your overall percentile in a fully different manner using a complex equation comparing your verbal score to your quantitative score. Using the combination of your two scores, they can rank you on an overall basis. The percentiles from your subscores are not figured into this equation whatsover. It's entirely possible to get 80% on both sections and come out with an overall 95% score because there are very few people who can do well on both sections. In your case, there is a disparity between the sections, so the GMAT looks at your score and says, "Okay, this guy did pretty well. He has a great verbal subscore, but his math is pretty weak. Overall, I'll rank him in the 91st percentile out of all test-takers." The fact that the 91st percentile score overall matches your verbal subscore is sheer coincidence.
For a more detailed rubric, check out our
General GMAT Info Page.
In short, yes, you are in the 680 - 690 range overall based on that one practice test. However, it is important not to place too much confidence in your overall score on these practice tests, as they will be different from the real exam that you eventually take. Instead, look at the assessment reports included with your CAT exams to see which areas of the exam you need the most help on and focus your studies on these sections.
Best,
