Difficulty of the 50Q?

Question

How difficult is the 50Q for people without a pure math/engineering/physical science background, assuming they are dedicated to test prep? I'm planning to apply to a few top Masters in Finance programs, and it seems they don't want anything below a 50Q. I'm a finance major, which I would say is decently quantitative, but definitely a far-cry from an engineering or math major. My non-math major, in addition to a 630 (81 percentile, no studying/preparation at all) math SAT score makes me feel that the 50Q may be out of reach.

I know this can't be answered easily, but I'm just curious if I'm dreaming, or if this is actually possible with dedication and a good study plan. :-D

bb · Answer

I have seen both outcomes (people with CFA/CPA/etc getting low 40's on the GMAT and fairly artistic applicants getting 49's and 50's). I think it is possible, but if you can take a practice test and show your Q score, we can answer it with a greater certainty.

jko · Answer

The 50Q doesn't require any knowledge of advanced mathematics.

The GMAT tests your understanding of reasonably basic mathematic principles, and your ability to apply these principles in new and complex ways.

Needless to say, the better your familiarity and understanding of the mathematic principles, the better you'll be able to apply them to difficult GMAT questions.

BM · Answer

You don't need a strong math background to score a 50 (it does help, though). My math skills represented my weak point, but after a few months of solid dedication, I pulled it up to a 48.

And I doubt that a school will reject an applicant simply because he or she failed to earn a 50 in the quant section. A number of prospective applicants tend to set up various barriers and quotas that only cause stress. It's perfectly fine - and encouraged - to establish certain goals for yourself, but please don't stress yourself out too much. Stay calm and stay focused!

rk0900 · Answer

How much did your math score improve by after preparation?

My top school is MIT MFin, and their middle 80% Q score is 50-51. I don't know if 50 Q is an absolute requirement, but it's definitely what most people have.

rk0900 · Answer

I just received my MGMAT materials in the mail, and took the Q section to see where I'm at. I scored a 45 Q. This is my first time seeing GMAT type questions, and I thought they were very hard. 45Q to 50Q possible with prep? Percentile was 77%, pretty bad.

thetiming · Answer

My personal opinion is that if this truly is your "first time seeing GMAT type questions", then you are in a vary good shape, and with th typical amount of preparation and the consensual best prep materials (i do think there's such a thing, yeah), you will kill it =)

BM · Answer

I started with an 18 or 19 under untimed conditions.

KarishmaB · Answer

Possible but not easy! It is relatively easy to go from 30 to 40, harder to go from 40 to 45 and, you can guess, hardest to go from 45 to 50-51. Mind you, if you got a 45, it means your Quant is already very decent. You know your basics well, quite well actually. Next step would be to get a handle on Data Sufficiency which generally turns out to be the more time consuming and confusing part, since you are new to it. Also, at these levels, we are talking about 'demonstrating higher order thinking' consistently. I know many Engineering background people who start below 40 so you already have a head start. But start thinking in 'holistic' terms rather than 'what steps to follow to solve such a question'. To give an example of what I mean, here is a link to my blog: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/categor ... om/page/2/ Check out 'Holistic Approach to Mods', 'Bagging the Graphs' etc. The overall understanding of the relevant concepts will take you to the 50-51 level.

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Difficulty of the 50Q?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards