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poojaarora1818
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Gmat Test __Is not just walk in the park 19 Oct 2024, 10:57
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Hi Experts,


This is something very specific to me. As I was going through the debriefs posted by students who scored 700 plus in the real test they were mainly from Engineering backgrounds. Like, people who are from non-maths backgrounds find it a bit challenging to ace this test, especially the Quant section. I think in my earlier post I mentioned that I study alone and that too with music which was validated by most of the experts. I am also sharing my previous post regarding studying along with music. Here is the link for the same: https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-prep-qu ... l#p3050100

My confusion is it difficult to get a good score for a non-maths background person. Please provide your views and thoughts on it.

Thanks,
Pooja
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Gmat Test __Is not just walk in the park Updated on: 19 Oct 2024, 11:20
Originally posted by GMAT695 on 19 Oct 2024, 11:00.
Last edited by GMAT695 on 19 Oct 2024, 11:20, edited 1 time in total.
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Hi Pooja, I think I am the right person to answer your question. I recently scored a Q87 and I am from a non - math background. So yes, you can get a Q90, even without a math background.
poojaarora1818
Hi Experts,


This is something very specific to me. As I was going through the debriefs posted by students who scored 700 plus in the real test they were mainly from Engineering backgrounds. Like, people who are from non-maths backgrounds find it a bit challenging to ace this test, especially the Quant section. I think in my earlier post I mentioned that I study alone and that too with music which was validated by most of the experts. I am also sharing my previous post regarding studying along with music. Here is the link for the same: https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-prep-qu ... l#p3050100

My confusion is it difficult to get a good score for a non-maths background person. Please provide your views and thoughts on it.

Thanks,
Pooja
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Gmat Test __Is not just walk in the park 19 Oct 2024, 11:07
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GMAT695
Hi Pooja, I think I am the right person to answer your question. I recently scored a Q87 and I am from a non - math background. So yes, you can get a Q90, even without a non math background.
poojaarora1818
Hi Experts,


This is something very specific to me. As I was going through the debriefs posted by students who scored 700 plus in the real test they were mainly from Engineering backgrounds. Like, people who are from non-maths backgrounds find it a bit challenging to ace this test, especially the Quant section. I think in my earlier post I mentioned that I study alone and that too with music which was validated by most of the experts. I am also sharing my previous post regarding studying along with music. Here is the link for the same: https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-prep-qu ... l#p3050100

My confusion is it difficult to get a good score for a non-maths background person. Please provide your views and thoughts on it.

Thanks,
Pooja
Show more
Thank you so much for the response. Your response boosted my confidence. It's a very lonely journey and sometimes it's very difficult to maintain the momentum with professional and personal responsibilities. Thanks my Friend.
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Gmat Test __Is not just walk in the park 19 Oct 2024, 16:20
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Quote:
It's a very lonely journey and sometimes it's very difficult to maintain the momentum with professional and personal responsibilities.
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Consider including working with a study buddy into your prep. If you can find someone who is really strong on Quant and needs help with Verbal, that could be a good fit. There's a study buddy thread on gmatclub you could check out/sign up to.
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Gmat Test __Is not just walk in the park 19 Oct 2024, 18:44
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GmatKnightTutor
Quote:
It's a very lonely journey and sometimes it's very difficult to maintain the momentum with professional and personal responsibilities.

Consider including working with a study buddy into your prep. If you can find someone who is really strong on Quant and needs help with Verbal, that could be a good fit. There's a study buddy thread on gmatclub you could check out/sign up to.
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Thank you so much for the advice. But I am just in the middle of my prep and trying to fix all the holes I discover during my prep. I am considering someone who has done the test and could help me during my preparation period.

Thank you!
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Gmat Test __Is not just walk in the park 24 Oct 2024, 18:14
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Hi poojaarora1818,

It's a common concern, but you definitely don’t need a math background to do well on the GMAT. While it’s true that some high scorers come from engineering or quant-heavy fields, success on the GMAT quant section isn't about advanced math—it’s about logic and problem-solving. The math concepts tested are mostly high school level, and with the right approach, anyone can master them.

Your ability to think critically, break down problems, and apply strategies matters more than having a math-heavy background. Since you’ve already established good study habits (like studying with music, which works for you), it’s just a matter of focusing on understanding concepts and practicing consistently. Many non-math background test-takers have aced the quant section by working through targeted practice and building their confidence.

So, don't be discouraged! With the right preparation, you can definitely achieve a great score, regardless of your background.
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Gmat Test __Is not just walk in the park 24 Oct 2024, 19:50
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ScottTargetTestPrep
Hi poojaarora1818,

It's a common concern, but you definitely don’t need a math background to do well on the GMAT. While it’s true that some high scorers come from engineering or quant-heavy fields, success on the GMAT quant section isn't about advanced math—it’s about logic and problem-solving. The math concepts tested are mostly high school level, and with the right approach, anyone can master them.

Your ability to think critically, break down problems, and apply strategies matters more than having a math-heavy background. Since you’ve already established good study habits (like studying with music, which works for you), it’s just a matter of focusing on understanding concepts and practicing consistently. Many non-math background test-takers have aced the quant section by working through targeted practice and building their confidence.

So, don't be discouraged! With the right preparation, you can definitely achieve a great score, regardless of your background.
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Hey Scott,


Thank you so much for your support and guidance as always. In my previous post, I remember you had supported me where I mentioned that I study along with the music. If you remember correctly, I have been using the TTP course for a long time. I am prepping for my second attempt this time and hoping to crush the test with a good score. Hope to prove that even students from a non-maths background can crack this test with a good score. Once again, thanks for the encouragement. Hope to connect with you soon once I am done with my test.

Thanks,
Pooja
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Gmat Test __Is not just walk in the park 11 Nov 2024, 19:56
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I don't know that there is such a thing as a math background. There is a mind block concept however.

We all have our strengths and preferences for what we like or do not like. Most of the math on the GMAT is high-school level, so we all have the math background necessary for these questions.

What I have seen is a situation where people decide that they do not like math. They declare to the themselves and convince themselves that they are not good at math, that they do not like math, and they treat quant with disdain, trying to learn as little as possible to cut as many corners as they can just to avoid learning it because, you know, heaven forbid they learn something as they are not a math person. Same by the way happens with DI and Verbal - people declare that they are not a native speaker, and therefore, you know, getting a V70 is the most they can get.

I often see it used as an excuse to not study it or feel perfectly fine with low scores because, you know, they are not math people. Well, nobody is really all that good at high school math - we all forgot it. Some may be math wiz's and they can get Q90. Others, may not feel it is worth the effort to go as high and will be content with a Q84 or Q85, and that's perfectly fine. You get the points where you can - Q, V, DI - they are all created equal.

poojaarora1818
Hi Experts,


This is something very specific to me. As I was going through the debriefs posted by students who scored 700 plus in the real test they were mainly from Engineering backgrounds. Like, people who are from non-maths backgrounds find it a bit challenging to ace this test, especially the Quant section. I think in my earlier post I mentioned that I study alone and that too with music which was validated by most of the experts. I am also sharing my previous post regarding studying along with music. Here is the link for the same: https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-prep-qu ... l#p3050100

My confusion is it difficult to get a good score for a non-maths background person. Please provide your views and thoughts on it.

Thanks,
Pooja
Show more
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Gmat Test __Is not just walk in the park 11 Nov 2024, 21:36
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What I have seen is a situation where people decide that they do not like math. They declare to the themselves and convince themselves that they are not good at math, that they do not like math, and they treat quant with disdain, trying to learn as little as possible to cut as many corners as they can just to avoid learning it because, you know, heaven forbid they learn something as they are not a math person. Same by the way happens with DI and Verbal - people declare that they are not a native speaker, and therefore, you know, getting a V70 is the most they can get.
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That's a great point. This "non-native speaker" concern is among the most common.

Hopefully we'll see less of it now that SC is out.
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Gmat Test __Is not just walk in the park 11 Nov 2024, 22:00
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[ltr]Thank you for your response and for addressing my doubt, bb Yes, I completely with you that there is no such thing as a non-maths background. I remember, during my high school days there was an option of selecting commerce with maths or commerce without maths. I took commerce without maths because my scores were not so great in my 10th grade. I made a wrong decision. And if you have not studied maths during your high school then you are not eligible to join any course during your undergrad which has maths. So, I was forced to take B.Com (Pass) which is again commerce without maths. Totally. a wrong decision. Anyway, it's never too late what I haven't studied during my school and college days that I am doing it now.

And, I completely agree with the second of your statement where you mentioned students who are non-native speakers, especially from India always come up with an excuse that for them verbal is the most underperformed section. I cannot comment much on other parts of the states in India but I can tell that people who are raised in New Delhi are very much versed with the English language. I studied Hindi till 8th Grade. So, my understanding of the Hindi language is very low. That's why when Indian students post anything in Hindi I am unable to interpret it. And, Thank God there is no Hindi in Gmat or any other Grad course. Once, again thanks for your input.

Thank you,
Pooja[/ltr]

bb
I don't know that there is such a thing as a math background. There is a mind block concept however.

We all have our strengths and preferences for what we like or do not like. Most of the math on the GMAT is high-school level, so we all have the math background necessary for these questions.

What I have seen is a situation where people decide that they do not like math. They declare to the themselves and convince themselves that they are not good at math, that they do not like math, and they treat quant with disdain, trying to learn as little as possible to cut as many corners as they can just to avoid learning it because, you know, heaven forbid they learn something as they are not a math person. Same by the way happens with DI and Verbal - people declare that they are not a native speaker, and therefore, you know, getting a V70 is the most they can get.

I often see it used as an excuse to not study it or feel perfectly fine with low scores because, you know, they are not math people. Well, nobody is really all that good at high school math - we all forgot it. Some may be math wiz's and they can get Q90. Others, may not feel it is worth the effort to go as high and will be content with a Q84 or Q85, and that's perfectly fine. You get the points where you can - Q, V, DI - they are all created equal.

poojaarora1818
Hi Experts,


This is something very specific to me. As I was going through the debriefs posted by students who scored 700 plus in the real test they were mainly from Engineering backgrounds. Like, people who are from non-maths backgrounds find it a bit challenging to ace this test, especially the Quant section. I think in my earlier post I mentioned that I study alone and that too with music which was validated by most of the experts. I am also sharing my previous post regarding studying along with music. Here is the link for the same: https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-prep-qu ... l#p3050100

My confusion is it difficult to get a good score for a non-maths background person. Please provide your views and thoughts on it.

Thanks,
Pooja
Show more