All CoursesAs a GMAT aspirant from a non-engineering background, you probably must have wondered if you’d be able to crack the exam, considering its challenging quantitative aptitude section. However, you need not worry about this. A smart preparation strategy and a proper plan will help you achieve the perfect GMAT score even if you are not a math expert. This article is a GMAT preparation guide for non-engineers.
Every year, many candidates from non-engineering backgrounds appear for the GMAT exam and clear it with good scores. As a test-taker from a non-mathematical background, the only thing that needs your attention is the quantitative section. Hence, you need to dedicate ample time and work hard to hone the skills needed to solve the quantitative section of the exam. This is not an insurmountable task, nor does it need years and years of practice. Instead, you can just refer to the following tips on GMAT preparation for non engineers.
Tips on GMAT Preparation for Non Engineer Students
- Know your Strengths and Weaknesses
The quant section of the GMAT is a nightmare to most of the aspirants, especially for those who are from a non-mathematical background. Hence, the first thing you need to do is to identify your strengths and weaknesses in the quant section. For eg., you might be well acquainted with the techniques in Algebra but might be weak in Geometry. It is important to ask yourself, how comfortable are you with each and every topic that you will be tested in GMAT Quant, be it algebra, time and work, number theory or probability? This will help you create a preparation plan that focuses more on improving your weaker areas in mathematics.
- Identify the tricky questions
Some quant topics are easier to tackle than others because they are based on logic rather than math techniques, and you do not always need formulas to solve them. For instance, questions from the topics such as work-time, permutations and combinations, probability, numbers and sets etc., can be solved just as easily by someone with a logical mind and a good hold on elementary math as someone with a strong quant background. However, the quant section may try to trick you by convoluting the questions. Hence, it is important to practice such questions to identify which question needs logic and which one needs mathematical formulas to solve.
- Use the right technique
The majority of question types tested in GMAT Quant can be solved through shortcut methods. In some cases, you might not even have to solve the problems in a conventional way. In fact, doing so is not advisable given that you have less than two minutes to solve each question. Hence, identifying and practising the correct techniques to solve the problems is essential to get a good score in the quant section. However, if you’re preparing on your own, it will be difficult for you to understand such techniques. This is where you can opt for coaching institutes like CareerLabs. The coaching institutes will help you understand the tricks to solve the mathematical problems through several practice tests and prepare you for the actual test.
- Measure your progress
Once you learn a new concept, it is always important to measure your progress on a daily or weekly basis. Hence, take as many practice tests as possible and carefully analyze your performance in the Quant section. By doing this, you will be able to identify the errors you make and will avoid making them in the actual exam. As you solve more and more problems, you will have more data to analyze, and this will help you identify error patterns as well. Once you get to know the error pattern, you can search for the techniques to fix them.
Most people believe that only candidates from an engineering background can ace the GMAT with a great score. However, this is not true. Whether you are an engineering graduate or an arts graduate, preparation and hard work is the key to make it through the competitive exams like the GMAT. However, if you are from a non-math background, you can refer to the above GMAT Preparation Guide for Non-Engineers, follow the tips and start your preparations to get into a business school of your choice.
Good luck!
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