GMAT is often viewed as the go-to test for business schools. Given how many different people take the test, you will run into people from various fields who want to explore a different career path. There is no specific requirement for having a particular background to be able to take the test. Anyone can take it, including engineers, doctors, social workers, computer engineers and so on.
However, it can’t be denied that test takers with certain backgrounds will have an advantage over others. This because of the tests content. For example, engineers, mathematicians and STEM students, in general, tend to do better on the GMAT due to their quantitative and problem-solving skills.
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Is GMAT easy for Engineers?
Yes, definitely GMAT is easier for engineers due to reasons outlined below:
Preexisting Quant Skills
As you may already know, the GMAT is known for having a challenging quantitative section. It goes without saying that if you have a preexisting math foundation, you will find the test easier. Unfortunately, most people who take the test are out of high school for many years. This factor adds to the difficulty in relearning those math topics and getting comfortable with them.
Engineers, on the other hand, have already studied math for years in college. Even if they are out of college and working in their field, they use their engineering skills on a daily basis, which keeps them sharp and ready for what’s on the test.
However, don’t get me wrong. Engineers would still need to prepare for the test like anyone else. The difference is that it would be much easier for them to grasp the topics and practice those topics, given their familiarity with math.
Problem-solving SkIlls
Another advantage engineers might have on GMAT is their problem-solving skills. Engineers are hard-wired to seek solutions to problems that they encounter. They are specifically trained for such an endeavour in school. People who go onto becoming engineers likely had these skills, to begin with.
Whatever the case be, problem-solving is an undeniable aspect of engineering, and it can also help in the GMAT.
Why?
Well, almost half of the quantitative questions on GMAT are problem-solving questions.
The only difference is that engineers need to apply their problem-solving skills in a purely mathematical context. Instead of having tools and other resources, they would need to utilize their intuitive minds to find quant problems.
Data Analysis Skills
An engineer is no stranger to sorting and interpreting large swaths of data. This is another reason an engineer might have an easier time on the GMAT, especially the integrated reasoning section, which involves data analysis.
However, to what extent would an engineering background help in this section is hard to say. Ultimately, it would vary from person to person but broadly speaking; engineers should have an easier time navigating the integrated reasoning section as well.
The IR section focuses on different question types such as multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation and two-part analysis. The one thing common amongst all these question types is that they require you to assess data.
The data might come in raw numbers, a table or in graphical form, but in essence, it is a collection of information that needs to be analyzed.
Time-management skills
Engineers often have rigid deadlines and managerial pressure to arrive at a solution. This factor will surely benefit them on GMAT as it is a timed test that requires time-management skills and the ability to work under pressure.
On the GMAT, you have a little under 2 minutes to solve a question. This is primarily what makes the test so challenging because while many people would ultimately solve a question, few can do it in under 2 minutes consistently.
Not to mention the surmounting stress of not wanting to leave any questions unanswered. Add all of this up, and the GMAT is as much a test of your nerves as it is of your quant and verbal skills.
Conclusion
Yes, Engineers would generally find the test easier because of their preexisting math knowledge. Moreover, since many GMAT questions have to do with problem-solving, engineers are well suited for it. The same can be said for analyzing data and interpreting numbers to arrive at an answer. Lastly, since time constraints often bind engineers, they would have an easier time managing time on the GMAT.