When it comes to 2+2, I have no clue

[goldenone]

Ok, so maybe I'm exagerrating a little bit. But, as a person with Dyscalculia (math learning disability) I have extreme difficulty learning mathematical concepts that would take my peers half the time and effort to solve. After graduating a top-ranked college with stellar undergrad record, I have found it incredibly difficult to get a job with my non-quant background. It's not just me-- graduated peers with similar backgrounds who I know all have one thing in common: none of us have adequate full time employment. So instead of just naturally entering the workforce I've been seeking out grad school.

 

I got into a well-known university for a masters program last year and did not attend for family reasons. The program was ideal because it didn't involve any quant training whatsoever, so I could just hone my established skills without floundering in some math class and suffering through equations I can't understand.

 

I'm looking into applying to grad school again for the coming academic year 2015/16 but a lot of the programs I am considering require some quantitative courses: macro/micro-econ, stats and so on. I am afraid that should I even be admitted to these programs considering my low GRE math portion, I would struggle to just pass. Dyscalculia is little-known and my experience with university administration shows me that support is sorely lacking. And no- tutoring does not help when it's your brain function that's the problem.

 

1. Does anyone here have dyscalculia, and if so, how have you been able to adapt to programs requiring quantitative classes?
2. Have you been able to find professional oriented (less theoretical) programs like in International Relations, Public Policy & the like without a quant emphasis? Or, have you found a more adaptable administration that has been understanding of your learning disability?

I would welcome any thoughts from those with a similar backgrounds. I would love to hear how you have traversed the confusing terrain of grad school despite these challenges.

Edited August 31, 2014 by goldenone

[Ankghost0912]

Hey goldenone,

I did not suffer from dyscalculia per se,but I had this persistent fear and revulsion from mathematics,due to which I wasn't able to learn mathematics quickly. However, it changed over time. You can overcome this condition only by practice. Do as much maths as you can,try to love the subject. Sure, the other's will be ahead of you at first, but eventually you'll be able to do better.