AWA

I don't remember this accurately and fully, but I did read somewhere that Harvard requests in the official GMAT copy, the AWA essays as well. Typically, schools don't request these. However, I am not too sure if they use it while extending an offer, as you can report unoffocial scores while applying.

But the point on Verbal/Math sub scores is well taken. For example, as an Indian applicant, they would expect you to be >= 49 or maybe even 50 on your Quant, and won't be fazed by it. But if you have a Q 50 and a V 42 - now THAT's a powerful score versus a Q51 and V 38. In my opinion the AWA score is not as important as your GMAT Verbal score, and the reason it is looked at is to point out whether a person is truly good at verbal (eg: V42 and AWA 6.0) or good with verbal interpretation/reading but not writing (eg: V 42 and AWA 4.0)

Hope this is helpful.

+1 str1der. If a link exists to whether H requests AWA essays that would be very useful.

I tried searching for it but couldnt find it. Vividly remember this though. In any case, Even if they dont read your awa, its fine right because a) you get an offer without submitting the official score so clearly awa doesnt figure heavily, if at all, and b) you cant help it as the essays are already done with in your gmat.

If i find the link ill post it heere. Cheers!