710... but bombed the AWA

Question

Hey all,

I took the GMAT three times, finally scoring a 710 (48q/38v) with an IR score of 7/8 and a 4.0 (21%) on the AWA. I am a native speaker from the US. I know that schools will look at everything in an application, but how much will the AWA hold me back? I scored a 5.0 (60%) on my first test with a 680 overall (43q/40v) but I actually bombed the IR on that one by scoring a 0/8! (I cancelled the scores from my second test). Would love some feedback. I do NOT want to take this thing a fourth time, as I'm sure many of you can relate to. My target schools are Wharton, CBS, Booth, Stern and Johnson. I am an Army officer, with a 3.6 GPA from a large state school.

jz4analytics · Answer

I don't think a 4 AWA is bombing it, but it might be the lowest respectable score. With a 710 total and 7 IR you're probably fine. If you can write your application essays well that may compensate. Spending time on your story, explaining work experience, goals, why you think you're a good fit for that specific program, etc... is better time spent than taking the GMAT again so you can have a 5 (or something) AWA.

fxMBAconsulting · Answer

Wharton puts apps into two piles when they arrive <720 and 720+
Statistically speaking it isn't worth it for anyone to apply to Wharton with less than a 720, but because individual outcomes are binary - there is obviously still a slight chance of getting in for anyone who does. Stern and Johnson are more within your reach than CBS and Booth. I agree that with a compelling story your 710 is acceptable and the AWA will not negatively impact your overall app.

CriticalSquare · Answer

Don't worry too much about the AWA 4 pal - you can make up for that by showcasing your communication skills through your resume, recs, and essays. Your raw score is what's the most important (and what counts for rankings!). So you're good to go - congratulations on the end of a long, difficult journey. Well done with that hard earned 710!!

Bhavik

Bhavik

jz4analytics · Answer

Source please?

cf1988 · Answer

Thanks for the reply- I haven't heard of any school sorting applications like that before, but thanks for sharing.

cf1988 · Answer

CriticalSquare  and  jz4analytics ,

Glad to hear that the AWA won't be a deal breaker on my apps, appreciate the input.

jz4analytics · Answer

I would still take this with a grain of salt. The average GMAT at Wharton is 725... that's not the minimum. I'd be surprised if they didn't give 710's a serious look.

The guy  here  estimates that a 710 has about a 14% shot at Wharton.

CriticalSquare · Answer

You're welcome cf1988 - now just start working on those apps!

Good luck!

Bhavik

cf1988 · Answer

That link was a fun read- it's interesting how every GMAT has a lower admissions probability than the 20% overall acceptance rate for the school. Not sure if that's possible (sounds like a GMAT question lol).

jz4analytics · Answer

Look at the "Acceptance rate by GMAT" chart.

650 = 8%
700 = 13%
750 = 21%
800 = 31%

It's a steep-sloping curve. GMAT matters a little more than GPA to Wharton, apparently

vatreni · Answer

I guess this thread is a tad bit old, but here's a quick word of caution on why the link from mbadataguru.com on Wharton admissions rate is inaccurate. The author claims to use a "a polynomial trend line for the scatter-plot because it had the highest R-squared," but in econometrics, if you keep adding regressors, R-squared always increases. The adjusted R-squared (which penalizes you for adding unnecessary regressors) is likely low.

To those that took Calculus BC, you might remember Taylor series. If you keep on adding polynomials, you can literally approximate any trend line. In other words, what's presented in that article is almost useless.

To those that took Calculus BC, you might remember  Taylor series . If you keep on adding polynomials, you can literally approximate any trend line. In other words, what's presented in that article is almost useless.

710... but bombed the AWA

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