Sorry if you're reading this again, I posted this in another forum but I think it might make more sense here:
Hello,
Just received my official score report and I am disappointed and concerned about by AWA score of 4.5 (37th Percentile).
Despite not thoroughly preparing for this section and realizing that my second essay was substandard on the test day (ran out of time after trying to go in a new direction), I was surprised by the percentile.
I have read that AWA scores are not heavily waited by admissions offices, but I am concerned that a low score will put me at risk.
My score:
710 Overall / 42 Verbal / 47 Math / 4.5 AWA
If I am targeting top tier schools (where the median score is 700-720), would anyone suggest a retake? Has anyone ever utilized the AWA grade challenge method?