AWA Score - whats the point of it?

Question

Hi all,

I'm new to the GMAT process and just in the researching phase. I've been reading that the AWA "score does not count towards your final GMAT score and is reported separately."

So what is the point of this part of the GMAT? Why do they have you write it? Relative to the other two sections, how do MBA schools weight this score in their admissions process (generally speaking)?

Do people even spend time preparing for the AWA section?

Thank you!

BM · Answer

Along with application essays and interviews, the AWA allows schools to assess your ability to think critically and express yourself. But the AWA isn't as important as the quant and verbal scores. The AWA, however, can present problems for you if the score is low (below 4.0). It's just another hoop to jump through.

See these two links for more information:

analytical-writing-assessment-awa-144/

how-to-get-6-0-awa-my-guide-64327.html

sfeng · Answer

So should I actually "study" for this? Relatively speaking, what % of my study time should go towards this?

BM · Answer

Two weeks or so before the test should be adequate time for the AWA. It doesn't hurt to start earlier, though.

sfeng · Answer

Two weeks prior, assuming a 3 month study plan?

The reason I'm asking % of studying relative to Quant and Verbal is because I'm under a very tight study schedule... (ie. I don't have 3 months!)

Swoosh617 · Answer

I think you just want to get into a good habit of creating a quick outline whenever you see a topic. I like going through a bunch of sample prompts, and just formulating a structure of what my essay would look like. After a bunch of run throughs, you kinda get a sense of how your essay will flow, instead of risk being scattered on test day

BM · Answer

People usually recommend a week. But you seem a little nervous about it, so I thought that two weeks would be enough to gain confidence and ability to score well.

The amount of time that I recommended is independent of your timetable, unless you plan to study only for a few weeks. In that case, I would lower my original estimate to one week or less. How long do you plan to prepare for the test?

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AWA Score - whats the point of it?

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