GMAT 710, AWA 4, does this hurt my chances for admissions?

Question

Hey all,

Just got my official scores published, scored a 710 (Q49,V37, IR7, AWA4).

Was expecting a higher score on the AWA and the score I got has me worried if it is too low or if it will cause an issue in securing admissions in B-schools in Canada and Australia.

Can anyone elaborate on the impact this might have? 
The colleges on my shortlist (UniMelb, Rotman, York, McGill etc.) have IELTS/TOEFL scores as an admission pre-requisite as well, would scoring well on those exams help with offsetting the AWA score?

Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

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bb · Answer

AWA does not matter. It is even being removed from the GMAT completely in the upcoming version of the test. So, no, it won’t hurt your chances.

BB.

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DorkyBurger · Answer

Thanks for the quick response!

That's a huge relief, honestly started wondering if I'd have to start preparing for the test all over again.

bb · Answer

I would not worry at all about it and boldly apply. 😎

PS. Are you able to apply in the next few months or will you be applying in the fall?

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DorkyBurger · Answer

I'll probably apply in the fall, got a few more things to do including the IELTS

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi DorkyBurger.

The AWA score is barely considered by admissions officers.

Also, according to GMAC, a score of 4 on the AWA means the following:

A Score of 4 Is Adequate—A competent critique of the argument, demonstrating adequate control of the elements of effective writing

So, you have an adequate score on a section that is barely considered.

DorkyBurger · Answer

Hey,

That's great to hear, thanks for the reply!

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi DorkyBurger,

First off, a 710/Q49 is an outstanding Score, so you can comfortably apply to any Business Schools that interest you. As such, a retest might not be necessary. Most Schools expect that you should be able to write a decently-organized essay in a short period of time (which shows your ability to communicate effectively with written words). As long as you score at least a 4.0 on the AWA (which you have), then you should be fine at most Programs.

Since you have a list of Schools that you want to apply to - and at least one specific Admissions question - you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement (and the more time that you have to act on that advice, the better). There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

DorkyBurger · Answer

Hey, thanks for such a detailed response, I've raised a query in one of the threads in that sub-forum as well, really appreciate the help!

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ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi DorkyBurger,

Great work with 710! I don't think you have to worry about your AWA score.

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GMAT 710, AWA 4, does this hurt my chances for admissions?

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