Last visit was: 22 Apr 2026, 08:22 It is currently 22 Apr 2026, 08:22
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
User avatar
cristianus
User avatar
Joined: 17 Mar 2021
Last visit: 18 Nov 2024
Posts: 4
Own Kudos:
1
 [1]
Posts: 4
Kudos: 1
 [1]
GRE 334 and 2.5 AWA Updated on: 05 Nov 2024, 10:40
Originally posted by cristianus on 04 Nov 2024, 19:35.
Last edited by cristianus on 05 Nov 2024, 10:40, edited 1 time in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I took the GRE last weekend and scored 334. However, I was so nervous at the very beginning that I couldn't think and answer properly during the first section, AWA, and ended up scoring 2.5 there. I'm wondering:
  1. Would it be absolutely necessary that I retake or would my overall score still be highly regarded by admissions despite the low AWA? Thinking I can just explain my reasons in the optional essay and submit an old IELTS writing score (8/9)
  2. Are there differences in the way admissions in the states vs. Europe value the AWA section? How necessary is having an at least average AWA score to get into the M7 or top 2 in Europe?
  3. Do you know of anyone who had a similar dilemma and had no problem getting into a top business school?
Thanks in advance to anyone's feedback and advice.
User avatar
MikeAdams
User avatar
Joined: 05 Nov 2024
Last visit: 19 Nov 2024
Posts: 2
Own Kudos:
4
 [1]
Posts: 2
Kudos: 4
 [1]
GRE 334 and 2.5 AWA 05 Nov 2024, 02:14
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post


cristianus
I took the GRE last weekend and scored 334. However, I was so nervous at the very beginning that I couldn't think and answer properly during the first section, AWA, and ended up scoring 2.5 there. I'm wondering:
  1. Would it be absolutely necessary that I retake or would my overall score still be highly regarded by admissions despite the low AWA? Thinking I can just explain my reasons in the optional essay and submit an old IELTS writing score (8/9)
  2. Are there differences in the way admissions in the states vs. Europe value the AWA section? How necessary is having an at least average AWA score to get into the M7 or top 2 in Europe?
Thanks in advance to anyone's feedback and advice.
Show more
[align=left]Congratulations on your impressive GRE score! With a total score of 334, you absolutely stand out, and most schools will look more closely at this score than just the low AWA section. To compensate, you can briefly explain the reason for your low AWA score in the optional section, emphasizing that you have good writing ability with an IELTS score of 8/9. Programs in the US and Europe often evaluate comprehensively, so with a strong essay and application, AWA scores will not be a big problem. As long as you demonstrate the ability to write coherently and truthfully, you still have a good chance of getting into top schools.
Congrat,
[/align]

User avatar
Businessconquerer
User avatar
Joined: 17 Jul 2018
Last visit: 07 Jul 2025
Posts: 2,811
Own Kudos:
1,191
Given Kudos: 185
Products:
My Reviews
Posts: 2,811
Kudos: 1,191
GRE 334 and 2.5 AWA 07 Nov 2024, 08:03
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
cristianus
I took the GRE last weekend and scored 334. However, I was so nervous at the very beginning that I couldn't think and answer properly during the first section, AWA, and ended up scoring 2.5 there. I'm wondering:
  1. Would it be absolutely necessary that I retake or would my overall score still be highly regarded by admissions despite the low AWA? Thinking I can just explain my reasons in the optional essay and submit an old IELTS writing score (8/9)
  2. Are there differences in the way admissions in the states vs. Europe value the AWA section? How necessary is having an at least average AWA score to get into the M7 or top 2 in Europe?
  3. Do you know of anyone who had a similar dilemma and had no problem getting into a top business school?
Thanks in advance to anyone's feedback and advice.
Show more
I think I saw this on reddit too.

AWA does play a role and I think since HBS and MIT have started asking this (BWA) of candidates with FE scores, there has been an increase.

Why don't you ask the schools if you can get this one sent in addition to your GRE- https://www.mba.com/exams/business-writing-assessment

If they are allowing it, best!
User avatar
cristianus
User avatar
Joined: 17 Mar 2021
Last visit: 18 Nov 2024
Posts: 4
Own Kudos:
1
Posts: 4
Kudos: 1
GRE 334 and 2.5 AWA 12 Nov 2024, 20:00
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thanks for your advice! Much appreciated. Will definitely do this. Fingers crossed.
MikeAdams


cristianus
I took the GRE last weekend and scored 334. However, I was so nervous at the very beginning that I couldn't think and answer properly during the first section, AWA, and ended up scoring 2.5 there. I'm wondering:
  1. Would it be absolutely necessary that I retake or would my overall score still be highly regarded by admissions despite the low AWA? Thinking I can just explain my reasons in the optional essay and submit an old IELTS writing score (8/9)
  2. Are there differences in the way admissions in the states vs. Europe value the AWA section? How necessary is having an at least average AWA score to get into the M7 or top 2 in Europe?
Thanks in advance to anyone's feedback and advice.
[align=left]Congratulations on your impressive GRE score! With a total score of 334, you absolutely stand out, and most schools will look more closely at this score than just the low AWA section. To compensate, you can briefly explain the reason for your low AWA score in the optional section, emphasizing that you have good writing ability with an IELTS score of 8/9. Programs in the US and Europe often evaluate comprehensively, so with a strong essay and application, AWA scores will not be a big problem. As long as you demonstrate the ability to write coherently and truthfully, you still have a good chance of getting into top schools.
Congrat,
[/align]

Show more
User avatar
cristianus
User avatar
Joined: 17 Mar 2021
Last visit: 18 Nov 2024
Posts: 4
Own Kudos:
1
Posts: 4
Kudos: 1
GRE 334 and 2.5 AWA 12 Nov 2024, 20:02
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Definitely looking into this. Hopefully it'll be enough. Thanks for the advice!
Businessconquerer
cristianus
I took the GRE last weekend and scored 334. However, I was so nervous at the very beginning that I couldn't think and answer properly during the first section, AWA, and ended up scoring 2.5 there. I'm wondering:
  1. Would it be absolutely necessary that I retake or would my overall score still be highly regarded by admissions despite the low AWA? Thinking I can just explain my reasons in the optional essay and submit an old IELTS writing score (8/9)
  2. Are there differences in the way admissions in the states vs. Europe value the AWA section? How necessary is having an at least average AWA score to get into the M7 or top 2 in Europe?
  3. Do you know of anyone who had a similar dilemma and had no problem getting into a top business school?
Thanks in advance to anyone's feedback and advice.
I think I saw this on reddit too.

AWA does play a role and I think since HBS and MIT have started asking this (BWA) of candidates with FE scores, there has been an increase.

Why don't you ask the schools if you can get this one sent in addition to your GRE

If they are allowing it, best!
Show more
User avatar
Carcass
User avatar
Board of Directors
Joined: 01 Sep 2010
Last visit: 20 Apr 2026
Posts: 4,711
Own Kudos:
37,832
Given Kudos: 4,925
Posts: 4,711
Kudos: 37,832
GRE 334 and 2.5 AWA 13 Nov 2024, 00:39
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
334 is a great score. Congratulations

I took the GRE last weekend and scored 334. However, I was so nervous at the very beginning that I couldn't think and answer properly during the first section, AWA, and ended up scoring 2.5 there. I'm wondering:

  1. Would it be absolutely necessary that I retake or would my overall score still be highly regarded by admissions despite the low AWA? Thinking I can just explain my reasons in the optional essay and submit an old IELTS writing score (8/9)

You score is good enough for any school. If you take a look at the Average scores at top 50 schools here https://gmatclub.com/forum/average-gre- ... 27616.html you can easily see that 334 on the gRE is good. Even above the average

  1. Are there differences in the way admissions in the states vs. Europe value the AWA section? How necessary is having an at least average AWA score to get into the M7 or top 2 in Europe?

Basically NO. Some school wants the AWA at least 4.5. Some school does not care. However there is no much difference between those in US and those in Europe. The simplest thing you can do is to take a look at the website's school of your interest and see what is reported in the admission page.
In my opinion. regardless if they care or not and with CHATGpt ubiquitous, you should have a good AWA score. It depends. On the balance, I would say that you are ok with this score. All depends on the specific school you want to apply for.

  1. Do you know of anyone who had a similar dilemma and had no problem getting into a top business school?

Again. It depends on the school and program you want. If they ask the minimum AWA score you could be in trouble. However, several student compensates with a great essay or SOP

Thanks in advance to anyone's feedback and advice.
User avatar
cristianus
User avatar
Joined: 17 Mar 2021
Last visit: 18 Nov 2024
Posts: 4
Own Kudos:
1
Posts: 4
Kudos: 1
GRE 334 and 2.5 AWA 18 Nov 2024, 02:47
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I see, thank you for this!
carcass
334 is a great score. Congratulations

I took the GRE last weekend and scored 334. However, I was so nervous at the very beginning that I couldn't think and answer properly during the first section, AWA, and ended up scoring 2.5 there. I'm wondering:

  1. Would it be absolutely necessary that I retake or would my overall score still be highly regarded by admissions despite the low AWA? Thinking I can just explain my reasons in the optional essay and submit an old IELTS writing score (8/9)

You score is good enough for any school. If you take a look at the Average scores at top 50 schools here https://gmatclub.com/forum/average-gre- ... 27616.html you can easily see that 334 on the gRE is good. Even above the average

  1. Are there differences in the way admissions in the states vs. Europe value the AWA section? How necessary is having an at least average AWA score to get into the M7 or top 2 in Europe?

Basically NO. Some school wants the AWA at least 4.5. Some school does not care. However there is no much difference between those in US and those in Europe. The simplest thing you can do is to take a look at the website's school of your interest and see what is reported in the admission page.
In my opinion. regardless if they care or not and with CHATGpt ubiquitous, you should have a good AWA score. It depends. On the balance, I would say that you are ok with this score. All depends on the specific school you want to apply for.

  1. Do you know of anyone who had a similar dilemma and had no problem getting into a top business school?

Again. It depends on the school and program you want. If they ask the minimum AWA score you could be in trouble. However, several student compensates with a great essay or SOP

Thanks in advance to anyone's feedback and advice.
Show more