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01 Nov 2013, 07:12
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So I was thinking lately, "is it worth skipping the AWA and IR, get a 0, and then do my best on the rest of the GMAT?".
As I was digesting this argument, I ended up in a more mature thought: "what if I don't stress too much for AWA and IR, and maybe go for a 2/8 or 3/8". This meaning that I will write my AWA, without worrying too much if I expanded or extended my argument too much, proceed to IR, focus on 4-5 questions which I think I can answer correctly, and take it really lightly for the rest of them.
What do you think?
P.S. I've no idea how IR is being handled by bschools, I'm planning to apply for 2014 courses. Also, I haven't seen anywhere IR being asked or rated or evaluated...moreover I just can't buy the argument that some people say "yeah...it doesn't really count, but it's nice to have a good mark". What does that even mean? That bschool admissions might say, "yeah, he got a 690, which is great, his application looks fine, his CV too, but....awwww...just missed it because of his low IR!"
As I was digesting this argument, I ended up in a more mature thought: "what if I don't stress too much for AWA and IR, and maybe go for a 2/8 or 3/8". This meaning that I will write my AWA, without worrying too much if I expanded or extended my argument too much, proceed to IR, focus on 4-5 questions which I think I can answer correctly, and take it really lightly for the rest of them.
What do you think?
P.S. I've no idea how IR is being handled by bschools, I'm planning to apply for 2014 courses. Also, I haven't seen anywhere IR being asked or rated or evaluated...moreover I just can't buy the argument that some people say "yeah...it doesn't really count, but it's nice to have a good mark". What does that even mean? That bschool admissions might say, "yeah, he got a 690, which is great, his application looks fine, his CV too, but....awwww...just missed it because of his low IR!"
farful
Joined: 09 Sep 2013
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01 Nov 2013, 07:50
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You should take them seriously. I've heard somewhere that whilst it's true that schools don't care too much about AWA, it just plainly looks bad if you don't try or get below a 4/6 (21st percentile). Also, if you're unaware, the schools get a copy of what you wrote for your AWA.
I would recommend you read through this guide: how-to-get-6-0-awa-my-guide-64327.html Come up with a similar template, memorize it, and write one or two essays with this template. That should be sufficient for you to easily get above a 4/6. I personally had unfinished sentences/paragraphs in my AWA and still managed a 5/6.
As for IR... who knows. I know that MIT specifically stated that they won't look at IR. Lots of other schools may not look at it as well, or more likely, they won't put much weight into it. Again, if it looks like you didn't try or scored poorly, it may look bad. That said, I personally found the IR section to be a combination of quant/verbal, so if you have a decent handle on both sections, I find IR to come naturally. The hardest part about IR is pacing yourself.
But in general, you are correct and you shouldn't stress yourself too much with AWA/IR. They definitely count less than the Quant/Verbal, but do at least try.
Just my two cents.
I would recommend you read through this guide: how-to-get-6-0-awa-my-guide-64327.html Come up with a similar template, memorize it, and write one or two essays with this template. That should be sufficient for you to easily get above a 4/6. I personally had unfinished sentences/paragraphs in my AWA and still managed a 5/6.
As for IR... who knows. I know that MIT specifically stated that they won't look at IR. Lots of other schools may not look at it as well, or more likely, they won't put much weight into it. Again, if it looks like you didn't try or scored poorly, it may look bad. That said, I personally found the IR section to be a combination of quant/verbal, so if you have a decent handle on both sections, I find IR to come naturally. The hardest part about IR is pacing yourself.
But in general, you are correct and you shouldn't stress yourself too much with AWA/IR. They definitely count less than the Quant/Verbal, but do at least try.
Just my two cents.
01 Nov 2013, 09:16
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farful
Farful,
I agree with almost everything you have mentioned, and I have also read the guide myself
It's a great guide too.I disagree with the fact that bschools will see a good GMAT score, and then disregard you for not having a good AWA or IR (also strongly agree that IR derives from quant/verbal study). I'm not in admissions, but if I saw a profile that matched my expectations plus a good GMAT score, I would invite the candidate for an interview and try to see beyond AWA and IR.
I'm pushing my luck here, but as long as I don't see AWA and IR marks being asked for, I can't accept that a bad AWA will throw you off (whereas a bad quant most probably will).
