I dont have to complete the AWA sections. Any suggestions..

Question

Any suggestions as to what I should do with that free time?

I figured that I would draw out the answer choice grid, jot down the info to help me keep on pace and perhaps some memorized info.

Thanks in advance!

mohater · Answer

Why don't you have to complete the AWA? Why would you throw away something that the school might use to benchmark you against other candidates?

Grundl · Answer

The school simply doesnt use it. They require essays as a part the application, so they have a sample of my writing. This program obviously isnt as competitive as a top tier school.

jko · Answer

I would still do the AWA. Just because they don't use it as part of their official evaluation criteria, doesn't mean they won't think you're a jackass for straight up ignoring it.

If you're worried about burn-out, just don't spend as much effort on the AWA. Personally I only took about 10-15 minutes on each AWA, and spent some of the leftover time trying to relax.

Grundl · Answer

Thanks for the reply. The only reason I'm considering not completing it is due to the fact the admissions folks told me not to waste my time with it.

So, IF, you were to not complete them, would you use some of that time to jot stuff down? I'm not just going to sit there for the entire time, maybe just use a few minutes to calm any nerves.

Thanks again.

BM · Answer

While the previous two members make a good point, I see that you have already made up your mind.

I would certainly take a few moments to get used to the surroundings and relax. Inspect the marker and perhaps jot down a few helpful things. After the AWA section, make sure to take the break. Go to the bathroom, freshen up, eat or drink something, and stretch. Even if you think this is not necessary, please do it anyway.

You really don't want to get too intense here, since that energy will be needed later on in the test.

Grundl · Answer

Thanks! The considerate response is appreciated. I didnt plan on taking the break, but I definitely will now.

cano · Answer

I would do a couple of things. First, write down the grid for Data Sufficiency questions (BD ACE or AD BCE) to cross over the options as you consider them. In a separate sheet of the laminated board they give you, I'd write down ABCDE for the Verbal Section. I was used to cross over the options that are not right in SC, CR and RC. I'd write besides those 41 questions some acronyms that I need, for example, the checklist for SC, the different types of CR questions and few things useful for RC. All of them I got them from the Veritas Prep books and were quite useful.
For the Quant Section though, when you write down stuff, do it on the side, leaving enough space to use as scrap for calculations. You don't want to use up half page and turn over the pages to check what you need all the time.

Just curious: Are you applying to only one school? The AWA section is easy, so you may reconsider your decision and do it. In case you later need to apply to a second school, you don't need to retake the exam.

Grundl · Answer

Thanks cano.

Yes, I'm only applying to one school. And thats a good point, but I dont foresee that I'll be applying to another school. Since test day tomorrow, I'm probably going to stick with not completing it.

bb · Answer

Interesting situation..... never heard of this. Good Luck!

vinayrsm · Answer

hi Grundi.. its your test day so wishing you good luck!!

For other who replied: I wanted to ask that is it not that one has to handover the sheets after AWA section and will get new sheets before Quant section starts (also also handover sheets at the end of Quant & beginning of Verbal)? I am not aware as to when we are required to hand back the sheets, pls share more info on this as it would be handy to jot down a few things in the last 5-10 mins of AWA section. thanks!

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I dont have to complete the AWA sections. Any suggestions..

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