GMAT AWA Score - Slightly Worried

Question

Hey all,

I took my GMAT for the 2nd time last week. While my overall score improved, my AWA score is pretty low. My scores are:

710 (Q47 V39) IR - 8 AWA - 5
750 (Q48 V44) IR - 5 AWA - 4

My score both IR & AWA. AWA especially, is the 18th percentile, which is really worrying. Under other circumstances I'd ask for a re-score, I'm fairly sure I can write better. But in this specific case it was the last section of my test and I just wanted to get it over with and possibly did drop the ball by being careless (don't do this if AWA is last for you, it really dampens your mood after a good score).

Do you think this drop, and particularly the AWA score is cause for concern? Both scores are reportable, so schools can see them both. Non-native speaker from an over-represented demographic if it makes a difference.

Thanks for any replies!

stoiczoan · Answer

Don’t worry about the AWA score. Your V44 proves your abilities to a certain extent, and B schools don’t care about IR or AWA scores so much, unless they are really low.. like 1 or 2.

The overall 750 is a great score and that’s what matters the most.

Only INSEAD cares a bit about IR (they recommend a 6 or above), but I feel 750 with IR5 will not cause any issues.

Just FYI, I have a 770 with IR5 and I had the same anxiety about my IR5.. but I haven’t seen it have any effect.

Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Congrats on the jump to 750. The IR is perfectly fine, so don't worry about that at all. AWA is low and it is evaluated by schools, but not as much as Q/V. In terms of whether it is worth taking it again, I would probably say no, but it does depend on the rest of your profile and the schools you are targeting. If you want to give a bit more information, that would help.

Best,
Scott

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

Hey AvalonQq,

Great scores. Your profile needs a bit of building though, and this is the right time for you to start.

You have given some details, but if you can PM me your resume, will help understand and advise on your profiile better. 
Happy to answer your questions over the phone.

ABatExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hi AvalonQQ , Congratulations on the new score!

Don't worry too much about the IR, since your overall Quant + Verbal scores compensate for the same to a large extent. Moreover, IR 5 is not as low as to raise too much of a concern and schools are mostly bothered when IR is under 2. All the best!

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Really good score...your IR/AWA should not affect things as stated above. One thing I would make sure you pay attention to is your writing in your essays and the application form. You would not want your writing to bring about questions elsewhere in your application profile like your IR/AWA. So just keep the perception of those score contained and you should be in good shape

mbaMissionKrista · Answer

Hey  AvalonQQ 
Thanks for posting. I think the advice is clear by now but just in case...I am not worried about your IR or AWA scores. Just make sure the rest of your app shines and that your essays, in particular, make sense. As a non-native speaker, you want to give the AdCom confidence in your communication abilities. 
Hope that helps!
Krista

GMAT AWA Score - Slightly Worried

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