AWA 4.0, but 6.0 when taken 3 years ago. 760 (q49 v46) IR 7

Question

Hi everyone! First I'd like to thank everyone in the forum especially those who take the time to thoroughly explain the gmat practice questions. It was a tremendous resource as I was studying.

I took the gmat a second time last week and scored a 760 (q49 v46) and IR 7. I'm EXTREMELY happy with my score. Unfortunately, I only scored a 4.0 on the AWA portion, which was very upsetting because the AWA portion was always the least of my concerns. I took the gmat 3 years ago and I scored a 6.0 on the AWA and a 720 (q49 v38) on the rest. Long story short, on my first attempt, I only prepared for the AWA the night before and got a 6.0. Because it just seemed so simple the first time around, I didn't prepare for it at all this last time and I just treated it as a formality. :/ To anyone retaking the gmat after doing well on the AWA, put even the least bit amount of effort into it! But I digress...

I'm definitely not taking the gmat again. I know that would be a terrible decision. My question is - will the adcoms care about the 4.0 given my overall score and high verbal score? Also, will they be aware that I got a 6.0 in the AWA portion the first time I took the gmat and how do you think that will play into their evaluation of my application? I'll only be applying to top 10 schools if that changes anything. If they do see my gmat essays, I'm sure they'll find my grammar was sound (or I should say, "I hope they will."). But unlike the first time I took the gmat, I think my problem was I didn't go deep into analyzing the issue presented and threshing out my arguments. Looking at some samples of good gmat essays, mine was probably half or even less than half as long and superficially argued.

KarishmaB · Answer

First of all, AWA 4 isn't bad. It is average, I agree but I wouldn't say you bombed it. On top of it, a V46 puts all questions to rest. 
Focus on your applications now and forget about AWA. Write your essays brilliantly - no one will care about your AWA.

dansixtysix · Answer

Thank you! That's comforting to know. I'll shift focus now to the rest of the application.

RichEconomistGMAT · Answer

Hi dansixtysix,

First of all, you should be very proud of your 760 score on the GMAT. However, as you've probably figured out by now, a lot can happen in 3 years, so considering that gap in time between AWA attempts, it's not surprising to see a slight dip (especially if you didn't prepare). That being said, with the score you have in your back pocket, you should feel confident about applying to most business schools you're interested in. If you have any doubt though, reach out to admissions counselors at those schools to discuss not only your current GMAT score, but your entire candidacy to see where you might stand.

Best,
Rich

dansixtysix · Answer

Thanks as well for your input! I'll be attending quite a few information sessions in the next few weeks, so I'll ask the adcoms when I'm there. I know with my 6.0 from the AWA the first time and with a verbal score of 46 that I shouldn't worry. In the words of GMAC, a 4.0 is "adequate". I'll take adequate haha. I think I'm just frustrated that I overlooked what should have been a routine portion and I see a 21st percentile ranking next to it as well. I'll post here if I hear anything interesting from the adcoms for anyone else in the same boat.

AWA 4.0, but 6.0 when taken 3 years ago. 760 (q49 v46) IR 7

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