I wouldn't skip the AWA.

In this case "skip" meaning typing the letter "B" or something and hitting enter.

A terrible score could raise eyebrows, and schools have been known to juxtapose your AWA score with your personal statement to make sure the same person wrote both (instead of, say, a high-priced admissions consultant).

That said, you needn't waste your caffeine buzz on hammering out a piece of literary gold to compete with the Gettysburg Address. Pace yourself, write a decent essay, and move on...

Hopefully helpful,
Josh