Deliberately skipping AWA: madness or strategy?

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Asterion: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 11; Joined: Wed Dec 16, 2009 6:59 am

by Asterion » Sun Jan 03, 2010 12:37 pm

Do people ever skip the AWA (i.e. leave it blank or filled with fgdhgfdgfdfghdfghfgdhfgdhgfdhgfjd)?

It doesn't count to the final score and sucks precious energies before the real test...

Regards

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Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Sun Jan 03, 2010 12:37 pm

JasLamba: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 129; Joined: Tue Jul 21, 2009 6:04 amFollowed by: 2 members; Thanked: 15 times; GMAT Score:200

by JasLamba » Mon Jan 04, 2010 12:17 am

Hi,

Your right it doesn't count towards the test and it also sucks out precious energies. However, I would not recommend towards doing the fasdfadsfjasldkjflasdjfk approach because when you receive a 0/6 the applications committee will definitely realize what you have done as they receive the score reports. I think getting a 560 with a 4.0 AWA is more reliable than a 790 with a 0.0 on AWA... I mean it might raise red flags for the adcom.

On the flip side, try to make it a positive experience and look at it as a "warm-up" to the test. Some shrewd tactics for AWA are: to have a predetermined template prior to the exam to expend minimum effort possible and finish earlier than usual for more "break" time. Would love to hear what others have to say.

Take care,
Jas

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DanaJ: Site Admin; Posts: 2567; Joined: Thu Jan 01, 2009 10:05 amFollowed by: 550 members; Thanked: 712 times; GMAT Score:770

by DanaJ » Mon Jan 04, 2010 1:00 am

I think it's a bad idea and here's why: all test takers have to go through all the three sections of the test. If you skip the AWA and get a 0, the adcom will immediately sense your strategy. Problem is, the GMAT is as much about knowledge as it is about endurance: if you just don't bother with AWA, then you're "cheating" your way to a better stamina on the two sections, which means your scores will be inflated as compared to those of other test takers.

Remember: business school is demanding and the GMAT helps you prove that you're 100% able to deal with the workload. Skipping the AWA is a red flag regarding your ability to tackle this.

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Asterion: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 11; Joined: Wed Dec 16, 2009 6:59 am

by Asterion » Mon Jan 04, 2010 10:49 am

Thanks to you both!

OK, I booked my exam today, it's in 4 weeks. In the last month I went through the Official Guide and score well in all sections. I took my first Practice Test last weekend and, despite I thought I did badly, I got 690 (Q46, V39).
I'd like to break 700 for the test. I feel a bit insecure on the verbal stuff at times, I'm not a native English speaker although I've been living in the UK for 4 years.

Other than keep revising the questions and leaving the other test simulation to closer to the date, what shall I do? Other recommended books?

Regards

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Osirus@VeritasPrep: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 1578; Joined: Thu May 28, 2009 8:02 amFollowed by: 34 members; Thanked: 128 times; GMAT Score:760

by Osirus@VeritasPrep » Mon Jan 04, 2010 11:57 am

I would recommend using Powerscore Critical reasoning bible, and Manhattan GMAT Sentence Correction guide.

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