Deliberately skipping AWA: madness or strategy?

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

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.

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

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