What to do?

Expert replies

beweezy: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 11; Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:26 pm

by beweezy » Sun Feb 26, 2012 4:22 am

Hello everyone. I took the GMAT after about 2 months of study and made a 690. I took it again a month later and made a 720 (q47 v43), but I did really bad on the AWA (3.5). I didn't know that it basically follows a formula, so I didn't do a five paragraph essay, use the right buzz words etc. I chose to go ahead and retake to improve that AWA, and made a 760 on my practice exam. Retook this yesterday and I'm sure I made a 5 or 6 on AWA, but only made a 710 (q47 v42). What should I do? Take the 710 with a 5-6 AWA or the 720 with a 3.5 AWA? I have a 4.0 gpa from a top 50 state school and my CFA. I'm targeting top 10 schools.

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — Research MBA Programs | Sun Feb 26, 2012 4:22 am

sieken: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 40; Joined: Sun Jun 19, 2011 6:50 amFollowed by: 2 members; Thanked: 5 times

by sieken » Sun Feb 26, 2012 5:05 pm

I'd say the difference between a 710 and a 720 is so minor I wouldn't worry about it, but a 3.5 on the AWA is a red flag for admissions. The AWA is a check against cheating on your application to make sure you didn't hire someone to write your essays for you. I'd say get your AWA into the 5+ range and you're golden even if it means retaking. Your score range is right on, so it won't be a big deal if you score another 700+ but get a good AWA. Some schools allow you to submit multiple GMAT scores, but I wouldn't hold out for it.

Like this post

GMAT/MBA Expert

Jon@Admissionado: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 3135; Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:55 amFollowed by: 332 members; Location: Everywhere; Thanked: 589 times

by Jon@Admissionado » Mon Feb 27, 2012 12:12 am

I agree that the difference between a 710 and 720 is not ALL that large. If you really believe you could hit a 760 without too much killing yourself, it might be worth it to retake one more time (you DO have the luxury of time, go you) But even if you don't a 4.0 + a 710 is a very good start.

Last edited by Jon@Admissionado on Sun Mar 11, 2012 1:30 am, edited 1 time in total.

"Hands down the best MBA admissions consulting firm of all-time, and boy, what an incredible founder!" -- Raj Patil, Founder of Admissionado

Something for everyone:
https://admissionado.lpages.co/admissio ... nter-2018/
https://admissionado.lpages.co/50-essay ... ked-vol-4/
https://admissionado.lpages.co/case-studies-lp/
https://admissionado.com/mba/reviews/
https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Admis ... 700945.htm

Reach out, and let's gab. Our only requirement is that you don't prefer warm milk over cold milk. Everyone else, 100% welcome.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 866-409-4753
Hit us up on WhatsApp.
Ping our satellite: 0884#&@-2#101101
Contact us via web form you lazy git: https://admissionado.com/contact/
Mostly, email Claudia.

Like this post

beweezy: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 11; Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:26 pm

by beweezy » Mon Feb 27, 2012 8:31 am

Thanks guys.

Just to be clear, I already re-took it and made a 710. I'm assuming a made a 6.0 AWA bc I think I did well on it.

So the question boils down three choices:

1) 720 w/ a 3.5 AWA
2) 710 w/ a 6.0 AWA
3) Retake for a FOURTH time. I really really really don't want to do this.

Thanks again.

Like this post

sieken: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 40; Joined: Sun Jun 19, 2011 6:50 amFollowed by: 2 members; Thanked: 5 times

by sieken » Mon Feb 27, 2012 10:17 am

I'd say go with option #2 unless you think you could indeed get a 760. Otherwise I feel you'd be splitting hairs about 710 vs 720. It's evident you're good at taking the GMAT

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

560 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review