GMAT Strategy

Is it instant, upon completing the verbal section of the test? I understand that the AWA needs to be marked by an e-reader as well as a human, therefore it will take more time.

BarryLi -

You have the option at the end of the Verbal section (the end of the test as a whole). You are asked if you would like to cancel your scores and never see them, or if you would like to "report" your scores and see them.

Unless something went very wrong, a first time test taker should probably opt to see the scores. People are often very far off on their estimates of what their score will be.

Once you say that you want to report your scores then you do see them instantly - a few seconds. You are then given a printout from the exam proctor and you need to keep this as it has a code on it to retrieve your "official" score. Your official score should be available electronically in about a week. I have found something like 5 to 6 days to be average. And yes, this time is required to grade your AWA so that score appears on the official score as well.

Many MBA programs will allow your application to proceed with your reported score - just as long as the official score is sent to them ASAP.

Does that help?

Yes, thank you very much David.