GMAT Strategy

I am retaking the GMAT. Though I wasn't pleased with my previous score (620), I did get a 6.0 on the essay. Most schools I'm looking at, though, only take the highest GMAT score from one sitting (ie, not "superscored"). I know b-schools don't really look that much at the AWA portion of the GMAT, but I'm wondering if I can just put forth a lot less effort and concentrate on later parts of the exam?

I'm an English major (still in college) so I don't think adcoms will seriously doubt my writing ability. I've noticed that I do much better on the exam if I relax a little during the essay and make it less sophisticated and developed, than I do if I try my hardest at the essay. I've been doing the AWAs on my practice exams to up my stamina, but if I don't do it, I generally do much better on both Q and V. I don't think it's a time issue (I'm usually done with my essay by the 20 minute mark, always by the 25 minute). I think it's probably just that my mind is more clear going into Q if I'm not trying to transition from essay writing.

I'm sure I can get over 4, even with a half baked effort, but is it worth it for me to try and go for the 6, or should I just put something decent and not great in and save my energy for the rest of the test?