Low AWA Score

[rapandey]

Hi,
I have scored 710 (50 in quants and 36 in verbal) in GMAT, but only 4/6 in AWA. Please advise if my low score in AWA could create some hindrance for me in getting into top B schools.

[Scottie@VeritasPrep]

Your overall GMAT score is great and a low AWA is not a deal breaker. The AWA score indicates how well you analyzed the issue and argument given on the exam. Since your score was a bit low, be sure to highlight your analytical skills in other portions of the application ie. your essays and accomplishments.

[rapandey]

Hi,
Thank you very much for valuable suggestion!!!

[brightside]

Hi I got a 760 (51,41) and AWA 4.5. I am in dilemma on what would be interpreted from my AWA score what effect it would have if my essays are decent enough if not good. Please comment on this.
(I am a non-native speaker)

Thanks

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

Dear Brightside -

First of all, congratulations on an impressive GMAT score! With a score like that and a strong application, you should be able to mitigate any negative impact of your AWA. This is a situation that might benefit from an optional essay (normally I do not suggest writing these unless you have unusual circumstances but explaining your 4.5 could be an unusual circumstance!). Keep in mind that admissions committees know that you can get "help" on your essays so just writing well may not be enough. I'd suggest that you make sure you indicate on your resume any experiences that you have conducting business in English and that you have your recommenders speak to this as a strength. Lastly, with your scores, most schools will extend you an invitation to interview. This will be an ideal opportunity to demonstrate your command of the English language.

Good luck!

[brightside]

Hi Jessica,
Thanks for the wishes and suggestions. Ideas you suggested were unknown to me and would surely help in my applications.

Regards

Dear Brightside -

First of all, congratulations on an impressive GMAT score! With a score like that and a strong application, you should be able to mitigate any negative impact of your AWA. This is a situation that might benefit from an optional essay (normally I do not suggest writing these unless you have unusual circumstances but explaining your 4.5 could be an unusual circumstance!). Keep in mind that admissions committees know that you can get "help" on your essays so just writing well may not be enough. I'd suggest that you make sure you indicate on your resume any experiences that you have conducting business in English and that you have your recommenders speak to this as a strength. Lastly, with your scores, most schools will extend you an invitation to interview. This will be an ideal opportunity to demonstrate your command of the English language.

Good luck!