What to do?

[beweezy]

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.

[sieken]

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.

[Jon@Admissionado]

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.

[beweezy]

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.

[sieken]

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