low AWA score,,,need fedback!

[j.abhishek88]

Hi,
I gave my GMAT (first attempt) last week and scored 720 (Q-50 (92%), V-38 (83%)) but had a dismal performance in my AWA - 4.0 (20%). I am really concerned with my AWA score. Please suggest whether the score would have any impact on my GMAT application and whether I should take a retest.

[Stacey Oyler]

Is English your first language? I ask because the AWA score tends to matter more for those whom English is not their first spoken language. In general a score below 4.5 can raise some red flags - especially for non-native speakers. At the very least, be sure your essays are impeccable since this will be your only other opportunity to demonstrate your written communication skills.

Best,

Stacey

[j.abhishek88]

Thanks Stacey for your comments.

English is not my first language. But should I take a retest to improve my AWA score or can my essays, if well written, can compensate for the AWA score. I also doubt whether schools would gauge my written communication skills through my essays as they may beleive that I would have asked/hired somebody to do it for me - Please suggest if this is a possibility and also should I take a retest?