Which IR/AWA will schools consider ?

[essen_1976]

If someone has taken the GMAT twice and the scores are as follows:

GMAT1 (700): Q-49, V-35, IR-6.0, AWA-6.0
GMAT2 (660): Q-48, V-31, IR:8.0, AWA-5.5

Which IR/AWA scores will the schools take ? I understand that they take the highest GMAT score but how does that relate to IR/AWA ?

[CriticalSquareMBA]

Hi there,

When you report your highest score, you report with it the related IR/AWA scores. You don't cherry pick. Some schools only require you to list one set of scores, while others require you list the scores of all your attempts. So it depends based on the program.

HOWEVER - don't worry about this too much. Most schools aren't looking heavily at the IR this year (and maybe not even next until a sufficient pool of samples has been developed from which to accurately base a percentile rank). Additionally, your AWA score is higher for the 700 so that helps.

Essentially, while it varies by program, you have nothing to worry about. Your quant score is high enough that no one will really dwell on your IR score.

Cheers,

Bhavik

[essen_1976]

Thanks Bhavik. Those are not my scores, just examples .

[CriticalSquareMBA]

Of course not! Silly me - yours are going to be higher after you rock the GMAT!

Cheers,

Bhavik

[essen_1976]

Thanks for the inspiration Bhavik! Fingers crossed .

[money9111]

On the AWA portion - take a couple practices when you're doing your practice exams but try to not spend the allotted 30 minutes per essay. The first time I took the GMAT I spent 30 minutes per essay = 1 hour total. The 2nd time I spent 20 minutes per essay = 40 minutes total. The third time I spent 15 minutes per essay = 30 minutes total. That last time I was able to start the Quant portion of the GMAT 30 minutes "early" which was great mentally. best of luck!