How Important is the GMAT AWA Section for MBA Admissions?

When it comes to the GMAT, many test-takers focus on the quantitative and verbal sections, but often overlook the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section. However, a good GMAT AWA strategy can make all the difference in your MBA admissions prospects. In this article, we'll explore why the GMAT AWA score matters, how important it is for MBA admissions, and provide tips on how to improve your score.

The reason that the GMAT AWA score matters is that the purpose of the AWA section is to determine how well you’re able to convey ideas in written form, a skill that will be of utmost importance in business school and beyond. In fact, the GMAT analytical writing score does matter for MBA admissions. However, it would be a mistake to assume that having the least importance is the same as having no importance.

The good news is that with some practice and the right strategies, earning a perfect score on the GMAT AWA section is within reach for most GMAT test-takers. You’ll have 30 minutes to read the prompt and write your essay. The goal of your essay is simple: expose the flaws in the argument presented.

For example, the argument may contain flawed logic, faulty assumptions, conclusions that are supported by inadequate evidence, issues in the way supporting data was collected, or unreasonable comparisons. Regardless of which AWA prompt you’re given, the argument will be flawed in some way(s). Specifically, for the GMAT AWA, you’ll be presented with a one-paragraph prompt that contains a scenario or argument, which is often presented in the context of a statement provided by a company or a newspaper editorial.

The GMAT AWA measures your ability to examine and assess the underlying reasoning behind an argument, and then present your critique in the form of a written essay. To achieve success in this section, you need to demonstrate control of language, diction, syntax, and conventions of written English, support your critique using relevant supporting reasons and/or examples, and identify and analyze significant flaws in the argument.

By mastering these skills, you can improve your chances of getting accepted into your preferred business school. Remember that a good GMAT AWA strategy involves practice, patience, and persistence. With the right approach, you can earn a high score on this section and increase your prospects for MBA admissions.

Gmat awa strategy