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Last Updated on November 23, 2023
With a vast syllabus to conquer for the GMAT, many prospective students question the significance of performing well in the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). It’s true, the AWA section doesn’t factor into your overall GMAT score, and it’s absent from the initial, unofficial score report you receive on test day. This leads to the common question: Does the AWA score genuinely influence MBA admissions, or do business schools largely disregard GMAT writing scores?
These are valid concerns for any GMAT aspirant. However, before you dismiss AWA preparation as unnecessary or assume business schools pay no attention to it, several crucial aspects warrant your consideration.
This article aims to clarify the GMAT AWA section, addressing its purpose and importance in the MBA application process. Let’s begin by defining the Analytical Writing Assessment.
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Understanding the Analytical Writing Assessment Section
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is a 30-minute segment of the GMAT exam. It comprises a single essay task known as the “Analysis of an Argument.”
In the AWA section, you are presented with an argument within a brief essay prompt. Your task is to write an essay of any length that critiques this argument. This involves:
- Analyzing the argument’s line of reasoning.
- Identifying any logical flaws or underlying assumptions.
- Discussing evidence that could either strengthen or weaken the argument’s conclusion.
- Proposing alternative explanations for the argument’s claims.
Naturally, you must present your analysis in a logically organized and clearly articulated manner.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT AWA section allocates 30 minutes for you to compose an “Analysis of an Argument” essay.
Let’s delve into the typical themes and formats of AWA essay prompts.
Exploring AWA Essay Prompts
AWA essay topics generally revolve around business-related or “general interest” subjects. These prompts are frequently structured as excerpts from hypothetical sources like newspaper or magazine articles, organizational memos, company reports, corporate or organizational newsletters, or business plans.
For instance, an AWA question might feature a short paragraph extracted from a memo by XYZ Corp’s manufacturing department. This excerpt might detail the department’s rationale for supporting a proposal to close one-third of XYZ’s manufacturing facilities. Your task would be to pinpoint and critique any weaknesses in the department’s logic. Additionally, you should suggest what further information would be valuable in evaluating the validity of the department’s reasoning.
A significant advantage of AWA essays is that they require no specialized knowledge. You aren’t expected to offer personal opinions on the topic. Your focus should be on crafting a clear, well-reasoned critique of the given argument.
KEY FACT:
You do not need any specific subject matter expertise to write a high-scoring AWA essay.
With a foundational understanding of the AWA and its essay types, let’s address common questions from GMAT test-takers regarding the AWA’s importance.
Does AWA Contribute to Your GMAT Total Score?
Only the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT are used to calculate your total GMAT score. Consequently, neither the Integrated Reasoning (IR) score nor the AWA score influences your overall score. This often leads to a perception that these sections are less important to MBA admissions committees compared to Quant and Verbal.
However, “generally less emphasized” is not synonymous with “irrelevant” or “unimportant.” A subpar score in any GMAT section can negatively impact your application. Therefore, the fact that the AWA score doesn’t affect your total score shouldn’t be interpreted as a license to neglect AWA preparation.
TTP PRO TIP:
Do not assume that the AWA’s exclusion from the total score diminishes its importance.
Why is the AWA Score Missing on Test Day?
Some GMAT test-takers mistakenly believe that the absence of the AWA score on the unofficial score report—which only includes Quant, Verbal, IR, and the Total Score—implies the AWA is a “secondary” component of little concern.
However, there’s a clear reason why your GMAT Analytical Writing score isn’t immediately available. GMAT AWA essays are evaluated by both a computer algorithm and a human grader. All other section scores (and the total score) are generated solely by computer. Since AWA essays require human review—which cannot occur instantly at the test center—AWA scores take longer to process than purely computer-generated scores. (Learn more about GMAT AWA scoring here.)
Thus, the delayed release of your GMAT AWA score is due to the grading process, not a reflection of its insignificance.
KEY FACT:
The AWA score is not on your test day report because of the grading process duration, not because AWA is unimportant.
Is AWA Included in the Online GMAT?
Initially, the GMAT Online exam did not feature the AWA section. However, AWA has been integrated into the online GMAT for a considerable period now. In fact, the in-person and online GMAT formats are now structurally identical, offering the same section order options.
Depending on your chosen section order, the AWA section will appear either at the beginning or end of your GMAT. Choosing the default order places AWA as the first section. Opting to start with Quant or Verbal will position AWA as the final section.
KEY FACT:
Both the in-person and online GMAT include the AWA section with identical structure and section order choices.
Whether you take the GMAT at home or a test center, you will encounter the essay task. Let’s now discuss the actual weight MBA programs assign to your GMAT essay score.
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How Much Emphasis Do MBA Programs Place on AWA Scores?
Among all GMAT section scores, the AWA score likely holds the least weight in MBA admissions decisions. However (and this is a recurring theme), least important does not equate to unimportant! MBA programs DO consider your GMAT AWA score for several compelling reasons. Let’s explore these.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT Analytical Writing score IS relevant to MBA admissions.
Reason #1: Effective Communication is Crucial in Business
While many MBA programs are undeniably quantitative in focus, presenting yourself as a well-rounded candidate only strengthens your application to MBA admissions committees.
Where does AWA fit in? The AWA section assesses your ability to articulate ideas clearly in writing. This skill is paramount not only in business school academics but also in professional business environments. If you struggle to convey your thoughts coherently and persuasively in written form, admissions committees might question your potential success in graduate-level business coursework and as a business leader.
Even with exceptional scores in every other GMAT section, a mediocre AWA score likely won’t be a deal-breaker. However, demonstrating strong writing skills, alongside your other strengths, can be a significant asset to your application.
TTP PRO TIP:
Exceptional writing skills, demonstrated in your AWA essay, can significantly enhance your MBA applications.
Reason #2: AWA Essay Should Align with Your Application Essays
While you have considerably more time to refine and polish your MBA application essays compared to a 30-minute argument analysis under exam conditions, a significant discrepancy in writing quality between your GMAT AWA essay and your application essays might raise concerns. Admissions committees could question whether the same individual produced both pieces of writing. In essence, you want to avoid any suspicion that you received undue assistance with your application essays.
Instead, aim to demonstrate a consistent baseline of strong abilities applicable across different contexts. Show that your work consistently meets a high standard. Neglecting AWA preparation, or assuming your application essays alone sufficiently showcase your writing skills, might lead admissions to doubt your consistent high-level performance.
TTP PRO TIP:
Ensure your AWA essay doesn’t raise doubts about your consistent ability to perform at a high level.
Reason #3: Demonstrating Command of Written English
With few exceptions, English is the dominant language of international business and business education. Therefore, business schools must ensure their students possess strong written English proficiency. The AWA serves as a key indicator of your English language command.
For non-native English speakers, a strong GMAT AWA score can be particularly impactful for admissions. A high AWA score, such as 5 or above, can distinguish you favorably among other non-native English-speaking applicants.
TTP PRO TIP:
Non-native English speakers achieving an AWA score of 5 or higher can stand out in the MBA applicant pool.
Is Skipping AWA on the GMAT Ever Advisable?
If this discussion hasn’t persuaded you of the GMAT AWA’s importance, you might still consider skipping it.
Unless you are absolutely certain that your target MBA programs disregard AWA scores, you should plan to complete the Analytical Writing Assessment on every official GMAT exam you take, including practice exams!
If you believe your desired programs won’t consider AWA scores, directly contact the admissions office of each program to confirm that omitting the AWA will not negatively affect your application. Even if a program website indicates AWA submission is optional, verifying this policy’s current status with admissions staff is advisable.
TTP PRO TIP:
Always verify AWA policy directly with each program’s admissions office if you are considering skipping it.
Given that most business schools requiring GMAT scores also mandate submission of all section scores, including AWA, dedicating time to AWA preparation within your GMAT study plan is prudent. Fortunately, excelling in AWA doesn’t require extensive essay writing practice. For helpful strategies, explore these 5 tips to achieve a top-tier GMAT Analytical Writing score.
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