AWA

[BubbaGump]

Question on the AWA - Obviously your GMAT score comprises of only the quant. and verbal sections, but how does the AWA fit into the equation. I've heard a lot of rumors such as they compare it to your personal statement/essays to make sure it really is the same person writing each. Is this true, and if not, what is the REAL purpose of the AWA?

Thanks!

[StaceyKoprince]

Basically, yes. If you score about a 4.5 or higher, then they assume the writing / communication skills exhibited in your essays are yours. If you score lower than a 4.5, then they may take a look at the essays (they can actually pull up the text of your GMAT essays if they want to). They can then compare your writing on the test, where they know it was you, to your application essays to see whether they think you got a little too much outside help.