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GMAT AWA 2023: Score, Percentile, Method of Scoring, Importance of AWA Score, A good AWA score

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Rituparna Nath

Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams

The analytical writing assessment in the GMAT exam examines the test-takers’ capability to rationalize the reasoning behind the given argument and produce a critique. The candidate’s ability to rationally think and provide supporting ideas to the essay is evaluated. AWA GMAT score is calculated in a different way than the verbal and quant sections. 

GMAT AWA Score Calculator

The AWA GMAT score is calculated based on the single analytical essay written by the candidate. It is measured on a GMAT AWA score scale of 0 - 6 and checked by both a machine algorithm and a human rater. The evaluation is done by an electronic device that evaluates the essay based on the structure and linguistic factors. If there is a huge difference between the algorithm score and the human score, the second round of checking is conducted.

GMAT AWA: Score and Percentiles

Most of the test takers score a 5 or above in their grades with the average GMAT AWA score range standing at 4.37. Let us understand the GMAT percentile with the help of this graph –

GMAT AWA Percentiles vs GMAT AWA Scores

The GMAT AWA percentile score is the percentage of candidates you performed better than. for instance, if you’ve scored a 4.5 AWA score, then you’ve performed better than 43% of the test-takers who took the exam. The GMAT percentile score is not static and keeps on changing based on the number of test-takers every year.

GMAT AWA Score: Marking Criteria

To calculate the GMAT AWA score, there are a few crucial factors studied by the graders.

  • The relevance of the issues written by the test taker along with their presentation of the argument;
  • The test taker’s capability to establish facts, structure them and finally implement them through writing;
  • The supporting ideas and evidence placed;
  • The ability to make full use of the standard English

GMAT AWA: Score Descriptors

The GMAT score points are marked following the marking criteria stated above. Each AWA score denotes the performance level of the test-taker.

Point What does it indicate?
Point 6 Outstanding
Point 5 Strong
Point 4 Adequate
Point 3 Limited
Point 2 Seriously Flawed
Point 1 Fundamentally Deficient

What is a Good AWA score on GMAT?

Out of all the sections of GMAT, the AWA score is considered the least important when considered to GMAT verbal and quant. Even if the candidate secures a 6 in their GMAT AWA, that does not indicate a possibility of them getting through the admission process, it may only provide an overall positive impression. Though there are business schools that don't entertain an AWA score of 4 or alike. A low GMAT AWA score raises questions about the candidate’s knowledge of English, vocabulary, and grammar and will leave the application cornered.

An AWA score of 5 can be stated as a proper score that will not hinder the candidate’s application. The GMAT practice papers in this regard help the candidates to score high.

Does the GMAT AWA score matter?

The AWA GMAT score is considered the least important in the GMAT overall score. But this doesn’t let the candidates consider it as not important. Business schools through the AWA score evaluate how well that person can communicate, and communication serves as an integral part of the B-school curriculum. along with the communication, they also study the level of critical thinking and analyzing capability.

As the candidates taking GMAT are aspiring to be future leaders in the corporate world, communicating with different people on a daily basis is considered normal. GMAT AWA is proof of how competent they are in doing that.

FAQs

Ques. Does AWA affect GMAT score?

Ans: The GMAT composite score consists of the verbal and quant sections. Therefore, the AWA score doesn’t affect the GMAT directly.

Ques. Is 4.5 a good AWA score?

Ans: If the candidate scores a 4.5 then they are in a safe position for applying in universities.

Ques. How long should the GMAT AWA essay be?

Ans: GMAT AWA is the only section that is not MCQ based and allows 30 minutes to write the essay. there is no minimum or maximum word count provided.

Ques. How can I prepare for GMAT AWA?

Ans: First start with forming an analysis of the arguments and secondly practice hard.

Ques. Is AWA 2.5 good?

Ans: It is advised to score around 5 in AWA for a positive overview of your application.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

GMAT 2023 : 27 answered questions

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Ques. MBA Preparation: What GMAT score can be considered good for applying to ISB Hyderabad with an average academic profile?

● Top Answer By Uday Pawar on 30 Jan 23

Generally speaking anything above 750 is a good score for admission to IBS Hyderabad. But even a high GMAT score does not guarantee admission to IBS Hyderabad because the shortlisting is profile-based. GMAT score is just a part of the entire selection process. You need to improvise your profile by working on other aspects also like  essays profile academics extracurricular activities Academics: Your 12th class marks graduation grades, post-graduation, and certification scores along with the GMAT cutoff is considered in your academic profile. Leadership: The leadership skills of the aspirants are tested on the basis of their prior achievements and roles. Personal attributes: This comprises your personal qualities like hobbies, talents, and extracurricular skills. Aspirants from diverse work experiences, cultures, and educational backgrounds are welcomed at IBS Hyderabad. So along with preparing well for GMAT, give importance to these parameters as well to increase your chances of admission....Read more

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Ques. What is the percentile required to get into ISB Hyderabad?

● Top Answer By Akanksha Sharma on 30 Jan 23

In case you are enquiring about the CAT percentile let me clarify that ISB Hyderabad does not take into consideration CAT scores. It accepts GMAT/GRE scores only. Most importantly, the ISB Shortlisting process is profile-based. This means even with a lower percentile you can manage to get shortlisted provided you have an excellent profile. There is no fixed cutoff for GMAT. However, a 700+ GMAT score isn't a must-have for ISB if your application is strong in other areas. According to an ISB spokesperson, candidates were admitted to the 2021 cohort with scores as low as 580, and as high as 780. So the GMAT score range for ISB is 580-780....Read more

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Ques. Is it worth spending 30k to join GMAT coaching at Crack ISB Hyderabad?

● Top Answer By Yash Bhati on 30 Jan 23

Yes, it certainly is worth paying a hefty fee of 30k for GMAT coaching at Crack ISB Hyderabad. The quality of trainers and the certainty of admission is what draw the candidates here. While there are many institutes that specialize in training for the CAT, very few institutes offer training for GMAT.  Crack ISB Hyderabad has many features that have made it so popular and demanding among GMAT aspirants The peer group is a productive and effective group discussion is possible The institute gives the admission essay reviews free of cost while most institutes charge around 20-25k The quality of editing is much better at this Institute mainly because the faculty comprises alumni of top B Schools  So it’s better to pay more for quality education than pay less or the same for substandard education. But remember an Institute can just prepare you for your entrance exam. It’s upon you to put in maximum effort and achieve your goals....Read more

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Ques. Why do students go for CAT, XAT, SNAP etc when almost all the B-Schools in India accept GMAT scores for the full time MBA?

● Top Answer By Nia Malhotra on 17 May 21

There is hardly any B-school in India that accepts GMAT scores for full-time MBA. IIMs, FMS, XLRI, JBIMS, IIFT, MDI, etc. are some of the institutions that accept GMAT scores.  However, students applying through a foreign national quota or NRI quota are eligible for GMAT score. ISB on the other hand accepts the GMAT for its full-time program MBA program. Here is the list of some B-Schools that accepts GMAT scores in India XLRI, Jamshedpur XIM, Bhubaneswar VIT Business School TISS, Mumbai TERI School of Advanced Sciences, TERI University TASMAC, Pune TAPMI, Manipal School of Management, Udaipur School of Management, NMIMS, Mumbai School of Management, International Institute of Management This is why most students go for CAT, XAT, SNAP, and other management exams for admission in MBA. Only foreign nationals or students with NRI Quota can apply through GMAT....Read more

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Ques. Does ISB Hyderabad need work experience apart from the GMAT score?

● Top Answer By Bejoy John on 30 Jan 23

Yes, ISB Hyderabad’s PGP program requires a minimum of 2 years of full-time paid work experience. This criteria came into force on 31st March 2016 and is still a necessity. For candidates who lack in this aspect, there is a back door entry called the Early Entry Option or the EEOs. Under this, you can apply right away, go through the selection process, and receive the admission offer but join only after working for 2 years. This can also be referred to as Deferred admission.  ...Read more

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