710 (94%) V40 Q48 4.0 AWA Advise Needed

[Sisi3a]

Just finished the GMAT almost 2 weeks ago, but unfortunately my AWA score is pretty low. How much does the AWA score affect the admission decision?

I am a 25 years old female, born and raised in Eastern Europe, attended a small Midwest liberal arts college, and graduated with a degree in Finance and a GPA of 3.5 in 2003. Can anyone tell me what are my chances at a top 5 school like MIT or at a top 10 school like University of Chicago or Cornell? Is my AWA score low for these schools? My work experience consists of 2 years of entrepreneurship (I am the founder of a small transportation company) and I worked as a trader at CBOT for about a year. Also, I do not know whether I have better chances to be admitted if I apply to the full time or the part time program of University of Chicago? Please help!



Test Preparation



My experience is very similar to the one of the most people who have taken the test.



My Kaplan diagnostic test was 560, very low.

I signed up for the Kaplan's online course, which I think was a waste of time and money for me. Why? Kaplan is good for the basics, but it provides you with so much information that instead of practicing you spend too much time studying the concepts that GMAT tests. It might prepare you to become a GMAT instructor some day, but the real test is different.

Practice, practice and practice. One word which will help you score 700+. Practice only real GMAT questions and nothing else.

If I had to start all over again my preparation I would buy the OG 11 or 10, download the 1000SC and study only from these materials. I bought too many study materials which only distracted me.

Also, the other important element in my preparations was that I revised every single question I did. No matter if I got it wrong or right. In addition, I always practiced under timed conditions. Full tests are too lengthy to fully benefit from them. Sets of 10, 15, or 20 questions, under timed conditions, are the best practice.



And again the 3 keys to success are:

Use mainly real GMAT questions in your preparation.

Always revise your (in)correct answers

Practice under timed conditions





Good luck!

[chix475ntu]

Congratulations.
You got good 2 years work ex. AWA shouldnt be that much of a worry but prepare to answer something when asked in the interview.
If you have good extra curriculars then you will be very competent for top 10 schools.

[kindergartenkid]

congrats best of luk for the next leg

I don't think xtra curriculars, whether its there or not, will boost your chances too much.
The score of 710 in the demographic you represent, i guess, is more than sufficient for Top 10.
Build a strong essay and you have a fabulous work exp to talk about. Show case it. You have a very strong chance in schools like UMich, Ann Arbor, who hardly care abt what contributions u have towards the community; infact, their essays speak only abt work exp.

[mydreamGMAT]

Sisa
you have got a good score.....focus on your Apps......you will surely do well..........good Luck

[CTG1983]

U have a very good chance at Harvard. Ask why?
I. Harvard places extreme value on starting n' continuing ur own company. U have that.
II. Harvard looks gals more favorably.

If u can write good essays, I m sure u will make it to Harvard.

[Vaithy]

Congrats!...
I heard one person had made to university of Chicago with 700 score and quite a lesser experience than you...So pls focus on your Apps