Does a Score above 5.5 or 6 do anything to offset a lower Verbal Score, in the minds of the admission committe?

Sort of...but not really. I think clear, well-written essays that answer the question asked are a bigger help. If you get to interview stage and can demonstrate strong communication skills that should also help.

If you are not a native English speaker there may be some leeway...but I don't think it is very substantial.

No, the AWA is a separate component and will be viewed as such. The verbal component and the AWA test different things. The former is a crude proxy for your critical thinking abilities, whereas the latter is a crude proxy for your ability to communicate a viewpoint.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com