How much importance do adcoms attach to the AWA score? Do I need to have a 6.0 to back up outstanding essays while applying to a top school, or would 5.0 be considered good enough?

Thank you for your inquiry.

Generally, the AWA is a comparative device used to ferret out cheaters. The admissions committee grows concerned when an AWA score is very low, revealing a limited grasp of English, and then the essays are written as though they could appear in the New Yorker. If you score a 5, you should have nothing to worry about.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

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