While the AWA is scored separately from your overall GMAT score (on a 0-6 scale), most business schools weight it less heavily than the quantitative and verbal sections. That said, a strong AWA score demonstrates clear communication and analytical thinking, which admissions committees value. A weak score can raise questions, so it's worth developing the skills to perform well.

Many students struggle with time management—crafting a well-organized essay in just 30 minutes is tight. Others find it hard to identify logical flaws quickly or organize their thoughts coherently under pressure. A third common challenge is understanding what scorers are actually looking for: they want clear structure, specific examples, and logical reasoning, not perfect grammar or length.

Most students see meaningful improvement within 4-8 weeks of focused practice. The AWA is highly coachable because it follows a predictable structure and pattern. With expert guidance on argument analysis, essay organization, and timed writing practice, you can learn to identify flaws more quickly and write persuasive, well-structured essays that earn higher scores.

A tutoring session typically starts with analyzing sample arguments together—learning to spot logical flaws and weaknesses. Your tutor will guide you through organizing your essay structure, then have you practice writing full essays under timed conditions. You'll get detailed feedback on your reasoning, clarity, and pacing, with specific strategies to strengthen weak areas before your test day.

Practice testing is crucial for the AWA because it builds both speed and confidence. The official GMAT prep materials include real AWA prompts, and practicing under timed conditions helps you develop a reliable essay template and learn to work quickly. Most students benefit from writing 10-15 practice essays before test day to internalize the process and reduce anxiety.

Test anxiety during the AWA is common, but it's manageable with preparation and strategy. Practicing essays under timed conditions builds confidence and makes the format feel familiar. Your tutor can teach you a reliable essay structure you can follow automatically, reducing the mental load during the test. Deep breathing techniques and remembering that scorers don't expect perfection—just clear, logical writing—also help ease anxiety.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in GMAT preparation and the AWA section. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your specific challenges—whether it's time management, argument analysis, or essay organization—so they can tailor their approach to your needs. Most tutors offer a first session to ensure you're a good fit before committing to a full tutoring plan.