Most students see meaningful improvement through focused practice and targeted feedback. The key is understanding the specific rubric business schools use—they're looking for clear argument analysis, logical organization, and articulate writing, not perfection. With consistent practice analyzing arguments and revising essays based on expert feedback, students typically improve by 1-2 points on the 0-6 scale. The ceiling depends on your starting point, but even moving from a 4 to a 5 or 5 to a 6 significantly strengthens your application.

The biggest hurdle is time management—30 minutes to plan, write, and proofread is tight. Many students also struggle with identifying logical flaws versus personal disagreement with the argument; the AWA isn't about whether you agree, but whether the reasoning is sound. Other common issues include unclear essay structure, weak evidence selection, and over-explaining points rather than being concise. Personalized tutoring helps you develop a reliable template, practice spotting argument weaknesses quickly, and refine your writing under timed conditions.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused AWA practice, dedicating 2-3 hours per week to analyzing arguments, writing practice essays, and reviewing feedback. If you're also preparing for other GMAT sections, you can integrate AWA work into your overall study schedule—many students practice one timed essay every 3-4 days. Starting earlier allows time to identify your specific weaknesses, build a strong analytical framework, and develop confidence before test day.

The AWA is unique because you need expert feedback to know if you're on track—you can't self-grade an essay the way you can multiple-choice questions. Writing practice essays under timed conditions helps you develop speed and clarity, while detailed feedback from someone experienced with GMAT scoring reveals blind spots in your argument analysis or writing. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who score your essays using the official GMAT rubric and provide specific, actionable revision guidance to strengthen your approach.

Test anxiety during the AWA often stems from time pressure and uncertainty about what makes a strong essay. Building confidence through repeated timed practice—writing full essays under real test conditions—helps normalize the process and reduces panic. Developing a reliable pre-writing routine (quick outline, identify 2-3 key flaws, plan structure) gives you a sense of control. Personalized tutoring also helps you understand exactly what the graders are looking for, which reduces the fear of the unknown and lets you focus on executing your strategy.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Charleston who specialize in GMAT preparation and the Analytical Writing Assessment. You can share your current score, target score, and availability, and get matched with a tutor who fits your needs and schedule. Tutors work with you on argument analysis strategies, essay structure, timed practice, and personalized feedback to help you reach your goal.

Your first session typically focuses on understanding where you stand. Your tutor will likely review a practice essay you've written (or ask you to write one) to assess your current strengths and weaknesses in argument analysis, organization, and writing. You'll discuss your target score, timeline, and any specific concerns—like time management or identifying logical flaws. From there, your tutor creates a personalized study plan and begins teaching you the strategies and frameworks that will help you improve most efficiently.