subject: Smart Students Prepare For Mba With Online Education [print this page] It's well known one can't get their MBA without taking the GMAT entry exam. The exam itself is divided into three main sections: Verbal, Quantitative and the Analytical Writing Assignment (AWA). Of all three, the AWA is probably the one most are the least familiar with, thus making many GMAT test takers hook up with online schools to prep for it.
The AWA is the shortest of the three components. It consists of two statements, usually handed out one at a time. One of the handouts discusses an issue. The other reviews an argument. A GMAT test taker then has 30 minutes to read, analyze and write a response per handout.
When completed, the applicants responses are reviewed for who each handout was analyzed, how well they expressed their own opinions, how well the overall response is structured and, finally for grammar and syntax.
One of the critical elements of the AWA is its tight time allotment. When answering experts advise one takes the first one to two minutes to read the statement, then three to four minutes to brainstorm and outline. The main part of the remaining time should be in writing one's answer, all the while saving the last one to two minutes to review and correct grammar. Another thing they advise is to keep the two answers to 300-350 words each, and break them down to five to seven paragraphs, including one short intro and an equally concise conclusion.
Where the AWA takes its applicants out of their comfort zone is the tight time frame. This is where the online prep program comes in. Their courses not only will time you, but check spelling, grammar and such. The online college also stores a large sample of past AWA handouts, making their simulations as close to the real thing outside of actually taking it.
From there, the class teacher or an aide reviews the response for any weaknesses the writer might have. It's not uncommon for the response to be back in one's email by the next business day...usually with suggestions on where to go and fix whatever problems one has. Then it's only a matter of learning one's lessons, taking another pair of statements and seeing how much you've learned. If not enough, then the cycle is repeated until you do.
As with all online colleges, another advantage is it realizes its GMAT students are also holding jobs and have designed their classes for when they are convenient to the student, not the other way around. They also have online forums and chat rooms, which can be the sources of another effective group of tips.
