The Knewton Blog

When studying for the GMAT, most aspiring MBAs tend to focus primarily on Quant and Verbal. While it is true that most b-school adcoms assign the most weight to those sections, don’t forget about the Analytical Writing Assessment! Just a little bit of prep on the AWA can go a long way. Plus, all other factors being equal, a 6 on your GMAT essays might just push your application over the edge at your dream… Read more

Posted in Essay Guide, GMAT, GMAT Tips | No comments

Share on

When studying for the GMAT, I was intimidated by the Analysis of an Issue essay. While the test gives you strict limitations for Analysis of an Argument (critique the argument; don’t give your own opinion), the Analysis of an Issue essay is much more open-ended. It’s all about what you think. You get a general opinion, with no supporting evidence, and are asked to evaluate that opinion. The opinion could be about space travel (“the… Read more

Posted in Essay Guide, GMAT | No comments

Share on

The business school application essay is quite a different beast from the academic essay, the creative memoir, and the informal blog post. It can be difficult to know how to approach it. The prompts are simple and yet daunting. In trying to showcase your talents, you may be tempted to communicate in a way that actually works against you — that sounds trite, awkward, or boastful. So how can you convey your strengths with confidence… Read more

Posted in Essay Guide, GMAT | One comment

Share on

Last week, we shared 5 thoughts to avoid while writing your AWA essays on the GMAT. This week, we’ve got 5 more! Steer clear of these common mindsets if you want to earn that perfect 6 on your AWA. 1. Style: “I should be straightforward and concise, so it’s OK to use the same sentence structure again and again.” Well, you shouldn’t go out of your way to sound brilliant or original (it is likely… Read more

Posted in Essay Guide, GMAT, GMAT Tips | No comments

Share on

Business schools are placing an increased emphasis on communication ability – all the more reason to step it up during the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) on the GMAT. So, how can you ensure AWA success? As any good test-taker knows, it all comes down to mindset. Avoid these 5 thoughts to stay in the zone, channel your energy properly, and earn that perfect 6 on your GMAT essay, and stay tuned for 5 more thoughts… Read more

Posted in Essay Guide, GMAT, GMAT Tips | 2 comments

Share on

This week’s MBA news roundup highlights the best MBA programs for your interests, as well as tips for your admissions essays.  If your New Year’s resolution is to finally submit those b-school applications, these articles will surely help you out.  Enjoy! 1. 5 Great Destinations for an MBA in Finance Looking for a degree in Finance?  The International Business Times lists their top five school choices for a top finance education. 2. America’s Best MBA… Read more

Posted in B-School Life, Essay Guide, MBA Admissions | No comments

Share on

Meghan Daniels is the Associate Editor @Knewton, where she helps students rock their GMAT Essays. When someone achieves greatness in any field—such as the arts, science, politics, or business—that person’s achievements are more important than any of his or her personal faults. In general, this argument is correct. Arts, sciences, politics, and business are very important to our culture and achievements made there are more important than personal faults. The positive will outweigh the negative,… Read more

Posted in Essay Guide, GMAT | No comments

Share on

Josh Anish is Senior Editor at Knewton. I read A LOT of GMAT essays. Alex Sarlin and I read every single essay sent in by every single Knewton student. More and more are coming in every day. We usually offer words of encouragement followed by a points of constructive critique — don’t use first-person pronouns in the intro, don’t pay too much deference to the other side of the argument, and so forth. But last… Read more

Posted in Essay Guide, GMAT, GMAT Tips | One comment

Share on

This post was written by Josh Anish. Knewton is your source for the best advice on your GMAT essays. Go to Knewton.com for more sample AWAs. Analysis of Issue Prompt: Of all the manifestations of power, restraint in the use of that power impresses people most. Displays of great strength are misguided attempts to gain ground or leverage over another party. In school, children are taught to respect the “strong, silent type.” And for good… Read more

Posted in Essay Guide, GMAT, GMAT Tips | 2 comments

Share on

How to Score a 6 on Your GMAT Essay Writing Score Here is an example of a GMAT essay that earned the score of 6. Take a few moments to read it over. Below we will break down exactly how and why the piece was able to earn this score. Get the Free GMAT Starter Pack with Essay Tips and More › Essay Prompt: When someone achieves greatness in any field such as the arts,… Read more

Posted in Essay Guide, GMAT, GMAT Tips | 13 comments

Share on