Top business schools are increasingly seeking candidates with strong data analysis skills, critical thinking abilities, and effective written communication. The GMACTM Business Writing Assessment (BWA) offers a unique opportunity to showcase your writing prowess and stand out in the competitive MBA admissions landscape.

Introduction to the BWA

With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and the removal of the writing assessment component from the GMAT Focus Edition, the BWA emerged as a crucial addition to the MBA application process.

BWA Format and Scoring

  • 30-minute timed exercise: Analyze a brief argument and write a critique.
  • Argument: The arguments include a range of topics relevant to both business and general interest. Specific knowledge of the topic is not required.
  • Objective evaluation: Focus on the argument’s reasoning and evidence, not personal opinions.
  • Standardized scoring: Graded on a scale of 0 to 6, with results delivered within 3-5 days.
  • Free submission: Send your results to participating MBA programs at no additional cost.

Key Features of the BWA

  • Timed analysis: Demonstrate your ability to think critically and write under pressure.
  • Flexible scheduling: Take the online assessment at your convenience.
  • Minimal preparation: Requires minimal study time, typically 2-4 hours.
  • Fast results: Receive your score quickly to inform your MBA applications.
  • Global accessibility: Available to candidates worldwide at a consistent cost of $30.

Who Needs to Take the BWA?

If you’ve already taken the GMAT 10th Edition or GRE and have a valid AWA score, you may not need to take the BWA. However, several top MBA programs, including Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School, and MIT Sloan, now require or recommend it.

*Note: Specific requirements may vary, so consult the individual school’s website for the latest information.

Here are the specific requirements stated on the school’s website –

HBS: Writing is an essential component of the MBA program. Therefore, to be admitted to HBS all students must have an official writing assessment. You can satisfy this with a valid GRE, GMAT 10th Edition, or English language test score. If you only submitted the GMAT Focus, which lacks a writing section, HBS will contact you at the interview stage about taking the separate GMAC Business Writing Assessment. If you wish to take the GMAC Business Writing Assessment before knowing your interview status, you will be able to do so beginning July 2024. Because the written application has opportunities to showcase your writing abilities (e.g. essays, short answers), you will not be at a disadvantage if you do not include the GMAC Business Writing Assessment before you are invited to interview.

MIT Sloan: The Admissions Committee is also interested in assessing the writing abilities of anyone who is admitted to MIT Sloan’s MBA program. For anyone who submits a GMAT (Focus Edition) or is granted a test waiver, the Admissions Committee may require that you take the GMAC Business Writing Assessment. If you took the GMAT (10th Edition) or the GRE and have a valid AWA score, that will satisfy this requirement. If the Admissions Committee requires you to take the GMAT Business Writing Assessment, we will contact you after interview invitations are sent.

However, many MBA applicants view BWA as an additional exam (and additional cost + hustle) and have started giving preference to the GRE. There is also speculation that like HBS and MIT, more schools may follow suit in the future.

While the BWA may add to your MBA application workload, it offers a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills and enhance your chances of admission to top business schools. By understanding the BWA format, preparing effectively, and strategically submitting your results, you can position yourself as a strong candidate in the competitive MBA admissions process.

Registration for the GMACTM Business Writing will open this week. You can find the free and paid preparation material for BWA here.

Need More Information? Contact ARINGO today for a free evaluation of your MBA application and to learn more about the Business Writing Assessment.