The MBA Entrance Process has multiple stages and each stage holds equal importance. AWT or WAT is one of these crucial stages and is an opportunity for you to impress the admissions committee. Your essays serve numerous purposes during your selection process. It helps the selectors to analyse your thought process, written communication skills and in some cases, general awareness. This part of the MBA Course FAQ Compilation will help you get acquainted with the WAT Process and solve your doubts.
Part 5 – Written Ability Test (WAT) or Analytical Writing Test (AWT)
What is AWT or WAT?
A major component of the first MBA program selection process is the Analytical Writing Test (AWT). It is also called Written Ability Test (WAT) or Essay Writing Test by many institutes. Many top management schools use the Written Ability Test (WAT) as a selection criterion since it is a considerably more accurate way to assess candidates than the Group Discussion process. This is because many applicants find it difficult to convey their opinions in the GD. In the WAT round, a candidate is free to put down his opinions and ideas in a clear and concise manner.
Is WAT really important?
The analytical writing and critical reasoning skills are evaluated using an AWT or WAT. The WAT questions don't gauge how much you know about the specific subject. It assesses your capacity to engage in a rational debate on a topic and support intricate ideas. Additionally, a high score validates your logical and critical thinking skills. Hence, most of the top MBA institutes conduct WAT/AWT rounds to select candidates. Although it does not have a significant weightage in the selection process, it can certainly prove to be a deciding factor. Your WAT write-ups often become a point of discussion during PIs. Hence, it becomes immensely important to jot down your thoughts clearly and concisely.
How can you really score in the WAT section?
Your ability to analyse the question and articulate your point of view or idea will impact how you perform on the written ability test. One thing to remember during the WAT process is to always maintain your position. No reader will want to read a piece where the author is trapped in multiple points of view. Even if you are torn between two alternatives, pick one and highlight it throughout. Continue using logical arguments to counter the opposing viewpoint. Organize your essay before you begin writing. Select the main ideas, then group your ideas into paragraphs. It is imperative to create a proper flow and structure in your write-up. Use facts and figures to reinforce your points if required.
What are the common topics that you can expect in WAT?
The topics for WAT are thoughtfully chosen to allow candidates to present their views coherently and to include crucial data and other facts to enhance their writing. You can expect current trending topics like the ‘Future of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology’, the ‘Ukraine Crisis: Russia vs the West’, current affairs topics like ‘Repealing of Farm Bills’, and abstract topics like ‘Can failures teach you important lessons in life?’.
Generally, candidates are given a choice to choose one among two-three different topics to express their views.
What does Great Lakes ask in WAT/AWT?
Great Lakes conducts Analytical Writing Test (AWT) post-shortlisting. It is different from the essays you fill out while submitting the application. The AWT is a 300-word write-up test on topics provided on the spot. They provide two topics from which you can choose one as per your preference and knowledge. The topics are generally taken from the business world and cover recent or popular & influential historical events. The topics can also be abstract sometimes. The rationale behind this round is to assess the thought process and written communication skills of the candidates along with their general awareness. The key to cracking Great Lakes’ AWT is to be original and precise. Beating around the bush to utilise the word limit can prove to negate your efforts.
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Author -
BPR Committee
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
