alex - question regarding gpa/gmat combo

[djbasic]

hi alex - i have a question regarding one component of my application profile: the gpa/gmat combo.

my gpa is 3.89 (from a not so great public university, dual degrees in computer science and finance) and my gmat is 690 (47Q, 38V, 4.5AWA, 2nd try).

i was decently satisfied with my score, but the 4.5 feels awful (i should've taken the importance of using AWA templates to heart).

i know that the application process is much more encompassing than these stats alone, but this component is my main focus at the moment. would you recommend giving the gmat another shot? do you think my current score will put me at a disadvantage with other applicants? am i being paranoid because i'm browsing all these "accepted" forums and don't see anyone getting in with an AWA below 5.5?

i'm aiming for top 16 programs - columbia ED, sloan, haas, anderson, and the like.

thanks!

[MBAApply]

Don't worry about the AWA. It's not really a factor in the admissions process (and it doesn't factor into your composite score either). No need to retake it.
Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com