Top Econ PhD: AWA GRE 4.5, Should I retake?

[glows]

I just got my GRE scores: AWA 4.5, V 170, Q 170.

I feel a bit bad about my writing score. The other two measures are great obviously, and the V much better than I expected. I will apply for a Econ PhD this fall, and aim at the top 10. I know it's tough to get accepted, but my GPA is strong and so are my letters. I'm only concerned about my writing score. Do you think I should retake the GRE? By doing so I'll most likely spoil my perfect scores in the other two sections.

Fyi: I'm an international applicant. Not sure if this makes any difference...

Edited August 11, 2017 by glows

[JohnKim]

Hmmm your perfect score in Quantitative and Verbal would pretty much bring your AWA up. How about you try applying to schools first? 

[glows]

Thanks for the response, JohnKim.

I will definitely apply this season. I'm not concerned I don't get any offers. I only worry that top10 schools might take issue with my AWA 4.5.

For instance, UW-Madison has an average of AWA 4.5 among their admits, so I should be fine (in terms of GRE) there. Penn Sate (though not a top program, but a good backup choice in my opinion) has on average a 3.4. Stanford says at least 4.5, so I'm not below a cut-off, but it won't help me either. So my problem would be that I spoil my chances at the top and then would need to settle for something in the 15-25 range.