Surprised by Poor Analytical Writing Scores- retake?

[hh725]

I'm applying to Master's programs in measurement & statistics (along the lines of psychometrics / econometrics). From what I understand, quantitative ability is the most important criterion. My math and verbal scores turned out as I expected, but I am concerned about and surprised by my poor analytical writing scores. (I feel I could do much better.)

Analytical writing: 3.5 (18%), and I'm not an international applicant.

Due to application deadlines, I had to submit my statement of purpose and supplemental documents prior to receiving my GRE scores. Had I received the results ahead of time, I definitely would have addressed the low analytical score and possibly retaken the test or submitted a writing sample... My question is, how should I approach this now? Would contacting the department prior to decision time only draw more attention to the issue, or would retesting or submitting a late writing sample be an appropriate response?

Thanks, all.

[NO8DO]

From what I've heard other people say, the AW score isn't as big of a deal, especially if you had to submit a writing sample/SoP (which most do) - especially since your field seems like the Q would reflect a bit more of your ability.

Since it is that low though, it might be what people call a 'red flag' - the type of thing where it can't really help but it can hurt you, etc. I have one with my GRE because it ended up being a lot lower than it prob should have been (57%V 44%Q, 96% AW), although I'm remaining optimistic - which is really all I think you can do. I wouldn't contact them because like you said it'll prob just draw attention to it. Also for MA programs I think that it's prob less strict with GRE scores, whereas PhD programs are probably a bit worse (not looking at certain apps b/c of low score/one red flag, etc.) Anyway good luck! Hopefully it'll al just be over soon anyway.

[hh725]

Well, I'm hoping the writing score won't be a big deal... we'll see in a few weeks/months... Thanks for your response, and good luck with all of your apps.

[Minnesotan]

I doubt the AW portion of the test will be too much of a problem, if you're not trying to get in at some extremely elite university. Even a statement of purpose is a better sign of your writing ability. The only thing the AW portion of the test really demonstrates is how well you can make a five-paragraph argument about a completely trivial situation in a half hour of writing and editing.

I'm not sure how that's useful. =)