159V 164V 5.5AW for Biological Science Graduate Programs

[Dachyman]

I recently got my scores back and they were as in the title. I'm looking to apply to top biological life science programs in the US (Stanford, Yale, etc.) and my question is, should I rewrite to increase my verbal score? I'm worried that it may fall beneath that nebulous 'cutoff score' that admission officers have in mind while screening applications.

Unrelated question, does the AW score influence admission that much?

Thanks for any and all advice!

[mcfc2018]

I think your scores are fine (I assume you mean 159 V, 164 Q). That said, if you have a low GPA/no research experience, then it might be worth retaking it to make up for it. Most schools are also deemphasizing the GRE as well (Stanford doesn't require it for their general biology program anymore), so unless your other stats are worrying, I wouldn't waste your money.  

[Dachyman]

That was a typo, yes! Nice catch. Thanks!