Hunter GRE Cut-off

[runner2015]

Ok, so to preface, I know that my SoP and writing sample weigh more heavily in my application, but my cause for concern is the following statement from Hunter's website.

"We require 153 or better for verbal and the top 20% for writing." How much of a requirement is this, really? I scored favorably in verbal (almost 10 points higher than their 'requirement'), but didn't perform as well in writing. I scored a 4.0, placing me in the 55th percentile. (Honestly, the bell of this scoring seems flawed because a 4.5 puts one into the 80th percentile.)

My beef with ETS aside, how worthwhile would it be for me to retake the GRE? I'm confident I could score better, but I struggle to justify the time and money spent in retaking the exam.

Does anyone have experience getting into Hunter with similar credentials? Will they really cut me off because ETS has deemed me too stupid?

Thanks.

[raye237]

If you look in the results search for Hunter people often put in their GRE scores

[Mississippi Snow]

As a graduate from Hunter MA, I am so happy you are asking this question.

I applied, and was accepted, into the Hunter MA with a 2.5 cum GPA in my undergrad, and only a minor in art history.
My GRE scores were completely lackluster, with a 3.5 on the writing, and maybe 154 on the analytic. 
Now, chalk this up to either me being horrible at taking tests—yes—or Hunter being a bit lax—yes, +100 students—but really our discipline is much deeper than that.
Our discipline is built on passion. 

And, to further accentuate, I want to underline something very important. The test scores do not matter (in most cases). 
As you already stated, your SoP and writing sample, if strong, will be more than enough.

What actually got me into Hunter, as I was told later by my advisor who said she fought for me to be accepted, was that I wrote her an impassioned email about my desire to study with her and to be at Hunter. 

This, I’ve found, has helped me more in gaining employ or favor with people than anything.

So, look through the professors’ emails and find one you gravitate towards. 
I would be happy to put you in touch with my advisor—whom I am now on very good terms with as I am in a new Ph.D. Program—as she was completely supportive throughout my entire time there.

Good luck. Don’t hesitate to ask people for things.