Terrible AW, what to do?

[sherryli]

I just took GRE and got 730V + 800Q, but sadly only 3.5 for AW(this is so not my expectation! I was hoping for around 5). So what to do now? I am targeting as top grad schools like stanford or Berkeley, will my AW step in the way? should I request a review on my AW score?

btw, I study CS. My GPA is above 3.8(probably around 3.9 depending on my performance this semester), but i haven't got much research experience in the field. How good are my chances?

Thanks a lot.

[Bukharan]

Your verbal and quantitative scores are excellent. Your GPA is great. In your case, I don't think the AW score plays any role at all. Your stats should be enough for your application to be looked at by admissions officers. You, of course, know, I am sure, that it is your academic interests, research experience and 'faculty fit' that will get you in your dream school and different [near-perfect] scores are only for a 'tick'!

So far, your scores provide you with a great starting point! Well done and all the best to you!

[MoJingly]

I agree. Save the AW, your scores are great! I wouldn't worry too much. In my experience, the GRE wasn't a huge deal. But of course, every program is different.

[fumblewhat]

I had 600 quantitative and 690 verbal, 3.5 AW. Didn't stop me from getting fully funded M.A. offers at two schools and half-tuition at two others. I really wouldn't sweat it at all. Especially with a strong GPA (and I would assume strong recommendations). You can also remove any doubts they may have about your writing by sending in a strong Statement of Purpose.

[spctle342]

You can also remove any doubts they may have about your writing by sending in a strong Statement of Purpose.

This. I imagine if you're going to botch any one section of the GRE, analytic writing should be the one, because it's the easiest to reconcile in your application. Many schools to which I'm applying don't even reference the GRE (masters programs) but if they do, they typically zero in on the verbal/quant sections because they can see your writing for themselves when they review your application. All is not lost.

[sherryli]

Thanks a lot for all your replies. So I'm gonna move on and keep working hard on the other parts! xD xD

[natsteel]

I had scores lower than yours (660V, 560Q) and a 4.0AW and got full-funding at Yale. So don't worry about that AW score. Your writing sample is far more important than the AW and most adcomms realize that. Your numbers are good enough to possibly get you in anywhere... It's the other parts of your application that will matter the most.

[criscamino]

This sounds reassuring. I did a few applications to absolute dream schools last autumn, more in hope than expectation, with the intention of doing an MA here (England) before doing a PhD (in History) in the US. I went into the GRE largely blind, and came out with 760Q and 780V, but with 4.5 for the writing. I was pretty confused frankly, and rather disappointed. Should I stick with what I have, or go for it again in time for the next admissions cycle? (I'm tending towards the former.)

[rainy_day]

Honestly, the AW score for GRE's is unreliable at best, and from my understanding this is widely accepted. You're writing sample (if that's required for CS programs?), SOP, LORs, and GPA carry far greater weight (than the most arbitrary part of an arbitrary exam, imo). Carry on; do not fear! And congrats on your great scores in Verbal & Quant!

[Strangefox]

I just took GRE and got 730V + 800Q, but sadly only 3.5 for AW(this is so not my expectation! I was hoping for around 5). So what to do now? I am targeting as top grad schools like stanford or Berkeley, will my AW step in the way? should I request a review on my AW score?

btw, I study CS. My GPA is above 3.8(probably around 3.9 depending on my performance this semester), but i haven't got much research experience in the field. How good are my chances?

Thanks a lot.

I got in with 3,5 AW and was rewarded a nice fellowship. I am an international student so it may have been a factor there too. Like others said, your quant and verbal are cool and schools mostly look at them. There is definetely a high chance for you to be admitted to some schools with this score. Look for fit and apply to at least 5 schools to make this chance higher. This way I am sure you will get into a nice program.

Good luck!

[OldGrad2012]

Hi,

I am in the same situation as you. My GRE score is lower than yours ( Q: 680, V: 590, and a 3.5 in AW). I wonder if my GRE scores alone is good enough because my GPA is low like a 2.9 undergraduate, but a 3.46 master graduate GPA. I have long years of research experience though, and I hope that my research experience should offset my low GPA. Please give your input. I will apply in the Fall.

[pizymisa]

I just hope I can get a 3

finger crossed.

I'm not a good writer at all

[dntw8up]

I just took GRE and got 730V + 800Q, but sadly only 3.5 for AW(this is so not my expectation! I was hoping for around 5). So what to do now? I am targeting as top grad schools like stanford or Berkeley, will my AW step in the way? should I request a review on my AW score?

btw, I study CS. My GPA is above 3.8(probably around 3.9 depending on my performance this semester), but i haven't got much research experience in the field. How good are my chances?

Thanks a lot.

Your AW won't matter much, but research experience is the most important factor in CS admissions at the schools you've mentioned.