Questions Regarding GRE writing Score

[Destiny]

I checked online this morning and found out my writing score is only 3.5. Verbal section is 159, and Quantitative section is 169.

i plan to apply for graduate program in statistics Do you think my writing score is adequate?

I'm very confused about whether or not I need to retake.

[Bearcat1]

I don't know much about statistics programs, but in art history, which is heavy on writing, the writing score doesn't seem to matter. And I've never seen a minimum writing score listed anywhere. I know at my previous institution, funding from the graduate division was based on GRE scores, but just the verbal and quantitative combined score, without any regard for the writing score. You could always (even with a "fake" email so as to remain anonymous) email the DGS of a program or two where you're applying and ask. They may not know but it never hurts to ask, especially under a pseudonym! Your other scores are great, though. Do your apps require a writing sample? If so, that will make clear what kind of a writer you are and should trump a score based on some weird, made-up scenario (mine was about the medical effects of snoring!).

[pemdas]

that you score 3.5 or 4.0 doesn't make a big difference for AdComs who are aware of ETS scoring interval

if you scored 3.0 then alternatively they would be looking at people's 2.5 within the same interval. Hence no need to retake 3.5 AWA score unless you score 5.0 or better next time.

[Destiny]

I don't know much about statistics programs, but in art history, which is heavy on writing, the writing score doesn't seem to matter. And I've never seen a minimum writing score listed anywhere. I know at my previous institution, funding from the graduate division was based on GRE scores, but just the verbal and quantitative combined score, without any regard for the writing score. You could always (even with a "fake" email so as to remain anonymous) email the DGS of a program or two where you're applying and ask. They may not know but it never hurts to ask, especially under a pseudonym! Your other scores are great, though. Do your apps require a writing sample? If so, that will make clear what kind of a writer you are and should trump a score based on some weird, made-up scenario (mine was about the medical effects of snoring!).

Thank you so much for your advice. Fortunately, the statistics program doesn't require a writing sample.

The only thing I concern about is the average GRE writing score for top 20 universities is 4.0. Anyway, I gonna sent some emails to figure out.

Thank you!

[Destiny]

that you score 3.5 or 4.0 doesn't make a big difference for AdComs who are aware of ETS scoring interval

if you scored 3.0 then alternatively they would be looking at people's 2.5 within the same interval. Hence no need to retake 3.5 AWA score unless you score 5.0 or better next time.

Thank you very much for your suggestion. There is one thing I can be sure about: I can't get a 5.0 if I retake GRE.

Thanks!

[midnight]

Thank you so much for your advice. Fortunately, the statistics program doesn't require a writing sample.

The only thing I concern about is the average GRE writing score for top 20 universities is 4.0. Anyway, I gonna sent some emails to figure out.

Thank you!

But this is where your SOP comes in. Make it strong to offset your AW.

If you do choose to retake, make your AW essays LONG and FORMULAIC. The ETS isn't looking for originality, just a lot of distinct, well-formed paragraphs with clear examples and a few ETS-like vocab words thrown in for good measure.