submit or retake?

[sam.maull]

My scores are 170 verbal, 163 Quantitative and 4.0 Analytical Writing.

I'm applying to do anthropology in:

UC Davis, UCLA, U of Washington, Stanford and Harvard.

Obviously the big problem is the writing score (49% below). I have got a good writing sample and the score's really not representative of my writing but it is what it is. My question is should I retake? I've already booked onto another test and I have a good 3 weeks to prepare for it so I think I could get a better score, but then I risk getting a lower verbal and I've been told that the analytical writing isn't as important anyway. Basically I really don't want to have to go through all the revision, travel and stress of testing again if I don't have to. Also by the time I've retaken and the scores are reported the deadlines for all the programs will be up, but then maybe that's not such a big deal because they don't really look at applications till after the Christmas break anyway.

Any advice?

[midnight]

Well, first of all, congratulations on your phenomenal scores.

As for AW, many schools don't care about them at all unless they raise a red flag (perhaps 3.0 or below); however, some schools do take them into consideration for funding and other reasons. See if there are any guidelines on the schools' sites or email for any advice.

All that said, your SOP, writing sample, research interests, and overall fit are far more important than the GRE.

Personally I wouldn't bother with a retake. It angers me that someone like you even needs to consider it!

Edited December 6, 2012 by midnight streetlight