Quant : 169, Verbal : 164, AW : 4.0. Will my AW score hurt my chances for MS in CS at top US univs?

[Aman Gupta]

Hi folks,

 

Here is my GRE performance:

 

Quant : 169

Verbal : 164

AW : 4.0

 

I think my quant and verbal scores are fine, but I am really worried about AW.

 

I am from India, and want to apply to MS in CS at really top universities. I have a 8.9/10 (out of 10 scale) GPA and work at a top global software company. 

 

The thing is that I am willing to quit my job only if I get a really good admit, maybe a top 10 admit. Will my AW score hurt my chances?

 

Thanks in advance.

Edited August 13, 2013 by Aman Gupta

[baktrax]

I doubt it. Your writing score wouldn't be very relevant to your field, and I doubt that score would keep you out if you have an otherwise competitive application.

[BAW]

I wouldn't worry. You have great scores otherwise, and 4.0 is still a pretty impressive score. I know grad students in the top philosophy programs who got 4.0 AWs. The writing section is new and not nearly as good an indicator of your ability as a writing sample or personal statement.