GRE AWA

[pursuistmi]

I am an international student. I scored a 6.0 for AWA but did not perform as well in Q (700)& V (550).

I want to apply for ivy league history programs, and I fear that 1250 won't be too impressive.

Do you think my AWA score can compensate my lower QV scores? Should I retake the GRE again, in order to obtain better scores?

Also, I am also wondering: Is the AWA score important in evaluations at all?

Thank you.

[liszt85]

I reckon it would. I know nothing about admissions in History, just guessing based on common sense. Your writing skills have to be very good to be able to get a 6.0 on the AWA. Also, 700 on the quant is perfectly okay for a history grad student. The verbal 550 isn't too bad either. If other parts of your application are strong, I don't think your 1250 is going to be too much of a hurdle.

[fuzzylogician]

Honestly, I think the AWA is the least important score of the three. I wouldn't think the AWA score could compensate for a lower verbal score, but on the other hand I don't think your verbal score is all that low. You're international, and I hear our scores get looked at differently than those of native speakers. A 1250 is quite alright, but if you think it's not high enough for ivy league schools, then don't count on the writing score to save you.

[Dreams]

I am an international student. I scored a 6.0 for AWA but did not perform as well in Q (700)& V (550).

I want to apply for ivy league history programs, and I fear that 1250 won't be too impressive.

Do you think my AWA score can compensate my lower QV scores? Should I retake the GRE again, in order to obtain better scores?

Also, I am also wondering: Is the AWA score important in evaluations at all?

Thank you.

In echoing the advice already given, I do not think you need to retake the GRE. Your scores are really good for an international student, especially the AWA score. And though you have a nice Q score for someone not focusing on something more quantitative related, it will likely not be of much concern to your programs. And no, the AWA will not compensate for other sections of the exam.

Remember, top programs will look at everything holistically, not rank you based on test scores. So your best bet would be to make sure the rest of your application is solid. From your personal statement outlining your research interests, writing samples, and recommendations, as poorly written materials will belie your AWA score.

[pursuistmi]

Thank you for your replies.

I guess the better choice is to produce good writing for the adcom instead of preparing for another GRE.