Which is more important? Verbal vs Writing in GRE

[Ian Sue]

I have to submit my GRE scores but am not sure which score would be better

v: 159 & w:5.0

v: 166 & w:3.5

(Quants scores are the same so not a variable here.)

So I figure it really depends on which portion weigh more (if at all)

Some people say that personal statement and essays can make up for low gre writing scores and it will be better to have as high a verbal&quants score as possible to increase any possibility of funding. How valid would that be? Is there really a difference between verbal scores and writing scores in admission process?  

[beefmaster]

I would go with a higher verbal score. As you say, an opportunity to prove writing ability is given with the personal statements. 

[Rising]

Your verbal score is quite high the second time. Go for it, if you ask me. Don't stress too much about the AW. The admission committee will probably understand that not everyone can write under pressure.

[chocolatecheesecake]

You spent hundreds of dollars taking the GRE exam twice, so you might as well spend the extra money to send both GRE test scores to the schools that you're applying to. Many schools will take the highest score in each area, so you can have the best of both worlds. Look on at their admissions websites, because many schools spell out this policy explicitly.