Low AW score for internationals?

[failingunder]

Searching this site, I found some comment for AW saying that it is not quite important unless you are not international.

Then what about internationals with low AW scores like me? 

My GRE score is 167/169/4.0 quite low for AW.

Should I retake GRE?

[kretschmar]

AW scores are by far the least important thing on the GRE. Many schools don't even mention them in their admissions data, and I take this to indicate that they mean little. The GRE measures an idiosyncratic kind of timed essay writing, whereas your writing sample is a far better indication of both general writing aptitude and philosophical prose. 

 

The only exception to this is if your writing sample shows any signs of being in a second language. If that were the case, then the AW score might confirm worries that you are not fluent. But even in this instance, I would recommend perfecting your writing sample, not wasting time on another GRE. 

 

Besides, your overall score is outstanding. Good for you!

[failingunder]

7 hours ago, kretschmar said:

AW scores are by far the least important thing on the GRE. Many schools don't even mention them in their admissions data, and I take this to indicate that they mean little. The GRE measures an idiosyncratic kind of timed essay writing, whereas your writing sample is a far better indication of both general writing aptitude and philosophical prose. 

 

The only exception to this is if your writing sample shows any signs of being in a second language. If that were the case, then the AW score might confirm worries that you are not fluent. But even in this instance, I would recommend perfecting your writing sample, not wasting time on another GRE. 

 

Besides, your overall score is outstanding. Good for you!

Thanks for your advice!