Good verbal, bad analytical writing

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello people,</p>

<p>I was just wondering how bad it is to have a strong verbal GRE score (780) and a potentially catastrophic analytical writing score. You see, I scarcely made it through the first paragraph of "Task 1" before deciding it was ridiculous and quitting the section altogether. </p>

<p>I do have some things besides a strong verbal score to offset any anticipated negative impact from my AW score, including having won two fairly prestigious writing contests (one of them being national with over 1300 entries). </p>

<p>We should all agree that as graduate school applicants, the AW is beneath our dignity, and we shouldn't be forced to write silly responses to silly questions, to be graded by sexually frustrated bureaucratic mediocrities with an axe to grind. </p>

<p>Just my thoughts...I'd be delighted to hear yours.</p>

<p>BTW I'm applying to political science programs, if this helps.</p>

2

<p>I might be wrong, but I've always been under the impression that AW essays are largely graded by grad students. </p>

<p>So if I'm following you here, you're saying grad students = sexually frustrated bureaucreatic mediocrities. Which is, paradoxically, precisely what you're aspiring to be.</p>

3

<p>Well I suppose a little masochism never hurt anybody. How's THAT for paradoxical ;)</p>

<p>Anyway, I'd be grateful if you could ignore the flippant tone of my previous post and answer the question: How bad is a catastrophic analytical writing score next to a strong, 780 verbal?</p>

4

<p>No one will care what your AW score is if you won two fairly prestigious writing contests. That section is not taken seriously by anyone.</p>

5

<p>Don't worry about low AWA Score. When you apply to schools, they consider many things, not just one factor. Low AWA score can be compensated by having very good college essay/statement of purpose along with you application as well as having well written and professional looking resume.</p>

<p>Above all 780 Verbal in itself say a lot about the english skills of the candidate. Importance</a> of GRE Scores</p>

6

<p>don't schools have cutoff scores?</p>

7

<p>Depends on the schools you are applying for. I know of one school that has a minimum GRE requirements to obtain aid, but will accept less without it. You should contact the schools directly to see if they have a similar policy.</p>

8

<p>That is the worst reason I have ever heard to not finish a section. Why would you sabotage yourself like that?</p>