<p>I just took the new test and was wondering how the scoring compared to the old system. Is the scoring on the new test equivalent at all such as a 5 on the new test = 500 on the old test or a 6 on the new = 600 on the old etc?</p>
<p>Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but I've heard that 4s and 4.5s are very common. One grad school teacher I asked said he had never seen a 6, though that might reflect the kind of school he works at.</p>
<p>Anyway, I've also heard that the writing scores aren't really valued too highly anyway. I don't know why, but everyone I've spoken to about this says that they just look to make sure the score is within the "literate" range, and make their own decisions based on the writing samples included in the application. Perhaps GRE essay quality is not considered representative of a student's true ability because of the extreme time constraints.</p>
<p>i hope they weigh it a bit I got a 6 =P 99th percentile so I am praying</p>
<p>Most schools do not even look at the analytical writing section. However, a score of 5.5 or 6 will surely stand out. </p>
<p>Especially if you are applying to a sciences/math/eng program....it's impressive when these types of students can also write and show superior analytical skills.</p>
<p>Wow, 99% is killer. I thought I did well on my essays and I got a 4.5 at 52% ... That freaked me out cuz I assumed that was basically a failure and ruined an otherwise nice GRE session. Turns out I got accepted to all my schools and I'm headed to a top 5 in eng, so I don't think it matters too much. ETS just wants to make you sweat. </p>
<p>According to the book I studied off of (Princeton Review) the only thing they could link a high score to was length. So it mattered less how coherent an essay is, if it's long it scores high.</p>
<p>Don't worry about the GRE analytical writing section if you're an engineering major. All of the engineering graduate programs are so cheesed off that the College Board took away the analytical reasoning section, which was something they could actually use, and put in this completely arbitrary "analytical writing" section (because knowing how to convince GRE graders that "knowledge is power" will certainly help you write your technical paper on anomalous stress patterns in compact tension specimens) that they essentially disregard it. Like kruser42, I also got into all the top-ten programs I applied to while I only had a 4.5, and I'm currently at the second-ranked structural engineering program.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>Hi aibarr, this is off-topic, but seeing that you are in structural engineering I hoped that you could answer some questions for me. I am an international and I applied for an MS to the same field this year. Among my admits, I am wavering between Purdue (w/o aid) and Ohio State (fellowship). I know that Purdue is much better but the fees for int students being as high as they are, I don't think I would be able to afford them. Do you think that I would make a mistake if I opt for OSU?</p>
<p>I don't think it would be a mistake, especially if you're going into practice. Purdue might give you an extra edge if you're planning on applying to PhD programs later on or going into academia, but if you're planning on pursuing more practical applications of engineering rather than theoretical, then it's your work experience that will count more than your academic experience. Having a masters degree will make you that much more desireable for employers as well, so you'll be able to get a good position with a reputable engineering firm.</p>
<p>Good luck in your choice!</p>
<p>Thanks aibarr. I really didn't have a choice since I couldn't have afforded Purdue. But I wanted to have my decision backed by someone in the field, and thanks again for supporting my choice. I am yet undecided on doing a PhD, so let's see what's in store for me.</p>
<p>Sorry for hijacking your post, ucsdpoli. But I thought your question has been answered. From what I have seen, I can tell you too that the AWA portion doesn't have much significance, especially if you are in engineering. For that matter, even the verbal score is not that important too, though it is given more weightage than the AWA part. Research experience is what most counts along with your GPA and GRE scores. I myself got a 1600 on the GRE and I had good academic scores, but I was lacking a bit in the research section. Unfortunately I got dinged at UIUC, UT Austin, and Cornell.</p>