Low GRE Analytical Writing Score - Is it a Problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the perceived low score of 3.5 in the GRE Analytical Writing section, which places the test-taker in the 25th percentile. Participants confirm that graduate programs prioritize quantitative scores over writing scores, with a recommendation to aim for above 700 in quantitative sections. Concerns about the reliability of the GRE writing score are raised, noting that the scoring involves both a human reader and the e-rater® system developed by ETS. The consensus is that writing scores are often not a significant factor in admissions decisions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of GRE scoring methodology, particularly the Analytical Writing section.
  • Familiarity with the e-rater® scoring system developed by ETS.
  • Knowledge of graduate program admission criteria, especially in STEM fields.
  • Awareness of the importance of quantitative scores in graduate admissions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the GRE Analytical Writing scoring process and its implications for applicants.
  • Learn about the e-rater® system and its role in grading GRE essays.
  • Investigate the significance of quantitative scores in various graduate programs.
  • Explore strategies for improving GRE writing scores, including effective essay techniques.
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students, particularly those applying to STEM programs, educators advising students on GRE preparation, and anyone interested in understanding the GRE scoring system and its impact on admissions.

Phyisab****
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I just got back my score on the writing section of the general GRE. Apparently I got a 3.5, which puts me in the 25th percentile. Now I don't mean to sound arrogant, but writing has always been a strength of mine. When I write papers, either for physics or humanities classes, they usually come back with "WOW!" across the top. I can't begin to imagine why I got such a low score on this.

Has anyone experienced something like this? Do grad schools really take the analytical writing score seriously? I did very well on the rest of the exam, have I screwed myself over?

P.S. I'm not taking the pGRE because I'm only applying to masters programs.
 
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Yeah I also got a 3.5 on writing when I took it. I doubt physics programs care about it.

The quantitative score is the most important. You should shoot for >700 on it.
 
No one gives 2 shizz about the writing score. I know great writers who got your score and bad writers who got a 6. I think part of the score is actually based on how many "GRE words" you are able to work into your essays.
 
If you feel like you deserve more, ask for a hand re-grading. The first time they only use a computer, which can sometimes mess up.
 
That must be some computer that grades the analytical writing section...
 
Hmm what I'm reading now on the ets website says that a human reader is also always involved, though I heard a human reader only grades randomly to make sure the computer algorithm is still on track. So I dunno. Given that it only takes two weeks, I'd bet they mostly just use the computer. Not to mention the $$$

# The essay score is assigned by a trained reader, using a 6-point holistic scale. The essay response is then reviewed by e-rater®, a computerized program developed by ETS, which is being used to monitor the human reader.
# If the e-rater evaluation and the human score agree, the human score is used as the final score. If they disagree by a certain amount, a second human score is obtained, and the final score is the average of the two human scores.
 

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