Does a Strong AWA Score Offset a Poor GRE Verbal Score?

Many prospective graduate students find themselves in a challenging situation where their Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) score is significantly higher than their Verbal Reasoning score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The question often arises: can a decent AWA score compensate for a lackluster GRE verbal score, or is a strong AWA score merely a consolation prize?

Understanding the GRE Scoring System

The GRE is a standardized test that assesses test-takers' abilities in analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. Each section is scored on a 130-170 scale, with the Verbal Reasoning section contributing heavily to the overall score, which ranges from 260 to 340.

While the AWA score is a significant component of the test, it is not weighted as heavily as the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The AWA is scored independently on a 0-6 scale. Therefore, even a higher AWA score cannot make up for a low Verbal Reasoning score in many admission committees' eyes.

The Importance of the Overall Score

Admissions committees often set a minimum score threshold for Verbal Reasoning. For most programs, this threshold is typically around 150 or higher. Since the overall GRE score is a combination of Verbal, Quantitative, and AWA scores, a low Verbal score can significantly impact an otherwise promising application.

For instance, if a candidate scores a 4 on the AWA and 148 on the Verbal Reasoning, the overall score remains below the threshold that many universities consider a viable application. This scenario is particularly challenging, as the overall score would not cross the 300 mark, a key threshold for many graduate programs.

The Impact on Admission Decisions

Admissions officers evaluate each application holistically, considering not only test scores but also extracurricular activities, work experience, and letters of recommendation. However, test scores, particularly the Verbal Reasoning section, often play a critical role in the initial evaluation.

Therefore, even a strong AWA score will likely not be enough to compensate for a poor Verbal Reasoning score. While it is important to showcase one's strengths and be honest about any challenges, it is crucial to aim for comprehensive test preparation that encompasses all sections of the GRE.

Strategies to Improve Your Verbal Reasoning Score

If you feel that your Verbal Reasoning score is below what you need for the program you are applying to, there are several strategies you can employ to improve it:

Practice and Familiarity: Consistently practicing with official GRE practice tests can help you identify your weaknesses and improve your test-taking strategies. Expand Vocabulary and Knowledge: Strengthening your vocabulary and enhancing your understanding of various passages can significantly improve your performance on the Verbal Reasoning section. Improve Reading Comprehension: Regularly reading a variety of texts can help you enhance your reading comprehension skills, which are essential for success on the GRE. Seek Professional Help: Consider enrolling in a GRE preparation course or getting a tutor for personalized guidance.

By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of achieving a higher Verbal Reasoning score and improving your overall application.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, while a strong AWA score can certainly be a positive attribute in your graduate school application, it cannot compensate for a poor Verbal Reasoning score. Therefore, the best course of action is to focus on improving your Verbal Reasoning score through dedicated preparation and practice. This can significantly enhance your chances of being admitted to the graduate program of your choice.

Good luck with your studies and applications!