When we talk about a good GRE score, AWA scores are generally not given much importance. But Indian students and students coming form non native English speaking countries have to make an extra effort to get acceptable scores in this section.
Some frequently asked questions regarding AWA scores can help you understand how important are AWA scores and how much time you need to spare to prepare for this section.
How does my Low AWA score affect my admission chances?
AWA scores are obviously one of the selection criteria for admissions in US Universities. If you score low you have other credentials in your application to compensate for the low scores. Admission chances would suffer if the department/program you are applying to have got an AWA cut off.
What is a good AWA score?
As mentioned above too, most of the Universities do not have an AWA cut off. But yes Universities would expect you to cross a score of 2.5 at least. Other than this you would find many Universities asking for a score of 4.0. But there is nothing hard and fast.
Is AWA score important for engineering program admissions in USA?
For engineering programs, Quantitative scores are most important followed by verbal section scores and AWA scores. But that does not mean you stop working on this section!
Can my TOEFL writing scores compensate for low AWA scores?
Yes to an extent your TOEFL writing section scores can help compensate for the low AWA scores but not for departments/programs which strictly mention their AWA cut off.
Does choice of my program affects importance of AWA scores in admissions process?
Yes like I said before, for engineering aspirants AWA scores may not hold that importance as for students who are going to pursue a program which strongly requires good written and spoken English skills.
Does a retake in GRE is advised to improve upon AWA scores?
Not certainly. I have seen cases where over ambitious students retake their test to improve on AWA scores while their quant and verbal section score takes a dip. Until and unless your AWA scores are abysmal don’t go for a retake. Retake is suggested only in cases with AWA scores less than 2.5.
hi hsb,
i got 289 q152 and v 137 and awa 1.5 is there any chance of getting admin to universities
last time i wrote gre i got 289(q-152,v137) and awa 3.0 …………..this time i got 310(q-157,v 153) and i think my awa was very poor and i think i will get around 1.5 or 2.0 what should i do .this they any chance of getting adms into univsty and does it effect my visa also ……plz suggest me
Hye
my gre qyants is 154..
gre verbal is 143….
Awa is 1.5…..
where i have to post this query…. i reallly don’t have any idea can you please guide me where is that forum section……for evaluation of my profile…..
Hi Prince, For suggestions on Universities you can apply to post your query in the forums section under appropriate thread.
We would be happy to guide you moving ahead!
Hi,
My gre score is 309 with qa – 156 , va -153, awa – 3. Where do i stand? Is it good to secure an admission for ms in computer science eng.
Hi Deepiga,
Yes your scores are good and you can apply for admissions in to MS CS programme. For University selection and shortlisting you can post your profile details in the forums section.
Good day!
I have got 156 in Verbal, 165 in Quant, but 3.0 in AWA. Is there still a chance for me to apply to Ms. Operation Research Degree, or even MFE in Columbia Engineering department? Should I retake the GRE?
Hi Jenny, GRE score is not the only admission criteria. In order to comment upon your admission chances we need to know your other profile details such as academics, your work experience, and such relevant details.
Operations Research otherwise is a competitive programme to get in and you need a strong Mathematics background for the same.
In order to know appropriateness of your profile for the concerned programme share as much details as possible.
All the best!
@ Raghu :
Hey Raghu could you please uoload/send Top 30
Universities GRE codes list
Verbal-136
Quant- 155
Awa-3
Want to apply fr ms in biotechnology or microbiology.
Is it enough score or should I reappear.
Yes the GRE scores are on a lower side. Admissions into Biological Sciences programs are quite tough. In case you have had a good research experience in bachelors, you can apply with current scores. Otherwise my advice would be to retake test, back your profile with some good research projects and then apply.
if you have a consistent reading habit then it becomes very easy to score in this area. i got 3.5 without any preparation.
i got 3.0 in awa and 306 in gre …. i have to retake gre or this score is good enough for an average college, MS in computer science engineering…
Your GRE score looks good. Share your individual section scores for better assessment. For profile evaluation and suggestions on Universities you can apply to, post your query in the appropriate thread in the forums section.
my gre qyants is 158..
gre verbal is 148….
Awa is 3.0…..
where i have to post this query…. i reallly don’t have any idea can you please guide me where is that forum section……for evaluation of my profile…..
Hi Piyush,
Post it in the forums section under an appropriate thread. Your scores are otherwise decent enough to apply for Fall admissions.
All the best!