I had a bit of a similar problem. I scored great on Q/V, however I got a 3.5 on the writing! I attributed this low score to many things: 1.) not preparing for the AW at all, 2. ) not having written anything except email essay for 5 months, and 3.) not following a standard format. (Note, I even paid the 55 bux to have them regrade it (score came back the same). With an exceptionally busy semester I had no time to retake the test (and let alone prepare for it).
My advice to you is definitely apply! Your other stats are great, and I expect that they will see your writing abilities first hand on the SoP. I'm trying not to worry about it too much myself, (most departments in my field like to see a ~4.5) but considering everything thing else, I don't expect it being a huge deal (i am in engineering tho).
Lastly, if you ever find yourself retaking the exam, I recommend ONE THING: Follow a standardized format of 1 pgh intro, 3 pgh body, 1 pgh conclusion, w/ ~8 sentances per paragraph. I hear that this is of the highest importance. (unfortunately I only wrote a 3 pgh essay....). While the actual points, opinions, and evidence may be clearly worded in your essays -- the weigh very heavily on formatting.
My advice to you is definitely apply! Your other stats are great, and I expect that they will see your writing abilities first hand on the SoP. I'm trying not to worry about it too much myself, (most departments in my field like to see a ~4.5) but considering everything thing else, I don't expect it being a huge deal (i am in engineering tho).
Lastly, if you ever find yourself retaking the exam, I recommend ONE THING: Follow a standardized format of 1 pgh intro, 3 pgh body, 1 pgh conclusion, w/ ~8 sentances per paragraph. I hear that this is of the highest importance. (unfortunately I only wrote a 3 pgh essay....). While the actual points, opinions, and evidence may be clearly worded in your essays -- the weigh very heavily on formatting.
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