How much importance is placed on percentiles on the GRE when applying to an undergraduate institution? I scored really well on the verbal, in the 85%. But the math, and for some reason I can’t explain the writing were really, really bad. I know the math because I didn’t study at all for the math, but the writing has just blown me out of the water. However, my references are really good and I know for a fact that two of the professors wrote about what a GOOD writer I am and how I write better than graduate students in the program in 200/300 level courses. Can references make up for bad GRE scores, and do I need to explain it away in my personal statement. Personally I think standardized tests are poor indicators of academic potential. I have an excellent academic record, lots of honors, great references, but bad GRE (math and writing for some odd reason) scores. What do I do?