My SAT scores were similar; maybe lower math and higher verbal.
I was always much better at writing than I was at math, and in retrospect I think being able to write well can help one program better.
If people are thought to plan how to express their thoughts, organize them in a cogent manner, remove redundant phrases, tighten up wordy expressions, they are picking up skills that can be transferred to programming.
Plus, being able to express yourself well at work is like a super power.
Not that I think programming is more a language skill than a math skill, just that abstract organizational skills are applicable to both writing and coding. I suspect that getting better at writing software might make one a better essay writer, or at least a more organized writer.
I think a good balance makes a good developer. Even more than that, it makes a good software creator - designer, developer, project manager, etc.