reaper1:
Thanks for posting.
When are you applying? For both of these schools, the R2 deadlines have passed. Are you talking about the upcoming fall for the 2024 matriculation? If so, why do you have to pick between writing essays and retaking the GRE? You can do the latter first and then wait until the late summer to do the former.
That said, I don't think you need to retake the exam. You'll be fine with the score you have, but if you feel compelled to do so (and there really isn't much harm at all) you should. It's just not going to make a huge difference, to be honest.
If you do retake the exam, do it soon so you don't drag the process out. Studying can only do so much. Sometimes it's just a matter of how the exam hits you, especially once you're at your score level.
Then, you are best off focusing on profile enhancement and essays when they are officially released.
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