pohkid

I have a high GPA from a top 10 undergrad institution. I'm confident that I can get good recs. The only missing piece is my quant GRE and I'm debating whether I should retake it. It is painful and time-consuming to prepare.

I got a 164 on the quant section. Is it too low for a top 10 econ program? Other than that, other parts of the application are ready.

I'm in a situation where I could take a few classes before I apply for a PhD through a non degree program (I finished my undergrad but my background is not strong enough so I'm taking a few extra classes). I try to use these classes to impress one or two good professors so that I can get good recommendations. How do you impress them? Obviously I'll work hard and get As in those classes. However, in addition to that, what else should I do if those classes only have exams but not papers or research projects? Or should I take classes that have research papers and projects as finals, so that I can demonstrate my research abilities and maintain a closer connection?