T need to retake if you consider to apply some of top20. The target should be Ok if you try to
apply top30 in your major. Now it's not too late cause most schools'deadline is middle of Jan. 08.
So you can mail all materials before X'mas. Most important of all, your present advisor's
recommendation is very crucial. Qualify exam is useless basically. Paper, especially at first place,
having higher impact factor, will get you in good position in committe evaluation.