In retrospect, it's easy to say that I should have been more confident going into the application cycle. I applied only to top 10 schools in my field, but throughout the process I was insecure and pessimistic about my chances of admission anywhere, because of my low UGPA (sub-3.0).
I researched all the grad planning programs and only applied to those that have concentrations in my field of interest (among other determining factors, including location, alumni network, etc.). With solid recommendation letters, tailored SOP's, good GRE scores, and several years of work experience, I'm happy to say that I've been able to overcome a low UGPA and so far have been admitted to all the schools where I applied. It turns out that admissions committees do value passion and motivation more than just numbers.
I'm glad I didn't let one poor factor in my application dictate where I applied, but this process has been humbling and simultaneously eye-opening. It's time I stop expecting the worst, and start smelling the roses!
I read this quote recently and feel it's very relevant to my life and grad school application process:
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." --Winston Churchill.