Mitocrazy

Undergrad Institution: University of Toronto, it's high up on rankings but who knowsMajor(s): Biochemistry specialist (equiv. to double major in terms of course load), Neuroscience major; Biochemistry mastersMinor(s):GPA in Major: Overall GPA: UG: 3.78, M: 4.0Position in Class: Near topType of Student: International, FemaleGRE Scores (revised/old version):Q: 161 (93rd percentile)V: 163 (78th percentile)W: 4.5 (82nd percentile)B: Subject Scores:Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology: 92nd percentileBiochemistry: 94th percentileCell Biology: 63rd percentileMolecular Biology and Genetics: 95th percentile Research Experience: 2 years undergrad in biochemistry labs, 2.5 years masters in biochemistry; no publications, no conference talks (this is what I'm really worried about); My research passion is mitochondrial biology, and I conducted 3.5 years of my research experience in a mitochondria lab. It's kind of niche so I've been thinking of talking about RNA biology in my letter to broaden appeal but I'd love to hear what you think.Awards/Honors/Recognitions: schoolwide scholarship, Dean's list, basic scholarship to conduct research from departmentPertinent Activities or Jobs: 1 yr TA, 1 yr Invigilation, 1 yr graduate department student councilAny Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: This is going to completely give me away but Taekwondo ITF junior representative like... 7 years ago. Won some medals, but like. who cares? Still had to buy my own plane ticket.Special Bonus Points:Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:Applying to Where:UCDavis - BMCDB Columbia - Neuroscience/Pathology and Cell Biology UMass Med - MCCB Boulder - MCDB Yale - MCDB UW-Madison - Biochemistry My 'backup' is McGill, which I'm not really worried about in terms of admission. My real worry is that my lack of publications and conference attendance will really hold me back. I'm pretty sure I'll have positive references but I doubt my PI is going to go on and on about how great I am - it's not in his personality. I don't really know American school expectations so I'd welcome any feedback on likelihood for these schools. Should I bother or just save my money?