now_i_am_law

I applied a while back with no success, so I'm trying again - I am applying to Immunology PhD December 2019. I have a 2.5 undergrad GPA. I'm working in an immunology lab at a respectable institution and going to take three extra related courses in the next 12 months. Any suggestions for programs that would be easier to be admitted to?

I've e-mailed a few admissions faculty (U Penn and OHSU) they say it's not impossible, but a petition would be required. What schools that would be more realistic? This is my main question.

In short, I was a biology major who was terrible at math. I'm applying to Immunology/Cell Bio programs for fall 2016. I have a 2.5 GPA from a state school, three years of undergraduate research experience (cell biology), and two years of research experience working at a top ranked institution (immunology). I am confident my letters of recommendation from my work experience are going to be very good; I did an oral presentation at an Immunology conference. I'm going to bite the bullet and apply to some schools that are ranked pretty high for my GPA, but I obviously need some safety schools; there are loads of lists of the top programs. but less info about those towards the bottom - any recommendations? This is my current list of schools I plan to apply to; I'm realizing it's probably too ambitious as I read more about the applicants I'll be competing against. NYU, Mt Sinai, Rockefeller, Albert Einstein (of Yeshiva U), Rush, U of Chicago, Northwestern, Temple, Thomas Jefferson, OHSU