flimsyships

Hi Grad Cafe, I am intending to apply to PhD programs in Chemistry (Organic Synthesis, MedChem) for Fall 2017 that will give me the best shot at a career in drug design/development. I am wondering, given my background, what sort of schools I should be aiming for. Below are my credentials and schools of preference. Do you think I should be looking at lower tier schools? Any recommendations? I appreciate any and all help! 2015 BS in Chemistry from a top 20 ranked (for chemistry) state university in 6 semesters US-Citizen Applicant GPA: 3.57, 3.90 in the final 3 semesters GRE: QR-79th percentile, VR-94th percentile, essay portion not yet graded. 6 months of research in Organic Synthesis, contributed to a publication and will be an author if published. However I am not expecting this to be published before applications are due. 6 months of independent research internship doing synthesis for a mid-size pharmaceutical company. 1 year employed as an analytical chemist for a large CRO. 1 LOR from PI (good rec), 1 LOR from pharmaceutical internship (very good rec), and 1 LOR from my supervisor at the CRO (good rec) I am confident in my writing skills to write my application essays well enough. I do not plan on taking the Chem subject test. 1. UW-Madison, UC-Davis 2. University of Minnesota, University of Washington, University of Colorado - Boulder I would greatly appreciate any recommendations on good programs/faculty for organic synthesis! Thanks!