everythingisinteresting

Undergrad Institution: Boston College Major(s): B.S. Psychology (equiv. to neuroscience degree before they started an official neuroscience program)Minor(s): .N/A GPA in Major: ~3.3Overall GPA: 3.366Type of Student: Domestic Female. Asian/Mixed. GRE Scores (revised/old version) (taking soonish)Q:V:W:B: Research Experience: 2 yrs undergrad in behavioral neuroscience lab. Did senior thesis. 1 second author publication, 1 national conference poster (SFN), 2 smaller research symposium posters 2.5 yrs research technician/lab manager in immunology/virology lab at a prestigious university. 2 publications so far--1 in a cell press paper and 1 in a smaller journal--both were mid-authorship (4th). Two posters at scientific retreats. I have my own independent project, and manage other technicians and undergrads in the lab. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Undergrad research fellowship (granted 3 consecutive times), summer internship fellowship, Dean's list a couple times. Special Bonus Points: McNair Scholar, first generation college student. Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: Dad passed away while I was in college and it really affected my studies. I feel like I have a decent application--strong letter from old PI and former professor, very strong letter from current PI, several publications and poster presentations, a (hopefully) well written SOP--but I'm really really worried about my GPA affecting my chances of getting into good programsApplying to Where:Harvard--BBS, Virology Boston University--PiBS, biology, GPN MIT--biology, BCS UMich--Pibs Univ. Washington--mcb My current support system is in Boston, but I realize that this list is rather restrictive and top-heavy. I would greatly appreciate anyone's suggestions for mid-tier and "safety programs". On the other hand, I am wondering how waiting an extra year to push out one or two more publications (currently in the works but definitely won't be submitted before application deadlines) would improve my chances of staying near my family.