sometimesalways

Hey, I'm thinking of applying to a couple Biology graduate programs at a few CUNY schools here in NYC. I received a BS in Biochemistry from U of Oregon with a GPA of 2.3. I stayed consistently horrible throughout the course of my studies maintaining my C+ average for 4 years. I really love to learn, and enjoyed learning during my undergrad but did not put effort into my work. After graduation, I worked in biotech for a couple years which helped me straighten out and stop slacking off. Now think I'm ready for a Masters. The programs I am looking at are the MA in Biology at Brooklyn College, MA in Biology at City College, and MA in Biochemistry at City College. I have my former manager and a former supervisor at the biotech company ready to write LORs for me and on practice GREs I'm getting in the 1200 range with minimal preparation. My question is: With high GRE scores, LORs from my superiors at my previous place of employment, and two years industry experience, can I overcome a GPA as horrible as mine and gain entry to one of these (or any) biology programs? I'm thinking of also going back to undergrad and getting a second degree in engineering if I'm unable to get my MA. If you have any advice, please let me know. Thanks.