I'm working with neuroscience faculty as part of their labs and they showed me around the grad selection process to help me out. What they told me was that basically they aren't looking for the most artistic or creative person or anyone with a compelling life story. What they want is someone that is smart and reliable and has shown consistently that they have the smarts, no matter what the testing medium. Unfortunately this means that GRE and GPA is a really big factor when my lab group has to choose applicants!