what does it take to get into a top grad program for computer science?

[testai]

hello all, here are my current stats:

3.0 gpa computer science bachelors from UC Riverside

2+ years of working experience at FAANG (Apple) as a software engineer

completely understand that my GPA is i think the worst it can be when applying to graduate schools. someone told me that if i scored 90th percentile on the GRE quant even though its not required, it might offset that score?

here are my list of dream schools: USC, NYU, UCLA, UCB, Carniege Mellon, Northwestern

my sister went to USC which is why its at the top! i would love to join her. what do i need to do in the next 5 years to boost my application? thats when i plan to apply. hopefully by then i would have 7 years here under my belt.

as far as letters of recommendations, i could probably get one from the head of my department which i think would look good?

also note that this would be for a full time graduate program. i also heard that applying in the spring is slightly less competitive but im not sure if thats true.

thank you for the advice, really appreciate it :)