Can I get into a PhD with this (weak) profile?

[spunk244]

Hi all,

I am an international student coming from a very underrepresented minority, and would like to apply to a PhD program in US come the next application round. I am aiming a low ranked PhD programs and this is my profile so far.

Undergraduate:

• A small but good liberal arts school in the US.
  
• Economics Major
  
• Mathematics Minor
  
• GPA: 2.85
  
  Graduate:
  • A two-year Economics MA program in Europe at an American-teaching style University that culminates in a thesis.
    
  • GPA: 2.99
    
  • Thesis Grade: B+
    
    GRE:
    • Verbal: 520
      
    • Quantitative: 740
      
    • Writing: 3.5
      
      I plan to retake the GRE soon.
      
      LOR:
      • Not sure about this, but I am on good terms with my professors, so tentatively it looks like this: One professor finished at University of Ann Arbor Michigan, Thesis supervisor who finished at a not so well know European university, and the head of my research center that I currently work at, who finished at taught for a long time at the University of Copenhagen.
        

      Research Experience:

      [*]Besides my MA thesis, currently I am working as an Assistant Researcher at a research center/think tank here in my home country, and will have a year of this under my belt by the time I - hopefully - enter a graduate school.

      Teaching Experience:

      [*]None

      I realize that my profile is pretty weak, especially with my GPA. But do you guys think it's too weak? Do I have a chance to apply and get in some low rank schools? Can anyone suggest some schools that might be willing to consider my application or should I just forget about the whole things and not even apply?

      Ideally I would like to study in California, because I have some family and a girlfriend there, but I realize I'm not a strong candidate and not in a pick-and-choose position. What do you guys think? I would appreciate any advice!

      Thanks!

Edited August 14, 2011 by spunk244