School recommendations? Microbio/Pharmacology/Molecular Bio

[JFS123]

Hello all,

This is my first post here and I would appreciate any advice. I'm looking to apply to grad programs for the fall of 2013. I realize that this is extremely last minute but it took me a while to realize that I really wanted to go to grad school and make that commitment.

My background includes

One semester of pharmaceutics research with thin dissolving films and included DSC and HPLC.

Two years of electrophysiology (expression of receptors in Xenopus oocytes) to elucidate the mechanism of action of potential new drugs.

A pharmacy rotation involving infectious disease research.

I have an interest in pharmacology and microbiology and am looking at programs in Molecular medicine, Microbiology, Pharmacology and Translational research.

Essentially I want to know how drugs affect ourselves and pathogens that threaten us, and I would like the research to have a clinical relevance. (thus the interest in molecular medicine, and transitional science).

I will be graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a BS in biology as well as a PharmD (doctor of pharmacy)

I've enjoyed the outdoor environment but am looking to get a slightly more urban feel with out being too overwhelmed.

My current top choices include UT Austin and UC San Diego but I feel like I don't have the credentials to get in those schools and I am looking for suggestions.

GPA- 2.96 (should be a 3.00 at the end of this semester)

GRE verbal-160

GRE quant-155

GRE writing-4

I am first author on 3 posters and second author on another and am currently writing a manuscript to be published this winter.

I realize that there are no "safety schools" and fit is of primary importance but I am looking for a suggestions for some schools that I may have a decent shot at getting into.

I apologize for the long winded post but I thought the information might be helpful. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.