International applicant, looking for Neuroscience programs in the US

[nienna]

I originally wanted to apply to top schools, but I'm starting to fear I won't get accepted, as I have no masters or publications, plus a subpar GPA. I'm looking for recommendations on decent neuroscience programs that offer funding to international applicants. I'm sitting at:

 

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GRE: 169 Verbal, 164 Quant, 4.5 AWA

TOEFL: 116

 

BS in Biology/Genetics. Graduation research/thesis on neuroscience.

 

Strong research experience - been in 4 labs, 3 of them neuroscience, HOWEVER no publications. I've only been to one conference as well, in which I did not present.

 

Good recommendation letters. I wouldn't call them stellar, though.

 

Mediocre GPA after conversion - 3.2. I'm rather upset at this fact since I was easily in the top 10% of my undergrad class, but arbitrary grade conversion messed me up. I'm not sure if explaining this in my SOP would remedy the issue.

 

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I'd really appreciate help and suggestions. Thank you in advance!

Edited May 22, 2014 by nienna