Chance Me: Advice & Suggestions for a *seriously stuck* Chem major with low GPA looking into PhD program

[Tread1ight1y]

I am currently an (international student), a senior Chem major at a top 30's university and I am hoping to continue getting into an MS-PhD program after graduation. I have already taken my GREs (score: 315, 158Q, 157V, and 4AWA). One very big worry for me right now is my low gpa (I'm really worried that I might not get accepted anywhere):

 

Major GPA: 2.97
Cumulative GPA: 3.14

My chemistry gpa is dismal, though I hope to get it up to a 3.0 by this semester's end. I didn't do terribly hot in second semester organic chemistry (2.7), or either physical chemistry sections (around 2.5), though my research classes were decent (3.3). I am taking upper level courses in the classes I didn't do too well in hopes of redeeming my poor performance and to prove that I have the ability to do better. 

I have had 1 year's worth of research experience in a lab, have participated in a few regional/ acs poster sessions, and have been noted as a collaborator on a paper. I feel fairly safe about securing fairly solid LOR's (from my advisor and professors this term). I am looking at these graduate schools, in particular b/c I am interested in certain programs each school has to offer (I have included their *arbitrary* but respective Chemistry graduate school rankings according to US news, if that's any help):

Wayne State University (#71)

Brandeis University (#71)

Clemson University (#84)

University of Connecticut (#84)

Tulane University (#96)

Syracuse University (#92)

Wake Forest University (#114)

University of St. Louis (#131)

One big concern for me is, how badly will the combined fact that I am international and have a less-than-stellar gpa affect my chances in grad school? Also, are my GRE scores fair enough to make me competitive for these schools?

That's my schpeal. Thanks for reading through & Any feedback, advice or suggestions would be deeply appreciated. Anything to ease my overwhelming worry and anxiety!

[Cookie]

Most applicants with low GPA have better chemistry GPA. If your chemistry GPA is not stellar, why do you want to pursue a graduate degree in Chemistry? Are you confident of your fundamental knowledge?

Unfortunately, your GRE is just average and probably doesnt improve your chances. I have been told If you take Chemistry GRE and get very good scores, then it might help a little.

[Tread1ight1y]

To be sure, my bad gpa is a huge thorn and mainly because I lagged during junior year first semester- the shift towards very theoretical material & academic intensity in addition to the fact I was unfocused and in general, a little disenchanted with my own future direction at the time. It's not useful to talk about what went wrong- something did, but now I am more clear of what I want to do in graduate studies. I'm working better and smarter but this gpa business is difficult. I know I may not get into any great great programs, but decent programs with areas I am interested in studying are my goal. 

[Cookie]

Other parts of your application must be stellar: rec letters, GRE scores, SOP... You can check out the thread for Applicants with sub 3.0 GPA. 

What I asked you is pretty much what you should elaborate in your SOP.

[Tread1ight1y]

Definitely! Thank you for your input.