Below average with above average aspirations

[frznphnx13]

Hey everyone,

I'm very new here, and have often felt intimidated by some of the more amazing resumes of prospective grads on this and similar sites.. I am a Bioengineering student at UCLA planning on applying to related PhD programs this upcoming fall. Although I have worked in dire urgency this past year to gain some sort of competitive edge, I fear that I have done too little too late. All in all, my data is as follows:

Cumulative GPA: 3.22

Major GPA: 3.17

Jr/Sr GPA: 3.60

GRE Quantitative: 780

Verbal: 500

Writing: 6

Research experience: 6 months in a microfluidics lab, publishing two papers (one is still in review, but we are confident it will be accepted in time for applications)

I know I can get at least 2 strong letters of recommendation - hoping to grab the third in time. Finally, though I'm assuming of little to no relevance, I am currently studying abroad this fall. Now fully realizing that my record is far from competitive in nature, I still plan on at least applying to a couple top universities.. but I was hoping I could get some advice for any realistic candidate programs. As of right now I know I will be applying to UC Berkeley and Stanford, as well as UCs Irvine and Davis. Does anyone have any recommendations for my situation? Thanks to any and all who can provide some insight.

[cooperstreet]

" publishing two papers (one is still in review, but we are confident it will be accepted in time for applications)"

Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.

Where are they published? Are they good journals? Are you the sole author?

Writing sample, LOR's and SOP are what matter.

[frznphnx13]

Thanks for the reply cooperstreet. One of them is simply a 2-page abstract written for a conference proceeding, MicroTAS, while the pending publication has been submitted to Lab on a Chip which has had a rising impact factor in recent years. I was, however, only second author on both writing submissions. Regardless, I hope these can still improve my chances for admission to a top program.