Bother applying to NYU/Icahn/U. Wash

[jwhite20071988]

 

Should I bother applying to NYU, Icahn School of Medicine, University of Washington, and Yale Neuroscience Phd programs...My reasoning for not is that I could use time/resources on lower tier schools. 

I have an undergrad GPA of 3.59(small LAC), masters neuroscience(not ranked) 3.90, and 1 year of intense electrophys research

GREs kind of bad on essay, 17%. 85% on math/verbal.

[Black Beauty]

Is it possible, financially or time-wise, to re-take the GREs before your first application deadline? If not, then I believe you will  need to look at schools that are not as competitive.

17% is cause for concern on the part of the admissions committee at all schools.