Schools to Apply to for Molecular Biology

[rosebiology]

Hi Everyone,

I'm interested in applying to grad school for Molecular Biology for Fall 2018. I finished my B.S. in Biology this year. I had applied to 5 of the top PhD programs in neuroscience last year for this upcoming Fall but I was rejected from everyone. I want to try again this year, but instead apply to Molecular Biology programs. My GPA is a 3.95, my GRE score was 83rd percentile on Quantitative, 97th percentile on Verbal, and 93rd percentile on Analytical Writing. However, I only have one full academic year of research experience and participation in a summer research program. I attended a CSU. I will be taking the GRE Biology subject test next month. I was hoping during my year off I could work in the biotech industry to gain experience but I was not qualified for most of the positions I found so I am working in more of a clinical position. Given this, what schools would you recommend that I could realistically get into? I would prefer to stay in California but I am open to other options. Also, I've heard that it's good to contact professors that you might be interested in having as your advisor. What would you suggest saying to these people when I contact them? Thanks!