GRE scores for PhD in Chemistry

[raul.carmo]

Hey guys, I have a strong interest in the academia and since I received my BS in Chemistry I've been thinking about the next steps and trying not to screw up my best chances. Let me explain my background before moving to the actual question:

I've graduated in Brazil from a medium-sized university that has a very small chemistry department, so I didn't have that vast experience in research as an undergraduate at a big institution. I have actually been involved in research but I couldn't make any publications out of it (only presentations in small symposia and conferences). I studied in the US for one year as a scholarship winner but it was more coursework than research.

My GRE scores are Quantitative-154, Verbal-160, AW-3.0) and I earned a 113/120 in the TOEFL score. My undergraduate GPA is not that high but I have good recommendation letters, although they are from faculty members at my university in Brazil.

So basically I have two options:

• Apply to a PhD program in a small chemistry department, in which chances of being approved are real (I got accepted to such a program last year but I had to refuse).

• Apply to a master's program in a medium-sized university that offers a terminal M.S. degree, since departments with Ph.D. programs almost never accept students for a M.S.) so I can strengthen my CV and then apply to a Ph.D. at a top University

The reason for all this doubtfulness is that the Ph.D. is the highest degree in academia and obtaining one from an unknown university or program might kill your chances of getting hired at a good company or institution. What I still don't know is that if an MS degree would be a plus when applying to a doctoral program later (I would try my best to come out of the master's with publications and conferences of course).

Is my reasoning correct? Should I consider retaking the GRE? Is it likely that I would be accepted into a decent PhD program with that score?