Advice for a mediocre student

[CxxJxxYxx]

Hi all, I am new to this forum, and want to apply for a physics phd. Below is my basic profile, and really want to get some advice about what schools can I get into

Undergrad school: UC Santa Barbara
physics major GPA: 3.8
physics upper division GPA: 3.7
Cumulative GPA: 3.8

GRE: 331 + 3.5
physics GRE: none. (should I take it?)

male Chinese student, no US citizen ship

Research:
1. Quantum calculation oriented, largely DFT. About one year
2. Material lab, making membranes. Half a year
Both don't have, or going to have, any paper published. I only have my lab demos and logs

My interest is in calculation and condensed matter physics, I really don't know what school can I get into. I think I lack research experience. Everyone else in this forum seems to have done so much research in their undergrad.

Schools interested in:
1. UW Seattle (dream school)
2. UIUC
3. Rutgers
4. Duke
5. Maryland
6. Stony Brook

Please give me some advice about the likelihood that I get into these school. Feel free to give me more advice on school selections and application tips.

[Barsik]

So what are you deciding to do?

[plsgetintophd]

If you are trying to go for experimental, as long as you have strong letters of recommendation I would say go for it. Don't listen to @truthchannel

[glasscat]

Honestly your profile is not bad at all. UCSB carries a strong reputation which can only help you. My guess would be that the schools you've listed might be a bit of a stretch to get into, but I wouldn't be surprised if you did end up getting into some of them. I'd apply to some safeties if I were you. Sadly I don't know enough about your field to recommend what schools you should apply to.

[CxxJxxYxx]

If you are trying to go for experimental, as long as you have strong letters of recommendation I would say go for it. Don't listen to @truthchannel

thank you for your advice. This troll is blocked by the forum

[daniela.salvini]

Make a great application showing all your interest, enthusiasm, curiosity and wish to learn.
You are hardworking and honest, so do' t call yourself mediocre.
You are a good candidate. If you won' succeed come to Northern Europe. They scream for Physicists and have great working environments. But I am sure you will succeed in the US. Good luck and be enthusiast!