<p>I was in a very similar situation with a very similar undergrad GPA. I’m an engineer. I got into a PhD program at one of those schools you listed. The key for me was loads a relavant and cool work experience that was really applicable to the research being done in the PhD program. It took a few years, and it wasn’t trivial to get this experience in industry. It can be done though.</p>
<p>Yes, acceptances into graduate programs is tougher this year. My guess/estimate would be that many of these grad programs are accepting 20% to 30% fewer this year.</p>
<p>Also, a 3.4 ain’t bad from Illinios. Try to get good letters of reference. That will make a big difference.</p>