<p>Don't apply to too many very selective schools like UVa, UChicago and Amherst. You should keep those to a minimum. Find schools that you think you have a really good chance at and apply to those--there are plenty of good ones. Also, make sure you have some safties.</p>
<p>Turn your "negative" GPA into a positive through your essay. Not a sob story, but more an overcoming obstacles one -
"Despite having a titanium plate in my head, missing school, requiring extra sleep, [fill in blank here], I was still able to maintain a 3.0 GPA." That's asking for a pat on the back, not a handout. Same facts, different spin.</p>