I am a fresh postgraduate from Thailand. I am searching for a Ph.D program which will lead me to become a professor and a consultant.

I'm very ambitious and I am aiming for the top programs. However, I'm highly concerned about my qualifications, as I am from a less well-known university. I did graduate with a GPA of 3.5 and a publication. I am planning to take the TOEFL and GREs.

I did spend 7 years in the US (5th grade through high-school graduation). I don't know how much that factors into my chances at admissions.

My research interests are in applications of microbiology particularly pharmaceuticals, tropical medicine, and energy technology (biofuels).

I guess my questions are:

Where is the best graduate program for my ambitions and qualitfications?

How do I know what GRE scores I need to compensate for coming from an international program and a fairly low GPA?