espirit,
First, I think you have established very clear and achievable goals - changing roles/function within the same industry is something that is both appropriate for an MBA and also something that schools like to see. Where you will need to focus your attention in building out an application profile is on your maturity and leadership - the former is implicated by your GPA (especially the late fade) even though there is a reason behind it, and the latter is something you will need to display so you can go from being a cog in the machine to the person running the machine.
As for your schools, I don't think those are reaches at all. With UCLA, you have to showcase leadership through teamwork and a certain spirit of innovation. With USC, you have to make sure they don't feel like a safety school.
If you want to get into all this, PM me and we'll set you up with a consultation.
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
_________________

Paul Lanzillotti | Founder| About | mba@amerasiaconsulting.com | 877.866.9251
Schedule a Consultation | Twitter | Blog
Download "How To Apply" Guides | INSEAD | Columbia | Harvard | Wharton