What I need to do before applying to improve my chances?

I am a US citizen and plan on applying to UCLA, Stanford, Michigan, Tuck(maybe), Haas for 2006 fall.

Reason to want to go to B-school:
I want to make a transition from the research aspect of biopharmaceuticals to business end. Short term after business school being to gain knowledge of industry though gaining job in I-Banking, VC etc. and long term goal to start my own company in India.

Background:

Education:
Santa Clara University, B.S. Chemistry (3.0) 2000
Pursued graduate study at Northwestern but quit due to personal issues.

Work Experience
2 years at pre-IPO biotech company as research assistant in Med. Chem
-Although not project leader I was on a project from conception to near development stage of drug.

Currently at an IPO'd biotech company working as an associate in Med Chem for three months (by the time I apply will be ~1.5 years)

Extracurricular & Leadership
-President of Chemistry Club in College
-Starting member of the Improv troupe at Santa Clara
-Also acted in a student written play
-Performed undergraduate research for 3 years and presented at national meetings
-Upon graduating from Santa Clara recieved Joseph Deck Award in recog. of teaching chemistry and research
-Received a teaching award at Northwestern

Patents and Publications
-Two patents from first job

Unique Facts about me
-I've lived in North Carolina, Chicago, India, Japan and California
-I can speak Japanese semi-fluently and read and write hiragana and katagana
-I can read, write and speak Malayalam (an Indian language)


I have not taken the GMAT yet but I feel that I need above a 700 for the school I'm targetting to even notice me.

Things I know that are not good:
-I realize that quitting from a graduate program will raise many eyebrows
-My GPA is not good and furthermore it is not from a "well-known" university
-I do not have much volunteer experience

SO back to my question in the subject line. In the next 1 year what would I need to do to make my app. look better. How do I attack these weaknesses? How do I distinguish myself from the sooo many interesting applicants that I have seen on this site alone? Also when does talking about personal problems you have encountered cross the line into the appearance of whining? If need be I am willing to wait on applying for atleast another year to improve these weaknesses.

Scott and/or Omari I would really appreciate your help (bought your book a year ago, it really helped me make my decision to pursue my MBA...THANKS!)

Thank you and have a great new year!!!