What makes a strong grad school application?

[sheet.ster]

So, I was wondering if I could get some ballpark idea of how good I might look to grad schools.

I have a 3.55 overall GPA at a top 10 physics school (don't know what my major GPA is right now).

I have half a year of research experience, and I've worked with a theorist too. I haven't taken the physics GRE yet. (I'm applying next year).

I'm not sure if I should be reaching for the top schools (I doubt I should).

And I'm female, if that counts for anything :D

Any ideas? I have one year before I apply, and wondering what I can do to spruce my application up.

 

[JD88]

Get more research experience and make sure you know professors who can write really good letters of recommendations.