Totally willing to share! I love learning from others...
I got into the Harvard Amgen and I am a junior in biochemistry (with minors in microbiology and genetics) at a large research university. Last summer, I researched at the University of Tennessee through an REU (Micro). I've been in a cell biology/genetics/molecular biology lab since January 2014. I work independently (on my own project, no graduate student overlord) about ~15 hours a week.
Stats:
Cumulative GPA = 3.73
Major/Science GPA = 3.93
I have one publication (on which I am a coauthor) that is under review. I have taken 6 graduate-level science courses in virology, immunology, molecular signaling, biochemistryI/II, and molecular genetics. Plus I have taken quantum mechanics/thermodynamics (read: lots of advanced math) that allows me to be considered "well-rounded" in combination with all my other classes.
Oh, and I'm going to pursue a PhD in molecular cell biology to pursue my interests that span everything from virology, immunology, genetics, development
I think what made me stand out was my letters of recommendation, my passion for science, and my academic experience. I don't have perfect grades, but I have experience pursuing research in multiple (related) disciplines and evident motivation for research. Also, I was able to analyze literature (that was representative of my interests) in my essays. I guess it paid off, because I got into Harvard Amgen, University of Oregon SPUR, and NYU SURP thus far.
The key is figuring out what you love, finding what you're good at, and combining the two until you discover the perfect combination.