The way to get in with a lower gpa or stats is to apply EARLY ( early = June )
I have a 3.2 - 3.3 overall gpa, and I've had interviews and acceptances. What hurt me at some schools I think was that I applied in the last week of August which I personally feel is too late.
I have a 3.2 - 3.3 overall with a 27 and I go to MSU, GREAT LOR's according to the admissions people at MSU and I got waitlisted at MSU b/c by the time they got my file for review, they filled up 90 percent of the class already.
And on the other hand I know someone with a 21 who is in my year who got into MSU .... I'm really kicking myself right now for not applying earlier
gluck !!