So as far as I understand, for a foreigner applying for a PhD what matters is local BSc score converted to GPA, Letters of recommendation (at least 3), Statement of purpose, GRE score and TOEFL. And you still have a lower priority than locals.

Here's the thing tho. My BSc score will at best be around 3.29. I know it suffices the minimal requirements, but it seems like something that fucks you unfuckably.

Now I don't care that much about getting into a top N school, however it must be LA or NY.


So...
1. Can the situation be improved if I first get an MSc with great GPA equivalent?

2. Do they actually look at transcripts of the local score (which in my case would be scores of 0 to a 100)?

3. What if I take MSc in another field and then pursue PhD in that field so my BSc is less relevant? Like I'm BSc in physics and I apply for PhD in biochemistry after getting a local MSc in biochemistry?

4. Does global ranking of my school matter? Say it's the top school in Russia.

Are there schools in LA/NY I can safely count on getting into assuming I have good MSc GPA, LORs and SOP?