I think the real problem is that you feel "somewhat trapped". From what I can see in tech circles working at Google is like getting into Harvard. So my thoughts

I think the real problem is that you feel "somewhat trapped". From what I can see in tech circles working at Google is like getting into Harvard. So my thoughts are if that's the case: 1. Network and find a google employee or ex-google employee (they all hang out on G+ by the way) and ask anyone to look at resume and tell you what the weak points are, and ask if said things can be improved. But be ready to hear the truth. 2. I think your real problem is that you feel trapped. Maybe the way to solve this is to work for an A level company in Silicon Valley? Maybe you can't get a job with Google, but maybe you can get a job with some other company in the Google orbit (example: Samsung is opening a campus). Also I'd be open to other companies because at least if you aren't at Harvard you can still go to another Ivy League school if you know what I mean.