How do ad coms view international applicants -- do they process the applications any differently?  From what I gather, the deadlines are earlier (usually Nov or Dec), and we aren't eligible for fellowships (so it's just TA or RA stipends if we're lucky).  Are there any issues that might be problematic (eg. that I can't attend interview weekends)?

Also, I've a 3.9 GPA, but from a likely unknown university.  My GREs are decent (670V and 720Q), but I was hoping for >1400, and now I'm deciding if I should bother re-taking with the assumption they'll probably weight the GREs more highly for internationals -- is this true?

And last thing,  do you know of profs who take on internationals for full time RA positions?  I'm considering getting more research experience before I apply (so it's either for the fall 2009 intake, or 1-2 years later), and I'm wondering if I should try contacting profs with similar interests to take me on.  If it helps, I'm looking at cognitive psychology/ human computer interaction programs.  Thanks!

I know everybody says that publications and research experience are important, so I'm feeling a bit underrated.

Here's my deal: I basically completed a psychology degree in a year and a half.

CONS (?): Because of the time table, I completed a literature study instead of participating in year-long research. I presented the literature study to my peers and fellow colleagues at the college's Health and Wellness Fair. I have no publications. I was not a research assistant to any big-name psychologists. My cumulative GPA, while high, is nowhere near the typical admission rates due to my stint as a science major.

PROS (?): By the time I (try to) matriculate into grad school, I will have two years of experience working in crisis work and inpatient mental health care. While I was not a research assistant in psychology, I was one of the main tutors for a chemistry prof, so I have four years of "teaching" experience, and could thus handle a classroom of undergrads for assistantships. My Psych GPA is stellar- once I officially declared, I almost obtained an A average.

My questions: Do the two years of actual work experience sort of mollify the fact that I didn't do research? Or should I just scrap the whole idea of grad school all together? Does my chemistry teaching experience help me?