So..in regards to the IEP info session, a couple of things stood out to me:
1) Your GRE scores are important, but not really. They placed emphasis on the writing score but said the GRE wouldn't rule anyone out of the process.
2) The committee placed a large emphasis on the SOP! Make it good, make it real, write from the heart.
3) Dream of things bigger than yourself. They don't want humble/mediocre people- they want those that have big goals and are determined to achieve them.
4) Letters of Rec- a person that can speak in more detail about you is more important than one that has an important title.
Hope that helps.
My own personal advice to current undergrads:
Two and a half years ago, I was just coming out of my undergraduate career with what I perceived to be loads of international experience and work compared to my peers. I had amazing academic records and solid recommendations. I did get into graduate school out of undergrad, but with little funding. I decided, instead, to teach for two years (onto my third now) and it drastically altered my perspective on the future. I highly recommend you take a couple years to work and reflect on what is important in your career. I would have made a huge mistake going into graduate school straight from undergrad. I know, right now, it seems stressful and tempting to want to jump directly to graduate school but, I highly recommend that you don't. Again, it is your own personal decision, but I think you will find out a lot more about yourself if you take at least two years to do something different.