<p>'Grad schools in the US base everything on the GPA, LOR and the GRE score. A Ph.D position would probably require an internship. Do you have the time and the funding? Financial aid is limited in graduate school and would be very expensive. International students have even less options. "</p>
<p>The above statement is mostly false.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>In general, graduate school admission puts heavy emphasis on research experience (not typical internship) and fit, followed by LOR, grades, and GRE.</p></li>
<li><p>The majority of the doctoral students (international students included) are supported by research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships, at least in good/great/top programs, even though humanity/social science students typically receive less support than their science/engineering peers. </p></li>
<li><p>First class BA should be fine, as along as your personal statement or LORs can stress its meaning.</p></li>
</ol>