Hey guys,
I have applied to MS and PhD programs in Materials Science.
GRE: 169 (Q), 163(V), 3.5 (AWA).
TOEFL: 118
GPA: 8.6/10 (Indian University: Top of my class in Ceramic Engineering)
Papers Published: 2 papers in international peer reviewed journals
Interests: Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Photovoltaics, Materials for energy applications
Applied to: UIUC, MIT, Stanford (for MS)
Caltech, Penn State, UW at Madison, Ohio State Uni., RPI, Univ of Texas at Austin, Georgia Tech, Carnegie Mellon, University of Maryland, Univ. of Tennessee at Knoxville, Rutgers, University of Cambridge
Rejected: MIT
Accepted: UIUC (Non-thesis program, no funding )
Interview call: University of Cambridge
What are my chances of getting funding at UIUC once I am there? I have a lot of research experience and know how to work with a good range of characterization equipment. Would getting an RA job, once I am on campus become easier? Also, a friend who got into Cornell was telling me that since I got an MS admission call so early, it might mean that I am on their 'priority list' (or A-list going by what was posted earlier) and so if I accept the offer now, I might be able to secure some funding. Their email clearly stated that "Self-funded students are expected to remain self-funded during the entire program. You will not be eligible for a tuition waiver or a teaching or research assistantship."
I don't want to commit this early as I still have majority of my applications still awaiting results. Any help of the above questions ?
Thanks guys.