This thread has been a big comfort, especially given the current visa worker strike. This is the same advice I was given by my school, but I heard it here first!
As an asthmatic with severe allergies, I use a small air purifier with a HEPA filter in my bedroom. Something like this may be helpful to you: http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-16200-Desktop-HEPA-Purifier/dp/B0000TMDY2/ref=pd_sbs_hg_5
No, you can't buy a position in grad school, but when you have a trust fund, don't have to work, can afford an expensive top-tier undergrad and can travel for unpaid internships, it sure is one heck of an advantage.
...turns out it'll probably be harder to become a muppeteer than it will be to get into grad school. I don't know if that's comforting or discouraging.