Having 4 admissions but no funding, what to do?

[NaqmeK]

Hi,

I am an International EE student, I studied MS & BS in the best engineering school in my country with good records, but my English scores are not great! So I have admissions from TX A&M, Irvine, Columbia(Master) and U of Florida with no funding

I emailed the faculties but didn't heard back or I have been told that there are no spots. I can afford my living expenses but I want to know if it is possible to have tuition waived? and what I have to tell them to make that happen?

Thank you guys

[yoshiko]

I assume that you applied for funding and that these schools clearly said that no funding is being offered. If this is for a PhD program, I recommend not going without funding unless you are okay with taking out several thousands of dollars worth of loans. Since you are international, then you will pay out of state tuition.

First, you should try to get a clear answer from the grad coordinators about the funding situation. How can you get tuition waived, ect.

Second, you can try to exhaust other options for funding. For example, you might be able to get a job on campus and that might give you in-state tuition (not perfect but better than out of state tuition).

Lastly, I don't recommend going without funding when you might not be able to be a part of projects and teaching. These experiences are invaluable to your experience in the program and help you form networks, relationships, and ultimately those will get you a job. Funding is crucial as it also tells you that the program wants you to be a part of their university.

Good luck.