What more should an International Student do??

[Inka dreams]

Well, I am angry and sad. Actually more sad than angry, considering the situation.

 

I applied to the top 5 schools (including an Ivy) in my field for the masters program. I have been accepted to all 5 - minus any funding.

 

Now in my SOP I did mention that I would not be able to take up the program without funding. I went so far as to write in the SOP that it would rather be better for them to choose someone else than me if they cant give me funding.

 

And yet, here I am with 5 acceptances and no funding. Why did they do this to me??

 

Now I am happy that they think I am a good fit for the program, but what use sending me an acceptance that I cannot accept???

 

And even if they say there may be TA/GA/RA positions available, none of them are helping me with a list of courses or profs who would need a TA or RA, except one school. 

 

Gaaahhhhh.....

 

My crib apart, what else can I do to figure out funding? I am open to ideas... These are some real top class schools and I feel very very sad not to be able to attend. Especially that Ivy.

 

 

 

 

[SciencePerson101]

You got into top 5 Ivy and you complain? Maybe aim for lower schools next year.....

[zipykido]

Masters programs in the US are not typically funded, that's probably where you went wrong. Even if they are funded they are typically only partially funded with TA/RA. Next time just apply to programs that offer funded masters, but those are few and far between depending on school and field.

[overworkedta]

Apply again next year and include a few "safety" schools.  I'm sorry if that sounds harsh but you shouldn't be required to pay for your doctorate (I'm assuming that is what it is).  If they aren't offering funding and that is the norm in your discipline, you should be concerned.  They don't want you that badly.

 

ETA: Nevermind, you're going for a Master's.  While my dept. often funds masters students, you are not going to find many that do in this country.  PhD programs are the way to go.

 

That doesn't mean you aren't an awesome applicant and well-qualified.  It's just the nature of this market.

 

This said, you can always ask more about the TA/RA positions.  What exactly have you done to to attract an offer there?  My dept. usually gets everyone money by fall but their "best" candidates get fellowships, then the next ones get regular stipends, and then some partially funded students come along.  You still make get funding but you sometimes have to ask.

Edited March 15, 2014 by overworkedta