<p>Yes of course I have been working hard for my IIT Entrance Exam for two long years! But it is also true that this discussion is regarding selecting US Universities only. I have made my choices in India long back, I am planning on the US Universities now.</p>
<p>Teaching assistants are limited to grad students, not undergrad. Undergrads can be tutors in the university tutoring center (I think almost all universities have a tutoring center.) Some undergrads can be LAs which are Learning Assistants. I am not sure where you will find schools that have those. I only know about them b/c our ds wants to do it at UA.</p>
<p>FWIW, I really think you need to apply way down the food chain. Your stats just aren’t that unique and there are lots of incredibly strong applicants out there. But, for example, our ds attends a school ranked in the 80s and full-tuition scholarships require a 1400 with just math and CR, so your 1380 would not qualify you for full tuition, only 2/3 tuition. I know nothing about international students and how that works in favor or against during admissions. But kids with 2400s, dozens of APs,excellent extracurriculars do get rejected from the top schools, so you need to be prepared that might happen. (read this thread; it is not a unique situation: <a href=“Just got deferred EA, need help choosing regular decision schools - College Search & Selection - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1718468-just-got-deferred-ea-need-help-choosing-regular-decision-schools-p1.html</a> )No one can tell you one way or the other. But having more options is a good choice no matter what. They don’t hurt if you don’t need them and they can mean a place to go to school if you do.</p>
<p>There are lower cost options found here: <a href=“Links to Popular Threads on Scholarships and Lower-Cost Colleges - Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1678964-links-to-popular-threads-on-scholarships-and-lower-cost-colleges.html</a></p>
<p>Unfortunately, you have missed the deadline for a lot of scholarship opportunities.</p>
<p>Look at the more than dozen undergrad math teaching assistant names at purdue here: <a href=“Department Directory - Department of Mathematics - Purdue University”>https://www.math.purdue.edu/people/tas/</a></p>
<p>But they are not really what most people consider TAs. They are graders and proctors. <a href=“Purdue University: Department of Mathematics: Job Seekers”>https://www.math.purdue.edu/jobs/</a> I think that is in line with what I was describing as an LA. When most people hear the term TA, they are thinking of the grad students who are often actually teaching classes for the professor. You will not be doing any teaching as an undergrad unless it is in the tutoring office. </p>
<p>I would love to teach anywhere. :)</p>
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<p>which takes you back to my original point that tutoring centers exist on just about every college campus.</p>
<p>OP</p>
<p>First of all, since FA is needed. Purdue is not a safety for you at all, it is a public U. and the state resident is first, internationals needs aid will be last considered and based on your stats, you will mostly be rejected.</p>
<p>Secondly, your CR score is going to be a problem with all those reach heavy schools, no matter what EC you had.</p>
<p>Third, you are not likely to be sponsored by a US company after your graduation to work in the US.</p>
<p>Your best bet right now is those automatic scholarship schools such as Howard and Alabama. At least, you got a free education.</p>
<p>Sorry to bust your bubble.</p>
<p>@artloversplus </p>
<p>The OP does not qualify for the full-tuition scholarship at UA, only 2/3. Today is the application deadline. I am doubtful that the OP is going to let go of top schools in time.
@PB1997
FWIW, my ds is a freshman at UA this yr. His academic background is significantly advanced. In high school he took 300 level math and physics classes in high school. As non-international he could not attend top schools b/c we couldn’t afford it. Applying to lower ranked schools is not the end of the world. 
When you have financial need, you have to apply to places you know you can afford or who will pay you to attend.</p>
<p>The idea is not rely on those listed super reach schools that is lottery for any one. If Alabama is not working, he should try Howard, Alabama State or Prairie View.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.pvamu.edu/”>http://www.pvamu.edu/</a></p>
<p>Op cannot even get in Berea, that school is very competitive.</p>
<p>Work study jobs and undergrad TA-type jobs typically pay a very low amount, not much above minimum wage. And those few lucky undergrads who get TA-type jobs will likely be seniors, and certainly not freshmen. So, don’t assume that this is a realistic path to funding any significant portion of your undergrad education. Also, don’t assume that you will be able to get loans as an international student. When I was an undergrad at a public state flagship U (one much lower ranked than Purdue, and this was decades ago) I had a TA position as a senior where I taught a lab associated with a EE class. I was very highly ranked in my class and was one of only 2 undergrads who got such a position. And the pay was very low, not really much different than the pay I got during junior year working in the math tutoring room. </p>
<p>Given that you need significant financial aid, the only realistic option is to aim for less selective schools in the US with automatic scholarships. You might also want to retake the SAT to try to get a higher CR score, and Math + CR > 1400. </p>
<p>“Applying to lower ranked schools is not the end of the world.”</p>
<p>Yes definitely!! I have no problem pursuing higher education wherever it would be ideal for my plans. I am more passionate about learning than anything else.
But as far as studying in US is concerned, finance is a big issue for me. That’s why I do have a few safe and ideal options here in India where I would love to study.</p>
<p>Much thanks to both of you @Mom2aphysicsgeek and @artloversplus for the helpful tips and nice suggestions.</p>