<p>Hello people</p>
<p>I'm seeking advice on preparing for admissions to a US university for studying Astrophysics/Space sciences towards a Masters degree. One of my goals is to get into NASA or ESA or any other Space Agency at the cutting edge of space exploration. I would appreciate any help. </p>
<p>I'm Rahul Lakshmanan from India in my senior year of Computer Engineering in India.</p>
<p>My first love is Space and its study. My fascination for the vast emptiness and its secrets has grown on me and I feel I can contribute significantly to the field of Space Sciences/ Astrophysics.</p>
<p>I had applied for UG admission and had secured admission at Florida Institute of Technology, with a scholarship of $10,000 pa. and University of Arizona, Tucson for the B.Sc in Astrophysics. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen events and cirumstances I was unable to make it to FIT. Since there are no UG degrees being offered in India for Astro/Space Science, I decided, at least for the time being, to complete a UG degree in India. Computer Science, being my second love, was my obvious choice.</p>
<p>I know that the admission criteria differs for UG and PG degrees. I would like to know what I should be doing right now for successful admission, having about 12 months before the start of the FALL semester. I have taken the GRE general test and have secured 790/800 in Math, 640/800 in Verbal and 5.0 in Analytical Writing. I have taken the TOEFL and have secured 293/300 in the CBT. I am planning to take the GRE Physics test.</p>
<p>I would also like to know what financial avenues I have and what I should do to obtain a teaching assistantship and scholarships.</p>
<p>Also, I would like to know if I should be trying to up my chances by taking up online Astronomy or Physics courses or something like that. My first UG year had a course in Physics and we learnt the basics of Modern Physics with some good Math involved.</p>
<p>And finally, is it possible for me to apply for a job directly at NASA with my B.Tech in Computer Engineering? What would I have to do to make myself eligible? </p>
<p>That's a lot of questions, but if somebody is willing to help in any way, I'd be very grateful.</p>
<p>Thanks and regards,</p>
<p>Rahul Lakshmanan</p>