<p>Does anyone have any advice regarding negotiating for funding/assistance with departments to which you've received an acceptance? In a nutshell, I've been accepted to an MA program, but was not extended an offer for a fellowship or any other sort of financial assistance. I could potentially make this work without taking any loans or anything, provided that the department give me a break and allow me to pay in-state tuition at the very least. I'm not sure how to bring the topic up however. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Could you get a teaching assistantship?</p>
<p>Nope, I’m afraid they’ve already made their funding decisions. The TA and RA positions have already been given out.</p>
<p>If you know that the TA and RA positions have already been assigned, then you must have spoken already with the Director of Graduate Studies.</p>
<p>When you did this, did you ask whether there was any chance of funding for you if other admitted declined their offers? If not, ask this question, and try to determine how far down the list you are in this respect. </p>
<p>Also, you might ask the DGS whether an in-state tuition rate might be possible, but be prepared for the DGS to tell you that it is impossible, or that it is a question for the administrators in the Graduate School office, not the DGS.</p>
<p>A few years ago I was admitted to UT Austin with no funding. I made a trip down to the school, talked to some professors, and left with 2 RA offers and a TA offer. As long as they have some available (and some may still come available as people turn down admission) you still have a chance.</p>
<p>how do you bring up to professors that you’re looking for funding? just straight up ask them if they have anything available?</p>
<p>I did it in the course of trying to identify potential advisors while evaluating the campus. The goal is not to talk them into giving you money, the point is to talk them into believing in you. Going there shows interest and commitment, and if you also demonstrate maturity, intelligence, and preparation then they have good reason to pick you for funding over a faceless application.</p>
<p>If all else fails, you can try asking them directly if there is any way to get funding. The worst that can happen is they say no.</p>
<p>There’s no magic bullet to this.</p>
<p>You can also e-mail professors who seem like a good fit for you, tell them about your interest in their research and ask if they are looking for a student. This may work if you cannot travel there.</p>
<p>File your FAFSA early (now!) and see if you are offered work study which could be used toward an RA.</p>
<p>My DD did that and by the next term she was a TA with tuition remission</p>
<p>@Professor X</p>
<p>What to do then after knowing the position in the waiting list?</p>
<p>What steps can I take in winning a TA? All materials are submitted. I don’t know what I can provide next. Does communication via emails work?</p>
<p>Claire304,</p>
<p>If you are on the waiting list for admission, then there is absolutely nothing more you can do. Emailing will not help at all – at worst, it will annoy.</p>
<p>However, if you have been admitted, and are only waitlisted for funding, then you may certainly inquire of the DGS if there are any opportunities for funding elsewhere on campus. For instance, some universities have assistantship lines in the Writing Center, the Humanities Center, the libraries, etc. You may ask a DGS if he or she has any information about assistantships anywhere else on campus.</p>
<p>Professor X,</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice.</p>
<p>I have inquired of the graduate directors of the universities where I am admitted. </p>
<p>But it seems that most positions in libraries, administrative offices etc. need face-to-face interviews. It’s hard to get them before going to the campus.</p>
<p>Something is better than nothing. Moreover, others told me that EE masters can apply forTA from Mathematics, Physics or even Geography. Admittedly, good luck needed.</p>