Frequently Asked Questions |
Answers
| Q1: What are the chances of getting a new student scholarship? |
| A: Scholarshipd are awarded by UHCL to deserving candidates. These scholarhsips reduce your fees by allowing you to pay only in-state tuition(about 1/3rd
of International fees), and also give you some amount of money. This amount can be upto $1,000. Your chances of getting a new student scholarship depends on your undergraduate marks, your level of activity in extra-curricular activities in undergrad, and your scholarship essay. Create a complete, neat application packet with a clear concise essay, and you increase your chances of a scholarship. |
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| Q2: I didn't apply for new student scholarship/I was denied the new student scholarship.What are the chances of getting scholarship later? |
| A: Most scholarships are given in Fall, and students need to apply to these a few months before Fall. There are very very few scholarships that open up for Spring semester. You need to keep an eye on the opportunities opening up in school. If you miss the scholarship, you can try for assistantships in various departments. Very few students get these assistantships in the first semester. |
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| Q3: Can I apply for scholarships in spring semester? |
| A: New students applying for Spring semester can apply for scholarship in Spring also. The numbers of scholarships differ from semester to semester and year to year. |
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| Q4: What are on-campus jobs? |
| A: The following are the ways you can work on-campus: UHCL offices recruit UHCL students to work in positions like reception, office administration, general help around the office, etc. These offices include IISS office, computer labs, library, etc. As an International student, you are allowed to work 20 hours on campus in Fall and Spring, and 40 hours in summer semester. These jobs get you an average of $ 7 an hour. These jobs do not come with in-state tuition waiver. |
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| Q5: How early should I be there to get an on-campus job? |
| A: Your I-20 mentions the earliest date that you can reach the US. This date is usually one month before classes start. We would recommend you get here by that date, so that you have ample time to look around, get to know UHCL, your peers and your surroundings, and most importantly, look for an on-campus job. |
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| Q6: What are the other sources of funding apart form scholarship? |
| A: The other sources of funding apart from scholarship are TA's, RA's & GA's. |
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| Q7: What are TA's, RA's & GA's? |
| A: You can also apply for a TA/ RA/ GA with any of your professors, in your school. A teaching assistant (TA) for a graduate course will help the professor with grading assignments, sometimes exams, and proctoring exams. A TA for a undergraduate course might even take some of these classes which is rare, along with the above responsibilities A research assistant (RA) will aid a professor with his research work. A Graduate assistant (GA) will aid the school with work like laboratory maintenance, SCE school website maintenance, etc. All the above jobs (TA/ RA/ GA) come with instate tuition waiver, and a monthly stipend ranging from $540 a month - $750 a month. |
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| Q8: What are in-state and out-state? When do I get in-state and how? |
| A: In-state fees is for students who are either citizens, or for some International students who get their out-of-state tuition waived. The ways to get in-state are either 1) getting a scholarship or 2) getting a TA/RA/GA. |
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| Q9: What can we do from India to get an RA? |
| A: You can go through the faculty webpage of your chosen degree, and find professors who are doing work in areas that match your interest. You can then contact these professors and email them with your resumes/ listing out your capabilities and areas of interest and how you think you can aid them in their work. If they have an opening, and are impressed by your work, they might consider you for a position with them. You can go through the professors names etc. here: http://sce.uhcl.edu Please remember that getting a job is not as important as making sure that you work in an area that you like, and are interested in. |
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| Q10: How many TA and RA positions are there in UHCL? |
| A: TA positions depend on the number of classes being offered. Most classes require TA's. RA positions depend on the research going on at school, and the amount of funding each project/ professor has. |
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| Q11: Do I have to take a speaking test if I want to be a TA? |
| A: No, in UHCL you are not required to take a speaking test if you want to be a TA. |
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| Q12: What is the current situation of on-campus jobs in UHCL? |
| A: On campus jobs: There are several offices in UHCL that employ student workers. They can be desk jobs, shuttle van driving, reception, etc. The availability of these jobs keep on changing, as many students graduate/ get better jobs/ get TA's, RA's and leave these jobs, and hence these positions become open. The best way to get an on-campus job is to keep checking the UHCL offices for positions, and to come early before the semester starts, to apply for jobs. |
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| Q13: Can I work off - campus? |
| A: International Students are not allowed to work off-campus and is considered illegal. However, you can work if you get approved for a co-op by the school you are enrolled in. Please visit the Career and Counseling website to see the conditions under which you will be approved for a Co-op. In rare cases though, if you have been here for a year and have extreme financial difficulties, you may be allowed to work off-campus. (By IISS) |
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| Q14: What is the competition for on-campus jobs? |
| A: Most International students wish to work on-campus, and hence the competition is intense. It would be advisable for you to come as early as possible to look for on-campus jobs. |
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| Q15: What are the chances of getting funding in the second semester? |
| A: If you work hard, maintain a good GPA, and work with a professor to get a job with them, there are chances of getting a TA/ RA with a professor. It all depends on the amount of hard work you put in. |
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| Q16: Will my work experience help me? |
| A: Yes, if you have work experience in a related field, and you can prove your competence to the professors, definitely your work experience will help you. Please make sure to bring all your certificates, of any courses you’ve completed, apart from your degree certificates with you. Bring as many recommendation letters as you can. |
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Note : If you are not satisfied with any of the answers provided here, you can post in your question on the Discussion Board of ISAUHCL for further clarification. All the ISA members are willing to help you on the discussion board.Also check the previous questions asked, so that you wont repeat the same question. For suggestions mail webmaster (AT) isauhcl.org