<p>Hi everyone,
I am an international student and I will be sending my applications to MIT, Cornell, Berkeley and Stanford graduate schools very soon. It is my understanding that most PhD students in the top US institutions receive funding that cover their tuition, housing and board expenses (please correct me if I am wrong). So, how are these funds obtained? Does every PhD student automatically receive a stipend once he is admitted in the program? Or is just a combination of financial aid, TA/RA salaries and fellowships? What should I do to ensure that I will be able to pay for my studies and living expenses completely or almost completely?</p>
<p>On a side note, I am filling my MIT financial statement right now and I am asked for “assured financial resources”, meaning the amount that I (or my family) would be able to contribute towards the first year of study. Now, my parents have savings and in case of need they would be able to pay for a small part of the expected expenses, but, as I said before, the plan is for me to pay for my studies completely using financial instruments provided by the school. So what should I indicate as my “assured financial resources”?</p>
<p>Last puzzle you can help me solve: in case I deny financial aid in my form right now, would I be able to request it in the future (say in a year) if I am admitted?</p>
<p>I apologize for my English and thank you in advance for any help you will give me :)</p>
<ul>
<li>Tommaso</li>
</ul>