Want to do M.S in Computer Science at Buffalo - Tips and Tricks

Before you proceed, here is the perfunctory disclaimer.
“The information presented below is entirely my opinion, and is not authoritative by itself. The thoughts expressed here need not concur with views of SUNY Buffaalo. More so, the article is inclined towards candidates aspiring for M.S degree in CSE ".
Pre-admission:
I assume that most of the readers are already aware of the admission criteria. Anyways, here are some guidelines:
1) GRE is mandatory and most of the successful candidates secure more than 1950/2400 in old pattern, and 1250/1600 with 5 in Analytical writing in new pattern.
2) International students from non-English speaking countries like India, China need to write TOEFL.
3) Work experience especially in a good place would help you, especially for getting a Research Assistant position.
4) Academics vary depending upon the quality of the undergraduate institution. Most of the Madras/ Annamalai/ Bharathiyaar/ Bharathidasan university students have scores greater than 75%; Students from Mumbai/ Poona have scores between 60-65%. But a good GRE score can compensate for bad academics and vice versa.
Although satisfying the above listed criteria would improve the chances of admit, getting funded depends on various other factors. Also, note that most of the PhD students get funded, but securing admit into the PhD program is even more difficult. If you do not have a Masters degree, then applying for a direct PhD is not a good option, unless you know what discipline you want to pursue and have done significant work in the same. In any case, if the professor is willing to absorb you in to his/her research group the chances of getting admitted is higher.
Post Admission:
Funding Around 5-10% of the incoming Masters students manage funding after the first semester. Getting TA position is highly competitive and depends upon the performance in the first and sometimes the second semester. In general, students having close to perfect GPA 4/4 get funded; moreover please be fore-warned that it is not easy to secure a perfect GPA, which would at most consist of 2 students.
Getting a RA depends on a variety of factors such as (i) professor’s willingness to work with you; (ii) your prior work experience - establish credibility that you have worked in a professional atmosphere before;(iii) a sound GPA and (iv) familiarity with the subject.
Also, students get GA in other departments for jobs which include website development, programming etc. To get a GA, you have to be in the right place at the right time. TAs get tuition waiver and get paid slightly more than $1300 dollars a month. The salary of RA and GA depends upon on the employer. On an average would fetch $800-$1000 with tuition support.
On-campus jobs :
On-campus jobs are fairly easy to get, provided you do not mind the "manual labor." Food courts employ majority of students. Responsibilities may include making sandwiches, washing utensils, serving food, cleaning tables and mopping the floor. The advantage of working in food courts is that you get free food. Other places to try for on-campus jobs are (i) Tutoring centers – which offer positions for Math, Science, and Engineering tutors, (ii) Office assistants.
On-campus jobs pay around $6.5 - $10.00 an hour. Please be advised that as an international student you can not work for more than 20 hours a week and no legal on-campus job pays by cash.
Internships:
Internship opportunities are also available for CSE students. No matter which university students choose, most of the students fend for themselves by applying directly to the companies. Very few companies participate in the campus employment fair. Also, majority of the companies does not entertain applicants with no permanent residency. Successful candidates have secured internship in companies like (i) Microsoft, (ii) Telcordia, (iii) Google, (iv) GoldSachs, (v) J.P Morgan, (vi) Morgan Stanley, (vii) Bloomberg financial Inc, (viii) IBM, (ix) Amazon. Internship salaries are in the range of $3000-$6000 p.m.
Also, for internship it is necessary to get CPT (Curriculum practical training) approved. Duration of internship is 3 months in summer. You can also do a co-op, which is internship for six months.
Full-time Job:
There is two kinds of places where people whirl up after the master’s degree, (i) Full-time company or (ii) Job through consultancy. Lack of proper campus job fairs leaves the candidates to apply for companies through the career web page. Companies like Microsoft and Google do not physically come to the campus to interview students; instead they have few HRS who also are in charge of SUNY, Buffalo affairs. Furthermore, getting a decent job at present should not be difficult for the talented. Full-time company, it is just like a regular job and the pay package depends on the company and your talent. People who do not make it to the full-time company, near completion of their OPT (Optional Practical Training - you get a period of one year after your graduation to secure a job) join consultancy which sponsors H1-B (work authorization visa.) There are many disadvantage to work for a consultancy which include (i) No job stability; (ii) Project dependent; (iii) Frequent move and (iv) in some cases there has been reports of harassment.
FAQs
(i) How much would I have to pay if I do not get funded?
Typically around $18-20k. Provided you work for living and live a "normal" life.
(ii) Is there a possibility that I do not get funding at all?
Yes. Unfortunately not all students are funded and a fair proportion 50-65% pay out of their pockets.
(iii) Can I get on-campus job before even coming to buffalo?
In short, "No." You need SSN (Social Security Number) for getting an on-campus job. SSN is an essential passport to prove that you can legally work in US. In other words, tax deductions etc., are tracked through SSN.
(iv) How about off-campus jobs? Please do not work "illegally" outside campus as if caught Immigration and Naturalization Service would be prompt in deporting you.