First of, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
RA
1. research u conduct willl form the basis for ur thesis
2. u dont have to take SPEAK and prepare for ur lessons; both in laguage and factualy
3. with RA u will work for yourself, your future and briliant career, and TA gives you nothing.
4. it is often the case that departments that require incoming graduate students to serve as TA do this coz they r short of money for research
However, one semester of TA is also advisable as it allows ppl to handle different kind of situation. Later it helps during seminars and lectures.
Cheers!
