Guys, thank you so much. Really appreciate it.
Thought about LSE more, think I'll go with Social Research Methods if I attend (Btw I plan on applying for PhD after completing masters if I do masters).
But as thejoymovement has mentioned.... if I can do RA at a great place, that'll be ideal particularly considering $ situation. However, realistically speaking, I was a little concerned about how likely it is that I can secure an RA-ship at a good place since I'm an international student. For example, I applied to a research associate position at a well-known school, and while the recruiting manager wanted to continue the conversation, I also learned that they don't sponsor work visas.
I'm going to look into this further, but if anyone has any insight into RA-ship/work visa issues, it'd be great to hear from you (have you ever seen this happening, for example?)
p s
also.. I took the GRE already and scored 91% verbal 96% quant. I think I can do better next time, and am not worried about the test part. I have B+ undergrad GPA though (from a good school, but frankly, I don't know if this matters). After looking at successful applicants profiles, am feeling more insecure about my GPA. Do you guys still think that I'll have a shot (assuming I get great RA-ship experience) w/o pursuing masters (so I can show them I can get good grades)?