An international student admitted to UT Arlington with a full tuition scholarship seeks guidance on preparing for graduate school in Physics. Key concerns include the university's lesser-known reputation, the importance of research opportunities, and the timeline for internships and research experience over the next four years. Discussions emphasize that success in U.S. graduate admissions relies more on individual accomplishments than institutional prestige, with recommendations to seek mentorship and actively engage in research. Although some internships like REUs may be limited to U.S. citizens, other opportunities exist, and students can often work with faculty without financial compensation. Ultimately, determination and proactive involvement in research can lead to acceptance into competitive graduate programs.