How do I apply for a research assistantship at a graduate school in the United States?

Question

Do I contact the Professors directly, or should I just indicate my interest in the Statement of Purpose?

Answer 1

All applicants to graduate programs are considered for research and/or teaching assistantships.

You need not ask anyone.

Oftentimes, there is a even a box on your application form that you are asked to check if you are interested in teaching/research assistantships.

It can't hurt, however, to mention (BRIEFLY - in one sentence) in your statement of purpose, that you would like to be considered for a research assistantship.

Finally, when you are considering graduate programs, you should indeed contact the directors of those programs with any questions you have. You should also try to visit the universities in which you are interested. On your visits, you will have the opportunity to speak with the directors of the programs to which you are applying, and to ask about the number of assistantships they offer, what the stipends are, and all of the other pertinent questions you will have about the program.

Best wishes to you.