Where is hell, I agree with Number. Apply for some good universities and as a backup, for few second tier universities. And yes, you can get financial aid (in the form of RA or TA). I can tell from my experience that it is not difficult to cope with the environment in good universities , as perrybhadra suggested. If you are a good student, you will enjoy gradute studies here in USA. After you submit your applications, browse the web pages of the professor who is doing research in the area of your interest. Read some of the interesting papers from those professors. ANd once the department gives you the admission decision , say without financial aid, talk to those professors for RA. That is what I did and I got the financial aid from 4 good universities. Don't give up talking to the profesors.