The search for grad school

Well, I've been looking into grad schools. I need to get into one with funding, so I've just been looking at ads looking for research assistants and teaching assistants. Since this is what I need anyway, I'm assuming that's the best route for me to go. I could go and apply to a bunch of grad schools and possibly get in without funding, but that seems like a waste of money. If I don't get funding, the only thing getting in is going to do is help my ego I guess because I'll be getting something other than rejection. Is this a bad way to go though? Would it be possible for me to get into a school and then have them offer me a previously unadvertised TA or RA position? I don't know. I'm on a rather limited income (yayz unemployment checks being not much more than a pittance and not living anywhere near other jobs), so I don't want to just throw money at grad schools for applying and money at MTU for transcripts for no real good reason.

In a way I feel I'm limiting myself, but still. I don't have piles of money to be using on a fruitless endeavor.

Has anyone on my F-list done this yet? I know you've already done the grad school thing Michelle, but I don't know how often you check lj.

I'm also trying to get better at trying to sell myself to schools. I'm not a bad writer, and am rather good at writing fiction. But when I'm applying for stuff I end up being uber formal, aloof, and probably rather dull. I need to get enthusiasm to show, without coming off as a loon. But I'm not sure at how to do that. :/

Any help? *big puppy eyes*