Hello, I wasn't quite sure where to put this post so apologies if this is in the wrong section.

I travel quite a lot to the US to visit my girlfriend of 3 years. I was flagged entering the USA last summer and had a horrible little man "screen me". After over 2 hours of him interrogating me and going through all my personal things (phone and laptop included) I was allowed entry into the county.

I am due again to visit my girlfriend for around a month, possibly leaving next week. However I am again really concerned and worried that I'll be given the same treatment "by default" as I was flagged the last time I entered the county. The experience left me quite shaken up (though I didn't realize until thinking about it a few days later).

Part of my concern is that this time is that they may see myself as having insufficient intentions to return home due to my girlfriend living in the States and that fact that myself (and many others) were layed off in October.

However, I only have limited funds to stay in the US this time (around $1400) and hence I am genuinely not planning on staying longer than a month or so. It is my intention to apply for a Masters program which starts in Feb, or if I don't get in, September. Further I am planning on continuing my job search back here in the UK once I return, to help me get through my Masters.

Plus I do not want to jeopardize my chances of permanently immigrating into the United States in the next few years once I have finished my education at home.

Basically I know I am NOT intending to overstay in the US. But I'm afraid I'll get some border officer who is having a bad day and may be looking to poke holes in my logic, and hence not allow me into the country.

I basically have two questions; 1- Will I be automatically "screened" again because I was last time? and 2 - Any advice or tips on how I can effectively convey my genuine intention to return to the UK?

Thanks for reading.