Ability247's Posts
Nairaland Forum › Ability247's Profile › Ability247's Posts
 Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 1:05am On Dec 16, 2017 |
Damilare5882:Lol. Even if I tell u say na hell fire, u go throw away your visa?  On a serious note, our people don't usually take this advice seriously. Then they come here and get pneumonia or cold in an organ normal cold has no business with. Then everybody home and same abroad is having high blood over the state of the person's health and the person spends his little money on the "bigman" healthcare system here. All these can be avoided with just a really thick sweater or two, and not trying to dress like oyibo during your first winter, till your body gets used to the change. Change is never easy, at least APC can swear that much to you. 8 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 12:57am On Dec 16, 2017 |
k199192:Lol. My brother cover well o. If a wind accompanies that -10, you could be looking at -20. Just buy a good warm cloth. You'll be fine. 2 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 12:48am On Dec 16, 2017 |
firmphem:My brother, pm doesn't really work for me. I am ready to help anyone with my time and little knowledge, but most times I get the email saying someone sent me a pm and I send a message back to the person then somehow, it gets lost in transit or something. That magic don dey bore me. If u ask here, I will answer. In addition, those wey sabi pass me will also chip in, so your blessing becomes double double  4 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 7:49am On Dec 15, 2017 |
To all coming to the States for the first time to commence Spring 2018 classes, let me warn you: Do not joke with warm clothes. It should be your priority. Do not joke with the cold, it doesn't know how to play fair in some States here. Check how cold your State is and prepare accordingly. I have heard silly comments like "I like the cold, it can't be that serious..." Well, I can tell you the cold here likes no one. Don't say, "Taa, I grew up in Jos", unless your own Jos has ever clocked -20oC at any time. Getting sick here is even less fun for your pocket than your body. Buy a real thick sweater and when you get here, buy even thicker ones as soon as you can. Some States are colder than some, but check the temperature you would be walking into from the airport before you leave home. Don't wear one Tshirt and jeans unto say guyman or slayqueen don finally jand and walk out their airport this winter. You will suddenly appreciate our climate once you do. Don't bother about how you will look, no one actually cares. I recommend a head warmer to protect your ears, glooves for your hands (and/or you can stick them in your pockets) and a thick sweater. I repeat, the cold here is not film trick, and for some states the cold works overtime. Frost bite is real and depending on where you are going, a relatively short exposure can do a lot of damage. Please be advised. PS: Google frostbite and read about it if you don't fully understand what it is. Its not just "having some frost that feels like its biting, like normal harmattan" - another haunting silly comment. "Like normal harmattan"... smh. 28 Likes 4 Shares |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 5:36am On Dec 15, 2017 |
Adeish:Not advisable. You can prove you are a genuine student without paying tuitions first. Paying tuitions first is not proof that one is a genuine student. It's only proof that the applicant has some thousands of dollars to spare. To some, it can be proof of desperation. Scholarships are way more proof of genuineness than paying before you are mandated to. |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 5:25am On Dec 15, 2017 |
firmphem:You did well. I think the issue could be with the SOA. Did the funds on the account suddenly lump up to the required amount within a short time? If no, then reapply. Like I always say, these things are highly subjective and you could be successful in your next try. If the money "suddenly" got to that amount, it's a crimson flag. You would need a more "natural looking" SOA then. Also, I want to believe you have some savings. You could mention your dad as the primary sponsor, to be supported with your savings. Or you could simply move the money to your own account and still include him as Co-sponsor. By 20 many serious Americans are on their own, so sometimes they don't understand how one that's ambitious enough to consider schooling abroad can be over 30 and still be getting support from mom and dad. But I understand us. In this case though, they have the yam and the knife so take a hard, objective look at the soa yourself, do the needful and try again. |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 1:09am On Dec 12, 2017 |
Niv25:See, community colleges are not exactly charming to any VO. Applying to a community school will reduce your probability of getting that visa. I didn't say it's not possible to get it with one - some people have been that lucky - but the chances become dimmer. Why do you want a community college so bad? Don't you want to get a degree that would enable you walk into anywhere with confidence? Even if you choose 3 community colleges and they scramble over you with admission letters, it won't impress the VO. In Nigerian parlance, they are "backyard schools" compared to the hundreds of finer colleges. So you will get asked why you are applying to only community colleges; like, why would you want to spend time and money on a backyard school? As for being affordable, I understand your point of view, but that perspective may not hold water for the VO. Well, just prepare convincing answers by going through the thread for people that have gotten theirs with community colleges. Search, locate, copy, paste somewhere. Search chapter 10 to 12. Community colleges are usually more difficult to sell no matter the reason. 1 Like |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 2:16am On Dec 11, 2017 |
noblemann1:This thread caters to those who wish to apply for F1 visa. So everything here revolves round that - standardized exams to write, picking a school, applying to the school, attending your visa interview and travelling. Along those lines. You may not get the advice you seek on this particular thread. I said "may" because someone here may know whatever Erasmus mundus is and how to go about it... but it's not very likely. I suggest you search more ideal threads for that question. 1 Like |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 11:06pm On Dec 10, 2017 |
sirhamilton:Search for "ilovepdf" on playstore or use their web service. Very intuitive. 2 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 11:04pm On Dec 10, 2017 |
TWoods:  |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 10:32pm On Dec 10, 2017 |
LagosismyHome:Lol.. u know say na truth |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 10:31pm On Dec 10, 2017 |
snoopylinus:He meant to support the faith with works, and not to depend on prayer doing all the leg work for one. For example, do your homework, don't be late, don't falsify stuff, plan your travel well so you don't suddenly realize school will start tomorrow and your interview is next week, etc. By God's grace people here shall succeed but there are important steps one should take and things one should do, which is why I believe God gave us a brain, and a large one at that. That is what I believe he meant. 2 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 9:08pm On Dec 10, 2017 |
I wish everyone success in this part 13. Please plan well (what TWoods has been trying to drive home with much difficulty and little success). Plan well. Plan well. Do not apply to just any school. Apply to a good school. Coming to the US is not an end, it is supposed to be a means to an end. If you think coming here is the end of the journey, then something is very wrong. If you plan to come here to study, please study when you do come. If you are not academically inclined and you just want to come to the US "through school", you should know that you will struggle to get a job with "average grades". You are an immigrant. Always remember that. And trust me, you don't want to be "struggling" in the US. Here is a great place to be if you plan well and have honest intentions. No self-deceit. There are many opportunities here if you do well and stay focused. For those sending me PMs, please just ask the questions here. PMs are not my thing. Some are good with it but I don't have the grace. Like Aunty Lagosismyhome said, or uncle Justwise said, or both said, post them here, especially so others would learn too. If everybody sends personal messages and gets answers that way, there won't be a thread to come to. Don't cringe when you hear hard facts from TWoods; appreciate the fact that someone is willing to say it as it is. Never take tips from lagosismyhome lightly. She is another triple OG here. I still be infant for yankee where she, twoods and some others dey. But my preparation, visa experience and US college experience is fresher so I can and will 'deposit' where necessary as often as I can. This thread is populated with many knowledgeable people, so ask your questions here. Don't limit yourself by asking one person privately. 31 Likes 2 Shares |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by Ability247(m): 8:44pm On Dec 10, 2017 |
okonlahwon:I hope you are not planning to blame this on your village people. In my time, I hardly slept the entire night and went for 8am interview by past 6am. So did many others here who understand that serious occasions should be taken seriously (going on time, I mean). How can you be late for your own visa interview?? How?? How  Honestly, I feel like spanking you bro.Anyway... You may have to write the school and get some form of extension. Someone mentioned that before so you may want to read part 12 to gain more insight... Or the person may see your post and shed more light. But how  Sigh. 18 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 1:47am On Dec 09, 2017 |
scaezar:I think you are being delusional. Now you will think this is his 3rd account 1 Like |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 6:08pm On Dec 08, 2017 |
iwriterng:In my time, what helped me was the free practice materials on the GRE website. The software that simulates a mock exam was also invaluable and it's equally free. 1 Like |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 5:58pm On Dec 08, 2017 |
adewalay:Oga by now u suppose don understand wetin guys dey try convey give u concerning this school nah. It's clear enough. |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 5:52pm On Dec 08, 2017 |
Kukaman:This thread contains all the mock you will ever need. In other words, you are asking for mock while sitting on a mountain of 'mock'. Simply go through the thread bro. 2 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 3:34pm On Oct 13, 2017 |
DeeTus:A country's evaluation is different from that of an arbitrary individual. That some people in our govt are wallowing in corruption and incompetence and pulling the honest efforts of others down with it, is no basis for someone to imply that ALL Nigerians are crooks or dishonest folks. No country's govt is actually perfect. Besides, many people of other nationalities here wouldn't want to relocate to their country too, developed or not. So again, it's not a Nigerian thing. It's a highly subjective and discretionary decision per individual. 8 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 3:21pm On Oct 13, 2017*. Modified: 3:38pm On Oct 13, 2017 |
PrinceDekunle:I totally relate bro; so true. And let me say this to all applicants, if you want to succeed here academically, you need to be prepared to work harder than you have ever done. Schooling here (if it's a good, well-ranked college) will test your limits repeatedly. In Nigeria 70 marks is A. In the US, 70 is a C. 90 is A (in my school at least, I'm guessing it's so for other US colleges). No, nothing is watered down. And there are no corners to cut - you either know your stuff or you may have to drop the class. The only preparation Nigerian schools give one is the ability to endure large amounts of stress without imploding. So in a place like US where there is order and decorum, things work out better when planned. Now, If this sounds like discouragement to you, then you are not ready. Nigerians here and in many parts of the country top their various classes. Decide now to become part of the trend. 12 Likes 1 Share |
| Career › Re: Addresses Of Good Pay-per-day Companies In Port Harcourt by Ability247(op): 3:48am On Oct 13, 2017*. Modified: 12:40am On Oct 16, 2017 |
. |
| Career › Re: Addresses Of Good Pay-per-day Companies In Port Harcourt by Ability247(op): 3:42am On Oct 13, 2017 |
. |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 12:05am On Oct 13, 2017*. Modified: 3:03pm On Oct 13, 2017 |
imperiouxx:Yes, what Twoods was saying is clear and geniune, despite the acute lack of grace in the construct, especially the part about why anyone would trust a Nigerian. Coming from a Nigerian, its sad (unless he is not a Nigerian). That was a fallacy of (extreme) overgeneralization. Bad people are everywhere; good people are everywhere. Besides, I don't know about others but the part of US I am, we (Nigerians) are not only trusted by our friends but generally very well respected, academically and otherwise. Just recently, a couple of white families living around threw a surprise birthday party for a Nigerian friend of mine and we had a good time. No, he doesnt run errands for them. We should value ourselves. We are worth it. We top charts. We are not scums of the earth or any such digusting sentiment. We shouldn't allow the evil perpetrated by a few to define us, much less proclaim that definition on ourselves. We should avoid making comments on public forum that others - the real racists - could use to deride us. The only point, which has already been established, is that to get a cosigner is difficult, unless you have strong ties with the person or the person has known you for long so trust had been built. 23 Likes 1 Share |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 12:52am On Oct 12, 2017 |
LagosismyHome:Spot on. I toyed with this idea. It was actually one of my plan Bs in case anything goes wrong. Then I realised how hard it is to find a cosigner despite having lots of relations here in the States. Then it dawned on me that once you get here, even if all your lineage is here, you are to a large extent OYO. But if you are a believing Christian, God will always be with you and He has been making a way for me. Well, that's a testimony for another day. Truth is, Lagosismyhome is very correct - that stuff needs a cosigner and getting one is harder than one would think/imagine. I kinda understand why though... everybody is over cautious, nobody wants even the scent of future wahala. Lol. 7 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 8:38pm On Aug 28, 2017 |
Mitchely:Use KeepCalling. It'an app, and an intuitive one at that. I use it and I've had no reason to consider an alternative. Lower rates too (7.9 cents I believe) 3 Likes 2 Shares |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 1:34pm On Aug 14, 2017 |
Is there a thread where students living in the States can get advice or tips from other students or graduates now working here in the States? To help ourselves adjust well and thrive o 1 Like |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 11:06pm On Aug 13, 2017 |
dawbbleOuEi:Sorry, send me an email instead. The NL PM thing isn't doesn't work for me. i posted my email here earlier. |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 8:05pm On Aug 13, 2017 |
Bigzbabe:You are on the thread asking for advice and you have already attempted to banish one of your helpers. You need to have the humility of heart to pick wisdom from responses to your questions and ignore the parts that do not agree with you. You are the one looking for help and nobody is obligated to respond. Besides, you are just 26. The guy you attempted to banish might as well be old enough to be your uncle. NL is not populated by youths. People papa and mama dey here too. Please be more civil. Some will reply you courteously, some will be more brutal. People are different. Yours is to pick the wisdom you need, thank the person and move on to chase your goal. If you feel there is nothing in the post, still thank or ignore the person's post. Don't come across as quarrelsome else others would want to stay away from your questions. 25 Likes 1 Share |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 7:54pm On Aug 13, 2017 |
Ladon7:I studied for about 2 weeks. Made a grade high enough to get me any school at all in the States. You can do it under a month. Just concentrate and study hard. |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 8:54pm On Aug 12, 2017*. Modified: 9:16pm On Aug 12, 2017 |
Emmyirab:@ first bolded is okay, but you may want to add something like "This is a project I am really interested in". It sounds way more honest than the project being really needed in Nigeria. Also, if you have written the faculty about joining them on this project or you have an assistantship that would grant you that privilege, you should mention it. @ second bolded: unnecessary. @third bolded: Do Chevron and Shell produce vehicles? How can you talk glowingly about a vehicle related project being one of the main reasons why you picked your school, then hit them with shell or chevron when asked what the course would do for you? How can working in shell or Chevron contribute to your ultimate goal of "owning an automotive firm" someday? Oga you have to be consistent. Don't let them think you don't know what you want, even if you don't. This course would imbue you with the technical competence required by major automotive companies in Nigeria, especially the budding ones. Nigeria is trying to boost her indigenous automotive industry (Innoson and co) and the technical skills you would gain from this course would make you very desirable in your career and enable you contribute much more effectively to these industries, hence to our economy. Something along these lines. @ fourth bolded: They don't help your case. Computer center and plumbing... nothing to show that you have had this yearning for a career in the automotive industry or an inclination for Mechanical Engineering. Eg. did you learn any Mechanical Engineering software, like ansys? autocad? any other? mention it. Did you help your dad fix cars too? Mention it instead. That is a better way to have spent your time in this context. Relevance matters here. @ fifth bolded: an unlikely question... but if it comes up, its better to say a friend, mentor, family friend, etc (whichever applies to you) lives or lived there and told you the midwest is a great place. I am saying this because your reason is not a fact. Many schools in different regions offer the course 'with great domain for practical learning' (whatever that means), and rank higher too. @ sixth bolded: mention serious courses, especially those that will give you skills in automation, mechatronics, automotive machines, etc. We all know that you will be doing some basic foundation stuff but come on, you are trying to impress someone here. Mention those courses that you said made the school stand out to you, not the generic ones. Also, are we still on this Shell and Chevron thing? Be consistent. Get that oyel company thingie out of your mind. You already started your case with this passionate speech about a dynanometer. That isn't exactly an oil company holy grail, you know. So don't make the VO classify you as confused, career-wise. @ seventh bolded: your response is a bit okay, but I feel it would be stronger if you add that someone recommended it to you, like an alumnus that was your lecturer, or a current mentor, or family friend. Unless none did. If none did, well... just ensure that you pass the impression that you knew what you were looking for and you knew you found it in the schools you selected and applied to, including this BYU. This is because many schools do offer that course with a specialization in mechatronics. If you really did a search with all those sites, you must have been inundated with lots of schools that meet that particular search criterion. So its quite an inauthentic reason and many VOs would see right through it. Another popular question in your case would be how many schools you applied to and why you decided to opt for this particular one. You should have an answer for that. Saying 'only one school' is almost always a red flag for schools like BYU that trail on global rankings if they even do appear. So I hope you applied to more than one and was offered admission by more than one or by all. If you didn't, at least say you considered so and so but decided to apply to only BYU. But then, you should be able to really defend why you picked the school. You may refer back to first bolded and seventh bolded. My 2 cents. 11 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 6:31am On Aug 12, 2017 |
Arrived chicago safely and settling well. God is good. Na to come sleep... 3 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 12 by Ability247(m): 11:21pm On Aug 10, 2017 |
TWoods:Of course it's no right; but then VOs that do grant visas for less 'stellar' courses/responses are also doing their job according to the law… unless you think otherwise. The only reason he was denied was that discrepancy in his i20 and DS160. Once that is cleared and the guy tries again with more preparation, I believe he will get the visa for that course. There is nothing wrong with studying that course in the US/anywhere overseas… or any course for that matter, so long as you can make a convincing case. 6 Likes |
