Tella26:
Hi guys,
I am new in this place and I want you to please help in making suggestions for good schools for fall 2020.
Undergraduate: Obafemi Awolowo University (O
OAU) . Electronic/Electrical Engineering. GPA (4.63/5.00) Toefl (80) GRE (Not yet taking).

Proposed US School:
University of Houston, Texas Tech University and University of Florida.
Program: MSc Electronic/Electrical Engineering. (Possibly Computer Science).

based on the Toefl score, I saw 79 or 80 as their minimum scores. Though I know it also depend on their acceptance rate. And I am thinking of using that score like that please is this a good choice Including Universities? Thanks

Johnolukolade:


If you like, carry an entire pharmaceutical company through the POE.. Over 70% of your posts here are disrespectful! Watch the way you address people.

Have a great day.

sharwama:

Congratulations my friend, I wish you well.

Highteewzy:
Wow congrats Hookie!
Please check your mail, I'm also going to VT for MSc in the same faculty.

MyCaseIsDiffere:
What shall we say unto the Lord, all we have to say is thank you, Lord! Darling, I am dancing and singing to rejoice with you. What a lovely transcript. I tap into your testimony. I receive it and I claim it by fire. Oya pass the baton to me oooo.

MyCaseIsDiffere:
What shall we say unto the Lord, all we have to say is thank you, Lord! Darling, I am dancing and singing to rejoice with you. What a lovely transcript. I tap into your testimony. I receive it and I claim it by fire. Oya pass the baton to me oooo.

Senatorbee:
Please is yellow card needed at POE
I'm going through Newark NJ airport
Please

MyAmericandream:
It was a typographical error. The passport was issued very late, 5: 15pm, it was a weekend. First thing on Monday morning, I picked it up.

acebolted:

Congratulations ...... Trump land awaits you

sharwama:

Congratulations once again.

Time2win:


Nope. when asked, say you didn't regard it earlier as valid employment since it's a compulsory program. you sought for advice and was adviced to include it.

Time2win:


You can add that, also indicate nysc while filling it. when did you finish your nysc?

dumbiri99:
Please someone said there is a site where students can get cheap flights

elhadji19:


https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment/changing-a-nonimmigrant-f-or-m-student-status

This will answer ur question

bayocanny:

Sup bro, I pm you kindly check your email.

Amme018:


Yes, there is. That is the 'Education Section'. However, I have heard that this section do not come up for female applicants.

Amme018:
VISA APPROVED @ 4th attempt

Date: Friday, 21st June 2019
Location: Abuja
Time: 7:30am Appointment
Status: Was on AP till 25th June when it turned ISSUED.

BACKGROUND
Previous attempts: 2 attempts in December 2017 for Ball State University (for Spring 2018) and an attempt in July 2018 for George Washington University (for Fall 2018) ....All at Lagos Consulate.

I posted past transcripts when I needed help in preparing for my 3rd attempt. I also posted my proposed transcript for the 3rd attempt, but I did not post the outcome because I was quitting then. Although there was no much difference between the proposed transcript for the 3rd attempt and the outcome other than that not all the questions I prepared for were asked.

However, I requested my admission be deferred to the following term (Spring 2019) only to be informed that admission to the program is strictly for Fall Terms. I requested it be deferred to Fall 2019.

Finally when I decided I was going to try the 4th time (which I promised it would be the final), I returned to this thread as a full-time reader, I chose not to ask any question because there are answers to all the questions that anyone would want to ask here already. I read every posts everyday 'as e dey drop'. I researched more about my school and program. I looked for unique features of my school and program, which I integrated into my proposed transcript. I did not post my proposed transcript because in my head, I was not returning to the embassy the 4th time for an interview but to go and talk (have a conversation)

I chose Abuja this time because I learnt there is a bit of serenity over there than Lagos; like not too crowdy and you could sit for a little while before joining the queue for interview (important for someone like me that doesn't like stress).

I had my conversation with the VO, an elderly white woman at window 6. I was the 3rd she attended to that morning, the two before me were denied.

APPROVAL CONVERSATION

Me: Good morning Ma (VO did not answer greeting. I guess because of her experience with the family she interviewed before me. The old man was reluctant to leave the window after she denied him and his family)
VO: Pass your passport and i20
Me: I obliged
VO: Why do you want to study in the US?
Me: I want to study in US because the US have one of the best educational systems in the world. Also, I like to be taught by world class professors, which would make become a world class program monitoring and evaluation specialist.
VO: How did you hear about this school.
Me: I conducted internet search for top MPA programs in the US, I reviewed the result with USNews.com, Webometrics, Times Higher Education, Princeton Review and the website of the Network of Schools of Public Policy Affairs and Administration, I then streamlined the result based on my area of specialization.
VO: So why this school?
Me: My decision to attend GWU was firstly informed by the opportunity to study under professor Kathryn Newcomer, who happened to be the year 2017 president of American Evaluation Association. She is currently having a research on Public and Nonprofit Performance Measurement and Evaluation which is inline with my area of interest as I am interested in looking into Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with the use of Objective Indicators. Also, the MPA curriculum at this school is such that will equip me with administrative-cum-managerial skills and an in depth understanding of the modern principles and techniques of program evaluation and policy analysis which I will be needing to run a consulting firm back home in proffering solution to the challenges of inadequate monitoring and evaluation framework..(wanted to add the 3rd point which is about my $20k fellowship award, but she cuts in)
VO: When did you had your BSc
Me: January 2013....(she looks on her screen and nods, I guess she confirmed what I filled in my ds160)
VO: So what have you been doing since then?
Me: I went for NYSC program, after which I started working in June 2014 at ABCD as EFG where I am responsible for HIJKLMNOPQR (she cuts in before I could finish stating my job roles. She kept her eyes on her computer screen and nodding her head while answering this)
VO: Did you applied to other school?
Me: Yes, I did
VO: Which other school?
Me: Uni of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Uni of Georgia at Athens
VO: You got admitted into all?
Me: No, I got admitted to GWU and Uni of Pittsburgh.
VO: Tell me about this program?
Me: This program focuses of the process and products of government and nongovernmental organisations decision making. It is also meant to development and enhance the ability to analyze ramifications of public programs and policies. It comprises of courses like .........I listed about 8 courses( I maintained permanent eye contact while answering)
VO: What's your study plan?
Me: I will be studying for a total of 40 credit hours courses, out of which 12 credit hours are core Public Administration courses, 25 credit hours of concentration and elective courses with a capstone seminar of 3 credit hours at the final semester. I will have to maintain a CGPA of not lower than 3.0 throughout the 4 semesters of the program which I will complete in May 2021 after which I will return to Nigeria
VO: What do you want to do with this degree?
Me: I want to consult for public and nonprofit organisations in the area of Program Monitoring and Evaluation as well as offering policy advice to policy makers in taking the best decisions as it affect program success in this part of the world. I would also love to work as a Country Program Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at one of the international development organisations around. (we're both looking at each other eyeballs-to-eyeballs as I answer this)
VO: You were denied sometimes ago?
Me: Yes
VO: Why
Me: Well (with smile), I think I was probably not able to convince the Consular Officer that interviewed me then that I am qualified for this class of visa
VO: OK, you took GMAT
Me: No, I took the GRE
VO: Oh, OK, what's your score?
Me: I had 282
VO: OK, What about TOEFL?
Me: I didn't take TOEFL ....(we both looking at each other eyeballs-to-eyeballs)
VO: Is your wife joining you?
Me: (With big smile) That is not in the plan, because of her job. However, I will make it up to my family during school holiday.
VO: OK, who will be sponsoring you for this program? GWU is one of the most expensive schools in the US.
Me: I have a Global Initiative Fellowship Award of $20k and my elder brother will...(she cuts in)
VO: Listen, this school is expensive, you will be having a deficit of $41+
Me: Yes, I know, my brother have what it takes to take care of the deficit.
VO: OK, what does he do?
Me: He is into petroleum products marketing. He is also in charge of the management of my late father's real estate investment
VO: Do you have his bank document?
Me: I have his statement of account
VO: Pass it
Me: Passed (VO checked thoroughly, from opening balance, through the transactions to the closing balance, and checked the account name if it corresponds with what I filled in my ds160)
VO: Now listen, (looking into my eyes) I will keep this with me, we will have to check to be sure it is not fraudulent. If it is fraudulent, you will be banned for life from entering the United States. Do you want me to continue?
Me: Please go ahead ma (while looking into her eyes)
VO: OK, I will give you these papers (the white pick up location paper and a congratulatory-small white one). You will have to keep your i20 with you at all time when traveling and make sure you enter the US before the start date of your program.
Me: Nodding, OK Ma (while packing my stuffs) Have a good day Ma....couldn't wait to hear her respond.

CREDITS:
....To God for the grace
....To 'My Special One' for the unending supports
....To fairheart for helping to review my proposed transcript prior to my 3rd attempt then
....To walspring for assisting in registering for my GRE around early 2018
....To everyone that has ever posted on this thread; be it questions, answers, suggestions, opinion, even 'drama'. Believe me, it all helped. THANK YOU ALL


LASTLY.
Will I be able to get Okada or Keke to take me from Washington Dulles International Airport to my school?

Amme018:
VISA APPROVED @ 4th attempt

Date: Friday, 21st June 2019
Location: Abuja
Time: 7:30am Appointment
Status: Was on AP till 25th June when it turned ISSUED.

BACKGROUND
Previous attempts: 2 attempts in December 2017 for Ball State University (for Spring 2018) and an attempt in July 2018 for George Washington University (for Fall 2018) ....All at Lagos Consulate.

I posted past transcripts when I needed help in preparing for my 3rd attempt. I also posted my proposed transcript for the 3rd attempt, but I did not post the outcome because I was quitting then. Although there was no much difference between the proposed transcript for the 3rd attempt and the outcome other than that not all the questions I prepared for were asked.

However, I requested my admission be deferred to the following term (Spring 2019) only to be informed that admission to the program is strictly for Fall Terms. I requested it be deferred to Fall 2019.

Finally when I decided I was going to try the 4th time (which I promised it would be the final), I returned to this thread as a full-time reader, I chose not to ask any question because there are answers to all the questions that anyone would want to ask here already. I read every posts everyday 'as e dey drop'. I researched more about my school and program. I looked for unique features of my school and program, which I integrated into my proposed transcript. I did not post my proposed transcript because in my head, I was not returning to the embassy the 4th time for an interview but to go and talk (have a conversation)

I chose Abuja this time because I learnt there is a bit of serenity over there than Lagos; like not too crowdy and you could sit for a little while before joining the queue for interview (important for someone like me that doesn't like stress).

I had my conversation with the VO, an elderly white woman at window 6. I was the 3rd she attended to that morning, the two before me were denied.

APPROVAL CONVERSATION

Me: Good morning Ma (VO did not answer greeting. I guess because of her experience with the family she interviewed before me. The old man was reluctant to leave the window after she denied him and his family)
VO: Pass your passport and i20
Me: I obliged
VO: Why do you want to study in the US?
Me: I want to study in US because the US have one of the best educational systems in the world. Also, I like to be taught by world class professors, which would make become a world class program monitoring and evaluation specialist.
VO: How did you hear about this school.
Me: I conducted internet search for top MPA programs in the US, I reviewed the result with USNews.com, Webometrics, Times Higher Education, Princeton Review and the website of the Network of Schools of Public Policy Affairs and Administration, I then streamlined the result based on my area of specialization.
VO: So why this school?
Me: My decision to attend GWU was firstly informed by the opportunity to study under professor Kathryn Newcomer, who happened to be the year 2017 president of American Evaluation Association. She is currently having a research on Public and Nonprofit Performance Measurement and Evaluation which is inline with my area of interest as I am interested in looking into Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with the use of Objective Indicators. Also, the MPA curriculum at this school is such that will equip me with administrative-cum-managerial skills and an in depth understanding of the modern principles and techniques of program evaluation and policy analysis which I will be needing to run a consulting firm back home in proffering solution to the challenges of inadequate monitoring and evaluation framework..(wanted to add the 3rd point which is about my $20k fellowship award, but she cuts in)
VO: When did you had your BSc
Me: January 2013....(she looks on her screen and nods, I guess she confirmed what I filled in my ds160)
VO: So what have you been doing since then?
Me: I went for NYSC program, after which I started working in June 2014 at ABCD as EFG where I am responsible for HIJKLMNOPQR (she cuts in before I could finish stating my job roles. She kept her eyes on her computer screen and nodding her head while answering this)
VO: Did you applied to other school?
Me: Yes, I did
VO: Which other school?
Me: Uni of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Uni of Georgia at Athens
VO: You got admitted into all?
Me: No, I got admitted to GWU and Uni of Pittsburgh.
VO: Tell me about this program?
Me: This program focuses of the process and products of government and nongovernmental organisations decision making. It is also meant to development and enhance the ability to analyze ramifications of public programs and policies. It comprises of courses like .........I listed about 8 courses( I maintained permanent eye contact while answering)
VO: What's your study plan?
Me: I will be studying for a total of 40 credit hours courses, out of which 12 credit hours are core Public Administration courses, 25 credit hours of concentration and elective courses with a capstone seminar of 3 credit hours at the final semester. I will have to maintain a CGPA of not lower than 3.0 throughout the 4 semesters of the program which I will complete in May 2021 after which I will return to Nigeria
VO: What do you want to do with this degree?
Me: I want to consult for public and nonprofit organisations in the area of Program Monitoring and Evaluation as well as offering policy advice to policy makers in taking the best decisions as it affect program success in this part of the world. I would also love to work as a Country Program Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at one of the international development organisations around. (we're both looking at each other eyeballs-to-eyeballs as I answer this)
VO: You were denied sometimes ago?
Me: Yes
VO: Why
Me: Well (with smile), I think I was probably not able to convince the Consular Officer that interviewed me then that I am qualified for this class of visa
VO: OK, you took GMAT
Me: No, I took the GRE
VO: Oh, OK, what's your score?
Me: I had 282
VO: OK, What about TOEFL?
Me: I didn't take TOEFL ....(we both looking at each other eyeballs-to-eyeballs)
VO: Is your wife joining you?
Me: (With big smile) That is not in the plan, because of her job. However, I will make it up to my family during school holiday.
VO: OK, who will be sponsoring you for this program? GWU is one of the most expensive schools in the US.
Me: I have a Global Initiative Fellowship Award of $20k and my elder brother will...(she cuts in)
VO: Listen, this school is expensive, you will be having a deficit of $41+
Me: Yes, I know, my brother have what it takes to take care of the deficit.
VO: OK, what does he do?
Me: He is into petroleum products marketing. He is also in charge of the management of my late father's real estate investment
VO: Do you have his bank document?
Me: I have his statement of account
VO: Pass it
Me: Passed (VO checked thoroughly, from opening balance, through the transactions to the closing balance, and checked the account name if it corresponds with what I filled in my ds160)
VO: Now listen, (looking into my eyes) I will keep this with me, we will have to check to be sure it is not fraudulent. If it is fraudulent, you will be banned for life from entering the United States. Do you want me to continue?
Me: Please go ahead ma (while looking into her eyes)
VO: OK, I will give you these papers (the white pick up location paper and a congratulatory-small white one). You will have to keep your i20 with you at all time when traveling and make sure you enter the US before the start date of your program.
Me: Nodding, OK Ma (while packing my stuffs) Have a good day Ma....couldn't wait to hear her respond.

CREDITS:
....To God for the grace
....To 'My Special One' for the unending supports
....To fairheart for helping to review my proposed transcript prior to my 3rd attempt then
....To walspring for assisting in registering for my GRE around early 2018
....To everyone that has ever posted on this thread; be it questions, answers, suggestions, opinion, even 'drama'. Believe me, it all helped. THANK YOU ALL


LASTLY.
Will I be able to get Okada or Keke to take me from Washington Dulles International Airport to my school?

Plus21:


This is so helpful for those of up preparing for GRE. please I will like to pm you so you could assist me with these materials. thanks in advance

francophone134:
Pls and pls i need all GRE materials for my forthcoming GRE exams. Kaplan would also be highly appreciated if anyone has. Thanks and God bless

Erhuns67:
Hey guys, my Visa was approved 26th June at the Lagos consulate. Here is my transcript


VO: pass your i20 and passport
Me: *hands it over*

VO: what is your first degree?
Me: Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering.

VO: what year did graduate?
Me: 2014.

VO: so what have you been doing?
Me: went for my NYSC after which I went for a compulsory missionary service (cuts in)

VO: where did you serve ur mission?
Me: Ghana Cape Coast Mission. Upon returning back, i currently work as a risk engineer surveyor.

VO: who is paying for the remaining cost
Me: my uncle.

VO: what does he do?
Me: Civil Engineer and he owns an indigenous construction firm.

VO: Did you take any test?
Me: Yes, GRE 311.

VO: which other schools did you apply to?
Me: U of Maine, U of Nevada.

VO: why Idaho?
Me: the privilege of working with Dr. Brian in developing an algorithm on the limitations of Non contact temperature measurements method. (cuts in)

VO: So you have a research Assistantship?
Me: No, it is a non resident tuition waiver.

VO: but you will be working with Dr. Brian on his research?
Me: Yes.

VO: you have a sister in Clemson University?
Me: Yes.

VO: Can i have your uncle bank statement?
Me: I obliged, she peruse the bank statement and returned it back?

VO: What is the title of your current job?
Me: Risk Engineer Surveyor

VO: What does ur parents do?
Me: I answered.

VO: what are your plans when you return back?
Me: with the measurements and control skills acquired during my program, I will be able to work in top industrial process industry in Nigeria.

VO: so your area of interest is measurement and control systems?
Me: yes

VO: what's your study plan?
Me: 30 credits is the requirement for my degree of which I will be taking 9 courses (cuts in).

VO: are you married and single
Me for here baba fumble oooo d way she combine am 2geda) No, No

VO: Excuse me sir, are you married and single
Me: (took my time jeje) No I am not married but I am single.

VO: sir ur visa has been approved,..........
Na for here i take blank, mumu like me dey wait mke she give me my passport b4 i come remember say na der dem wan put my visa. Na him i jejely bone my face waka comot mke those security nor come use me shine.

The consular was very thorough and I was grateful to have her interview me. Nor b say dem go ask person 2 question come tell yu say u nor qualify.
Thanks @sharwama for the job yu re doing. When you strictly warn me never to downplay Nigeria research inclination.

Wow, congrats!! How much deficit did you have?

Nehemiah77:
Good day fam. My visa was approved this morning at Lagos consulate.
I had a full tuition waiver with 13,300usd deficit. Used uncle as my sponsor. VO didn't as for his SOA.
I will share my transcript shortly.

gbeje:
Visa delayed today at Abuja embassy
I was interviewed at the first window to the left by a slim young lady.
Transcript:
Me: Good morning
VO: pass your passport & I-20
Me: I did
VO: How did find out about the school
Me: I used usnews.com to search for the school...
VO: (cut in) and then?
Me: I discovered the school website, entered into the site and checked through the program's curriculum and faculty program which I foumd out to be suitable for my research goals.
VO: Did apply to other schools
Me: Yes I did
VO: which school:
Me: I applied to Louisiana State University, West Virginia University, Morgantown and University of Texas El paso
VO: Why did u choose this one?
Me: Apart from the fact that New Mexico State University hosts one of the 54 Water research institute in United States and as such the institute provide grants for all water related researches in the school which hopefully I am a potential beneficiary (Cuts in)
VO: I can see your uncle is sponsoring you
Me: Yes, my uncle
VO: Why is he sponsoring u?
Me: He has always been supportive of my education especially during my masters program when I related the limitations in.my research results due to nonavailability of required facilities. In fact, he encouraged me most of the time and and advised me to travel abroad for my doctoral research which he also promised to fund.
I EXPECTED HER TO ASK FOR HIS STATEMENT BUT SHE DIDN'T. INSTEAD SHE STARTED ANODA ROUND OF QUESTIONING THUS:
VO: Why do you want a doctorate degree?
Me: the doctorate degree is expected to raise my educational capabilities in research and teaching. Before now I've taught mathematics. Further mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at A level and pre-varsity centres. Such a profound program with will enable me(cut in)
VO: You are not eligible for visa now.
I WONDER WHY SHE ENGAGED ME IN A SUCH A LONG CONVERSATION AND STILL ENDED UP WITH REJECTION
I THINK I NEED FUNDING B4 GOING BACK O! ALTHOUGH MY FACULTY SAID I'M IN THE LIST OF POTENTIAL STUDENTS TO BE GIVEN FUNDING BUT THEY'VE NOT MATCHED THAT WITH ACTION.
PLS HOUSE, WHICH SCHOOL GUARANTEES PHD FUNDING WITH GRE SCORE OF 295 IN WATER RESOURCES OR/AND ENVIRONMEMTAL SCIENCE ENGINEERING?