POP2CECI:
Good day fams.

Please help review my schools and assist with more schools with funding or low tuition fees.

CGPA: 4.78/5
GRE: 298
B.Sc. Information Technology
Proposed Course: M.Sc. Data Science

I already applied to University of Central Florida and George Washington University.


Thanks!

Nice GPA. Though your GRE does not match the weight your GPA carries.
Execept I have a deep pocket I would try to avoid direct courses in Data Science, Business Analytics and Cybersecurity. There is very little history of funnding coming from those fields. What I advise candidates is to rather consider Computer Science, then major in data science.
Computer science has an impressive level of funding history btw.

For the Fall/Summer 2020 Candiadtes

It's been a long time here.. My apologies for the unreplied mails and mentions. I had to take some time off to focus on my studies.

I had lots of candidates contacting me to ask if there is still hope to study in the United States and my response is still a big YES.

The ban is placed on only immigrant visas ( Visa that will require permanent stay, e.g wife filing for husband or husband filing for mother for permenant residence, etc.). It does not affect non-immogrant visas( F, J and H categories visa).

Visa approval has always been a stuggle for Nigerians. But where there is a will, there is a way.

That been said, don't lose your steam! keep pushing and elevating your game. No one will deny an exceptional candidate admission, funding and Visa.
Do everything within your capacity to be exceptional.

Peace,
B2G

Muleriders:


Sometimes, more than one schools share same abbreviation. Spelling out the name in full will help better.

NIU is the Northern Illinois University.

Btw, if you're going to NIU this spring, hit me up.

sipicilia:
@fairheart @walspring @brown2green @lagosismyhome @sharwama please you guys should help conduct mock interview for me, I really need it� pleaseeeeeee

Sorry dear I'm just seeing this.
I would advise anyone that needs my attention to send me an email.
I will not be active here for some time.
Thank you.

pimper24:
I took the gre in 2015 and the score was not impressive. My school didn't request any test and I'm going for PhD.

Sorry for the late response.

The VO is not concerned about your GRE score even if they ask for your score, it doesn't mean as far as you took the exams.

They just want to know if you took the GRE or not.
And yes , Saying " I took the GRE "takes out many nagative impression in the mind of the VO.

[quote author=Rosemary1295 post=81782174][/quote]

I think I have a drive you would love.
send your email address to beezee719@gmail.com.

Ok as classes starts up this week, I'm gonna be off this thread for some time.

But I'm going to drop a few I believe will be beneficial to the future candidates.

Preparation

You should be very engaged in searching and researching about your prospective schools and programs. I did categorically say there is a school in the US that fits perfectly with your program and tatse. But most times you have to do the hard work in finding it. The Education USA says and I quote "look for schools that meets your requirements and not schools that you meet their requirements"
Prepare and sit for the GRE at least. Take TOEFL/IELTS if you can(more advantageous)

NEVER go to the embassy without taking at least one standardized test. Saying "it wasn't a requirement for my program" is one of the most lazy response I have heard. Contact as many schools via the Graduate Coordinator to inquire about funding opportunities for your program and the window for application as information is very viatal in this jorney. By all means, endeavor to get some form of funding from your school. Seeing funding on your I20 makes it easy for the VO to get impressed.


The Visa

This is one of the toughest part.
I have not been to the embassy before giving advice to hundreds of people on how to ace their interview. As an analyst, I had taken time to analyse over 700 transcripts from all over the place and noted some key indicators for positive or nagative Interview outcome. So it didn't come as a surprise to me when a lot of people got their Visa approval from my advice.

One thing I learnt during my cybersecurity certification classes is, "if you want to beat a hacker, think like one"

So I say this.. "If you want to impress the VO, think like the VO"

All the questions the VO asks is to verify the following..
1) is this person truly interested in studies?
2) does this person have the money to cover his expenses in the US?
3) does this person have a career plan?
4) does this person have plans of returning after studies?

I noticed that the response you give in "why this school?" And "why this course" played a major role in your final decision.

In your interview you have to engage with the following...

Maintain eye contact always
Anticipate the next question
Be spontaneous
Gesticulate
Be Succinct

The VO has barely 2 minutes to decide if you're getting the Visa or not.


To close I did say..
Write all your exams on time
Get your admits on time
Get your funding on time
Go for your interview on time ( so you can have enough time to reapply if denied or have enough time to wait if placed on AP)

See you in the US.


Peace.

iwriterng:
God! We did not go to school in Nigeria. Our universities are so damn right shitty! ��‍♂️

Whatever you need to do, please do, but make sure you get this abroad education. God �

I weep for Nigeria abeg.


Toured my school yesterday, and all I can do is curse our leaders. I’ve always known that we’re backward, but it slaps differently when you get to see a real standard for comparison.

I won’t lie, we’re not getting there at all.

Good luck to those applying this spring and next fall.

I beg to differ.
The school you're are so much detesting is the platform for Nigerians getting money in the bag via TA/GA/RA and lots of generous scholarship.

The Nigerian degree is even more valued and respected outside Nigeria than in Nigeria.

You can barely see a school in Nigeria that will accept you into a masters program with a HND.

Our Schools are messed up, not our degrees.

LagosismyHome:


Not allowed .... rules are meant to be followed

TWoods:


No its not. Please read the rules and do not give out wrong advice.

The student must have their original Form I-20 to study in the United States. Given the potential for fraud, a scanned or photocopied Form I-20 is not acceptable. SEVP asks DSOs not to send scanned Forms I-20 to students.

Sources - https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2014/11/can-a-dso-send-scanned-forms-i-20-to-students

I was actually surprised he had gone for the interview already and got approved with a scanned copy.

Even going to the embassy with scanned copy is not.allowed.

Blackboydre:


Very legible

It should be ok.
Make the print out in HD if possible.

Blackboydre:


Yes I have, I've posted my transcript

The officers at the POE are unpredictable.

It is safest to go with original copy of your documents.
And flight rates are very high .
You have to push your school.

How legible is the print out?

TheNoble007:
Please house, I am in need of help.. I will be flying to New York on the 23rd of August, that is on Friday, and I am seriously in need of someone in New York who can accommodate me for a very short while before I get my own accommodation.. I really need a kind soul to help me on this matter... Any kind soul can quote me or pm me... Thank you and God bless!

Go and book air lnb

Blackboydre:
Hey guys I eed formal advice and information too. Cause I'm in a delema.

1st. My i-20 has not gotten to me yet. And my school is resuming on the 21st of this month. I don't know if I can go to the POE with a scanned copy? Please I need advice on this.

2nd. I've not booked my ticket cause my sponsor has been saying different things of recent. I believe it's all trials and tribulations atm. But at the same time I feel after everything I might need to request for an arrival extension from my school. Cause I might travel later than the official classes resumption.
Please how do I go about this?

These things I'm stating in text rn is far more painful than it appears but I don't know how to even narrate everything here. I need your help guys, I'll be waiting.


I am sorry for not posting and giving appreciation to people who helped with their advice and info. Of course there's shawarma (idk if I got the spelling right), Lagosismyhome, the king to queen shawarma ( sorry, I can't remember your handle at the moment) and also lots and loads of people who posted their transcripts and gave their advice to others in need and I tapped into them and created my own imaginary experience and confidence. I apologise for not giving official individual credit but I know you all and am praying for God's grace on your lives for the good you are continually doing.

Ps: I wrote my transcript, but it didn't reflect on the forum. I'll re write again.

Have you gone for your interview?

TheNoble007:


The way you speak authoritatively sometimes, baffle me.... That you got your visa approved does not mean you have mastered the process... Stay blessed!

All of you coming out here should go for a second Bsc and come with approval.
Till then , I stand with my analysis.

CptCharlesVane:
Says the retired US Visa officer with 30+ years experience

Oga go sleep!

You can keep quoting me

That's the best way to get attention.

Ernestamy:
Please house assist with advice on what to do. I have almost lost hope for Fall 2019 due to the fact that I didn't get any form of funding from my department and the other departments which I applied to.This evening I got a mail for Skype interview with one of the department chair. After the interview he sounded hopeful although he asked me if I can be able to get to Ball state university in 2 wks time if granted this offer with a little extension. I need your advice on the possibility because I haven't gotten my I20 neither have I booked for an interview

What you'll likely do is inquire if your Assistantship can be transferred to Spring.

That's the safest thing to do.

If you're planning to apply for a second Bsc, I'll advice you.. Don't!
Approval chances is slimmer than 1%

Don't waste the money for Visa.

CptCharlesVane:
Nairaland is only a subset of the whole picture.

Lots of the people I engage with have no bearing with NL.

Besides, NL is a perfect frame for data analysis

Monykviv:
Thanks for the response at brown2green. Yes my aunt is legal there. She is a practicing nurse and has been there for over 20years. I know all about her. She suggested the school and I have done my research about the school and know all there is. My concern is that since I joined here and read some people's transcripts, it seems second degree is a no no that its only masters and PhD that is acceptable. Is that right? Also saying she's the one that recommended the school on how I got to know about the school, is that okay? Because everyone is saying either boss or Google.. Thanks

If you're going for a second degree , there is a way to present it right from the start.
It is generally denied by all the VOs in Nigeria.

Monykviv:
Good morning all. My name is Vivian, I'm new here. Someone recommended this page to me. I must say Thanks to all the members and admin for such a page. Its really very helpful. My F1 interview date is on 22nd of August that's next week Thursday in abuja. This is my second interview. I was previously denied in Lagos on 22nd of June. My school resumes on 26th of August.. Its my second degree I'm going for. Course given is pre-medicine (biology). My aunt is my sponsor. She's a nurse in Maryland, USA. She is the one that recommended the school (Salisbury university). In my first interview, there was a mistake in my i20 form. Instead of pre med, school wrote peace studies, I thought it won't matter since I have the admission letter with me and it took so long for the i20 form to reach me, but it did. And I have reached out to the school and they sent another i20 form. This time around putting only biology and no pre-medicine as it is, in my admission letter. So I filled ds 160 with only biology and plan to explain its pre-medicine when I go. They also asked if I did micro biology in my first degree and why the switch... Please can anyone kindly direct me this time around. Also I see a lot of answers on "how did you hear about the school".. Almost everyone is saying from research, recommended by a boss or alumni etc.. Answering that is my aunt that recommended it, is it a unprofessional and not a good response please?? And most answers in the transcripts i read reply No when asked if they have family abroad.. I don't have my immediate family there but I have my aunt, an uncle and cousins.. Is that a yes or no please... I really prefer to do a second degree in medicine than do masters in industrial chemistry. Please I will appreciate the guidance.. Thanks in advance.

You have to be very careful with your next interview. Your Aunt, is she in legal standing? How did she get her papers? What do you know about her? They'll throw all sorts of questions since she's your sponsor.


Were you the one that got this school or you Aunt or an agent?
You sound like you are lost somewhere.

Yasiin:
Good Morning,
I just finished my interview at the Lagos embassy and unfortunately my application was rejected. I am going to post my transcript and I need the gurus to identify the flaws in my responses. Thanks.

Who stays in Texas?
No One
Who do you know in the United States?
Nobody
How much does your scholarship amount to?
It's a thousand dollars per year for two years
Who is paying for the rest?
My uncle.
What does your uncle do?
He's a medical lab scientist. He runs his own medical lab.
Where does your uncle stay?
He stays in Niger State.
What do your parents do?
My father does human rights work.
Your Mom?
She's late.

**I'm sorry ... Blah blah blah


Sharwama, fairheart,Time2win,brown2green,lagosismyhome,walspring,nahum77,naughtyvirgin....please your help is needed.

Please Avoid Texas State if you really need funding.
And having your uncle pay a huge deficits is becoming hillarious to the VO.

You dad is still alive and working as you said .

Things could have taken a different turn if you said your dad was retired.
You dig??

TheNoble007:

Hello house, please who has scheduled a flight using student universe.... What is their charge naira to dollar?

Don't kid yourself with student universe and all the other apps. They were really messed up for me with high rates.
I used Wakanow and I got an awesome price of 488k direct to Chicago.
Student universe and Skyscanner was so annoying.

Keep your mind open.

Flaame:
Good morning everyone. I have my interview tomorrow and would want to post my transcript once again. Please help pick out flaws.
Vo: Good morning, passport and I20
Me: Passed them
Vo: You were here sometime last year, why were you denied
Me: I was denied because I couldn't clearly express my purpose of traveling to the visa officer due to the fact I was nervous
Vo: So what has changed since the last time you were here?
Me: I feel a lot more confident than the last time
Vo: So where are you going?
Me: Am going to St Cloud State University for my undergraduate degree study in computer engineering.
Vo: how many schools did you apply to?
Me: 3 schools, 3 admits (name them)
Vo: So why this school?
Me: Apart from the fact that I was given a generous scholarship by this school, Ichose this wonderful school because of all the schools I applied to, it's the only school that uses a D2L system, a system where professors can create web based course sites to enhance course experiences. This D2L system gives students the access to course materials like assignment folders, quizzes and surveys, course materials, and many more through their laptops, smartphones,and tablets. I also chose this school because of the level of interaction between students,their professors, and faculty members. On top of all these features,St. Cloud State University offers so much value at a very moderate rate.
Vo: Why this course?
Me: A degree in this course will give me practical and professional paraphernalia to secure an employment in top ranked technical innovative firms in Nigeria like Angela, Flutterwave, MasterCard,Glo,Jumia,etc. Besides, this,I have an optional lecturing job offer from a very close family friend who is the minister for education in my state upon graduation to work in either of two universities. With a degree and knowledge of this course, I will perfectly fit in the role(this is true please).
Vo: What are some of your undergraduate courses?
Me: General Engineering 101,102,Maths 222,Physics234,etc.
Vo: Tell me about your course plan?
Me: To obtain a degree in computer engineering, I need to complete 106 credits, maintain at least a minimum GPA of 2.5 to keep advancing to each level and as well graduate with a minimum GPA of 2.5 too.
Vo: When did you graduate and what have you been doing?
Me: I graduated in 2014,in September 2014,I started a year and half intensive computer lesson at BODSLINK computers . After my training, I got a part-time job as computer lab assistant. I worked there for another year and half to gain more practical skills and management strategies on Computer. In 2017,I started my college preparation.
Vo: Why did you choose to go to a U.S school?
Me: I chose to study in the United States because the U.S universities offer excellent research opportunities through several assisantship programs. U.S universities have a well designed educational system that strikes a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. A degree and academic experience from U.S universities is highly valued especially in terms of securing employment. on top of all these, the United States is the best destination for students seeking for a tertiary education abroad, and particularly, for STEM courses.
Vo: Who is your sponsor?
Me: My uncle
Vo: Why your uncle what does he do?
Me: My uncle has been playing a very big role in my education for a very long time. He believes it'll be a good investment for me to advance in my academic, so he's very obliged to continue catering for my education regardless of the cost.
-He's a lawyer by profession but has a very large school here in Abuja, has a couple of estate business he manages, and owns two lounges here also.
Vo: What are your plans after graduation?
Me: Upon graduation in May 2023,I'll come back to Nigeria for my compulsory NYSC program, afterwards, I'll seek for employment in top ranked technical innovative firms or a lecturing job in one of the universities in my state.



Sharwama, fairheart,Time2win,brown2green,lagosismyhome,walspring,nahum77,naughtyvirgin....please guide me here

Too many crammed questions and responses can throw you off balance.

Why did you choose this school?
If you can answer this question very well , the VO will probably not border to ask why this course and what this course will do for you because you have given them the response all in one.
That only happens when you have properly digested every detail of your school and how it perfectly aligns with your career.
So your response to why this school should talk about how the course is delivered and how this delivery can make a huge impact in your career aspirations.

In taking about your sponsor , avoid generic responses as much as you can. The VO will likely not place you under AP if you have 99% success in convincing her/him that your sponsor is genuine .

@Lagosismyhome
@Neeta02
@4gunners

Merci

With Love from Illinois...

My Visa was approved on the 2nd of August.

Scholarship $13,000
Deficits 17,0000

VO .. So why are you going to the Northern Illinois University?
Me: Coupled with the funds which covers my Tuition, NIU will give me the opportunity to have a double degree, ..
VO: Hold on, Types for a long time and tells me to proceed.
Me: A Masters degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and a Masters degree in Logistics and Operations. Most interesting to me is the fact that the course structure emphasizes on Lean Manufacturing, Large Scale Optimization, Process Optimization and Industrial Automation.
VO: What did you study for your UG?
Me: Electrical Engineering
VO: What is your current role?
Me: I work as a business analyst, basically communicate with the Technical, Finance and Human Resource Managers to collect sufficient data to help in outlining the problems, opportunities and solution to help them in making informed decisions.
VO: How does that relate with Industrial Engineering?
Me: My vertical market cuts across the manufacturing and Information Technology Industries.
VO: What's your Thesis on?
Me: Advanced Simulation, Visualization and Modelling of product design and development.
VO: What product will you be manufacturing?
Me: It covers the entire Manufacturing and Business Process.
VO: Who'll be paying for the deficits?
Me: My uncle..
VO: Why will your uncle pay?
Me: actually, He is not just an uncle to me, he is an inspiration. Inspired me to get the Chevron scholarship, the NYSC states award as best Corp Member, built my career from ground zero to a point where I'm been invited to speak at functions across the country, was part of the 50 man planning committee for the Senate,
My uncle knows I'm very promising and knows the Return on Investment this degree will fetch me.
VO: I'll be approving your Visa. You'll need this at the point of entry...



@Drakales @fairheart and all who reached out to me , I cannot say how much grateful I am.
I was denied in Lagos, Inspire hundreds of people daily but could barely inspire myself to take that long journey to Abuja.

I have a lot to say to the Spring 20 and Fall 20 hopefuls.

Brown 2 Green has both been denied and approved. So he knows what both feels like.

God Speed to those on AP, God's speed to those waiting on the Visa.

Peace.

Sosao:
School resumes 19th
On Ap since 17th July .....

I have no idea what to do anymore

Mail your Grad Cord to communicate your resumption date with the embassy probably with your international office and you in copy.
Though this can change nothing on the decision, it is an option. Also request for an extension letter.
You're s strong lady.. I can imagine what you're going through right now.

amb001:
For those who were checked at the point of entry, when they checked i20, visa and statement of accounts, was the financial support letter necessary? I submitted mine to the VO and never got it back

VO doesn't send back SOA anymore. That's the new trend.
You don't need the SOA for nothing.
All needed at POE for F1 holders is your passport and I20 and possibly information about your final destination.

N2B2:
Good day, everyone

Quick question from someone trying for the January window for an Msc.

How much would my sponsor need to have in their accout? Is there are fixed amount, or does it differ?

Someone said it was 20million, but that is appalling.

Depends on the Cost of Attendance and how much is left to pay

mayowa94:
Appointment date is Wednesday. Please explain the steps better. After i click on retrieve my application , i should select new application right? Will i print another appointment confirmation ?

Let me also correct the general notion that the DS 160 form can only be submitted minimum of 3 days before your interview..

It is not stated anywhere on the official site.
You can update your DS 160 a day to and even on the day of your interview especially if the changes needed to be made is something that can make huge impact on your outcome.

herakles:


what do you mean by reasonable?


one way or return trip?

if you are looking at a one way trip, these are my recommendations...

cheapest flight is on the 14th of August N600k Etihad airways

600k