₦airaland Forum

Congratulations Time2smile... All d best with admission

jlakesideo:
I want to re-register for the GRE, who can help me pay with GRE voucher at a discount.. A School deadline is February 15., Though

I had 295 on my first attempt (142V 153Q 3.0 AWA) and it was very very poor.. I just wasted my transcript fee, App fee and some other fees to the school. I applied to University of Southern Mississippi and Georgia state university(They are under review/Awaiting decision). But I'm pretty sure that they can't give me admission. I just want to re-write the exam. Pls who can help me at a discounted rate, I won't lie, I have exhausted all my money this year. But I don't want to give up on my dreams..

Thanks

In our attempt to be humble n admit we didn't do well in the GRE, sometimes we r quick to write off the possibility of admission with a low GRE score. Fine, it is good to anticipate and actually do well in the gre but really it's not d ultimate. Even with a good gre score, you of ur own will cannot guarantee anything, so please stop giving urself unnecessary stress. I know a colleague that got admitted for Masters of Engineering Management at Dartmouth College (an Ivy league school) with funding n a gre score <300. I know it's grace but also don't give up on urself @ no time

Scholastica16:
Only consider rewriting if you have time and are sure the improvement is worth it. If you had say Q- 166 V- 140. I would tell you pointedly that a retake will be unnecessary seeing that you are an engineering student whose Q ably represents his stronger skill. Your TOEFL could help augment the weak V score.

That notwithstanding I think you should make do with this score now even if you are considering a retake as your GPA is competitive. I personally am beginning to think the GRE is overrated based on the information I have been reading online. In fact, on Nairaland, someone got admitted into LSU with a 306 (Q- 156 V- 150) whilst someone else with a 332 said he did not experience any benefit. People's experiences differ sha. The synopsis.

Boss, how far with ur applications na... any feedback from school or faculty members yet? The wait no be here oo

sirRiddy:
Hi guys...
While applying, please look out for schools with campus carry laws.
This thing no be seresere o
http://www.ncsl.org/research/education/guns-on-campus-overview.aspx

SirRiddy, I have gone through the link. All my choice schools allow for weapons on campus. How serious is the issue. Please kindly share any experience to enlighten d gravity of d decision

happyday:
And to the only wise God be all glory, honour and power. Today's my happy day! I'm thanking God for making me +1 today!

To every member of the house waiting for their application decisions, you will have to cause to laugh and celebrate before this year runs out. And for all December visa applicants, start picturing that US visa powerfully stamped on your passport, because it's happening to you already. Have faith, not fear.

God bless every member of this wonderful family.

Happy Birthday Happyday ... God bless u and make all your dreams come through

Congratulations Scholastica16... All d best with ur application, admission and funding

Congratulations drhopeful. You just gave me another reason to not throw in the towel.
Like she has rightly said, it is not unexpected for anyone to get weary of the entire process but if we keep believing and keep pushing hard, we'll ultimately have what we desire.
Thanks

doziej84:
can you give me a realist ic price & the bank involved......

The last time I did (about 2months ago), I was charged 380naira/dollar (access bank) but then dollar was still like 400/410 in parallel market... Now that it is 460, I don't know what it will be. You can check abokifx.com, the rate for the bank on the site then was exactly what I was charged

doziej84:
who has made an application recently?

I need to know the exchange rate charged on a mastercard......

It varies but it largely depends on individual banks

ChemEngr01:
Drhopeful, you once mentioned a book on how to write a good SOP...can I get it pls? I just sent you a pm with my email address.

Oga! I join others to congratulate on blasting the GRe ... I could help out with d book on sop, u can send me a pm or ignore if drhopeful already resplied... cheers n all d best with your application

Good Evening friends, I noticed quite a number of people are requesting for centres to register the GRE. I am just wondering why you don't want to do the registration yourself @ ets website, it pretty straightforward with no hassle rather than having to deal with the stress of genuine or fake centres... Besides, GRE is just one of the few things you will need for graduate school. You had probably write TOEFL/IELTS, submit applications and apply for visa and I don't know if you will be needing agents all through... Thanks

amofum:
So after almost one full year of following this thread, I get to post my own experience.

Some 2 months ago, the trend of the naira- precipitous decline- forced me to finally schedule a date for the GRE test at #350. On that day, I made sure I chose the farthest date available-october 3rd, 2016- because although I had covered every material my practice scores were abysmal as it could get V155-158 Q150-158 for schools I had in mind. I was ready for a retest even before the test. My you I didn't have one naira on me again. I just dey sing small doctor song (aja n'sare, owo jona). Everyone on the whatsapp group kept encouraging me, I don't know each of them's monikers on nl however, ponpon was like a virtual GRE father to me.

Finally, two months deprecated into one month into 3 weeks till we got to two weeks. My practise score still didn't improve, I felt like postponing my test date. I couldn't tell anyone, I was constantly pusillanimous. Alas, I took ill on Tuesday of that week. I Just told myself THIS IS IT. However, ponpon once again encourage me, he was over empathetic; he told me he also took ill before his test. I couldn't read again, so I tried powerprep test 2 for confidence and wow. It took away the last shard of confidence left in me. I stared at the system as it showed me V156 Q152. I continued into reviewing the quant questions I failed. When I saw them I just sighed, I was destined to fail.

That week ran as fast as it could, I was just reviewing my mistakes. Lo! We were in my final one week, I still hadn't score x=320 on any practice test (even kaplan). I decided to just write sha sha. Thus on sunday 2nd of October, I migrated to Ojota, got a cheap guest house to pass the night no more reading. So I won't be late for my test, I stay around Iyana-Iba, I didn't want to add any risk to my state of 'unpreparedness'.

That night was very long but, soon it was 5am anxiety add woken me up. I stayed in my room till 7am. I proceeded to have breakfast and by 8:45am, I was en-route JKK house. At something around 9:15am I was in the compound and it felt awkward. I seemed to be the youngest there, and. The only one who didn't come with books. Yepa!!! I don die, should I have continued with 5lb till yesterday or this morning? Would it have helped? The questions flew in like they were in an 100m sprint contest with Mr. Bolt. Within 5mins I was already feeling headaches.

So much getting there early, I tried to keep my mind relax by chat with my GRE fam on whatsapp, ponpon was helpful again. 10am the capturing/accreditation had started and by 11ami was at workstation 20b at ETC. The journey was bout to start. I got an issue on leader made by demands; I interpreted it as leaders being made or born. I just did it somehow. Next came the argument it was on game sales and a tweak in strategy, I just lacerated the thing.

After the appetizers came the main course, as I had prayed for, I got verbal first thus my experimental would be verbal. This first section, I did my best, can't say it was easy. Then came the quant and when I got to number 20, I knew i needed around 13 more right questions to be guaranteed of 160 it was blessed. I then took my 10mins break. The next verbal felt like it was written in japanese, I just couldn't understand why it was showing on my screen. In my mind I just pondered, if ETS doesn't want me to pass they should just tell me why must they go through this route? Next came the quant and I felt ok this is the time to show them I can get the 165 like topii. Gbam! Gboom! Gbish! Na so the questions attack me. Jesu mi ooooo!!! My money is going. I tried my best, got to number 15 and time went off. I just sank back into my chair. I turn left and right people were already reporting scores. Someone got 316 and she was smiling. One section to go and I was praying for 310. The last section was verbal again, I just did it with less conviction, and got to the end b4 the 26mins mark. I smiled to myself, I had set a new personal best in stupidity.

It was time to report scores, I wanted to but, my spirit was weak. Finally, the body and the spirit reach a compromise, I reported the scores. Then came that long 3 seconds, alas my score was here. What I saw made me stare at the screen for another 60seconds then out of shock I signalled to the proctor, as he approached I realised I really didn't have anything to tell him. The screen showed Verbal:160 Quant:161. I was happy, I decided to send it to 3 safe schools and one good school. Kent State, Oklahoma State, Florida Inst of Tech and Uni of Illinois-urbana.

I walked out of the centre and still couldn't understand if those were really my scores. Shout out to you all on nl who regularly posted tips and material God bless. Special rugged shout out to ponpon and the family on whatsapp, if I were to choose people to go on the journey with all over. I probably choose you guys x! Times where 20<x.

Next phase serious application.

My current profile:
BSc: 3.01/4.00
MSc: 3.8/4.00
GRE: 321
Intended programs: Phd I/O psychology or PhD Management (HRM) or PhD Business (HRM) or PhD Labor and Employment Relations.

I pray we all make it to our dream institutions, Fall 2017 application has started in earnest.

Wow! Congratulations on your score...All d best with ur admission applications

Onoa:
Greetings everyone. I have been following this thread for a while and I must say I really appreciate the selflessness and encouragement I have seen displayed by members of this thread. The success stories of Sir Danja ninja, SirRiddy and others are really inspiring and assure me that I can actually achieve my dream of studying in the US.

I studied biochemistry, graduated last year with a Cgpa of 4.52/5.0. I sat for GRE on Thursday, and I had 310 (V-155, Q-155), though it was lower than I wanted, guess I didn't prepare well enough. I would like to pursue my PhD in Immunology and Microbiology, in a school that offers full funding and I intend to apply to a number of schools though I have only 2 for now, university of Louisville, & university of Kansas medical center.

Also,  I am yet to start working on my statement of purpose, and I honestly don't know where to start from, hope this is not too late?, I have mailed my prospective recommenders, who seem willing to help.

To the egbons in the house, and to my fellow aspirants, I would really appreciate suggestions and advice concerning my plans given my GRE scores and Cgpa as well as any recommendations for other schools, while I continue my search. Concerning the SOP,  please I wouldn't mind if I can get someone to evaluate it, when am done.
Lastly, I do not intend to take the TOEFL or have my transcript evaluated, do you think this is a wise decision?.

Thanks in advance and Happy Independence day anniversary.

You have a very good profile and considering that you have decided to apply for phd, I think your chances of funding are high. However, you might want to consider applying early and please do ur background check well on ur choice schools especially as regarding the english proficiency requirements (since you've chosen not to write any proficiency test).
As regarding the sop, u can send drop ur email or send me a pm so I can forward a document sirRiddy gave me one time like that as a guide. I also believe getting someone to review your sop wouldn't be much of a big deal as there are many gurus in d house.
Congratulations on ur great score and all d best in ur endeavors... cheers

ipledge01:
I guess sirriddy once said most schools application deadline is December for those looking forward to fall admission.

If u will be seeking funding, u should consider applying by December or way earlier. Most school commences application for fall by August, so u can imagine how much application dey would AF gotten n how much funding would av been disbursed already. However, its not unusual people still get admitted n funded even after December. Most applications for fall closes by February n some can run through April.

Yampotatocarrot:
Good day all. Please I'm planning to write the test also but I have some questions. Can it be used as a substitute for TOEFL/IELTS? Is it possible for a school to ask for both TOEFL/Ielts and GRE? Abeg, answer needed. @SirRiddy, please how z biotechnology in the US, thats my area of interest for Masters. thanks all

Like SirRiddy pointed out, Engineering generally does well in d US and biotechnology is one of the aspect of engineering doing well

sirRiddy:
hi cephas0009
Thank you for your kind words and for your
nice posts and contribution here too.
While applying to PhD programs, be sure to confirm if they
grant MS along the way. Not all PhD programs give those who
opt out MS degrees.
Good luck with your funding hunt

Thanks 4 dat info...M sending u an email right away, kindly act on it as soon as u find time

lobito007:
My! Hard guys! Studying in a US school without funding is not an option abeg. On the PhD trick, so you get awarded an MSc certificate on the path to PhD? Do you get this MSc cert before you complete your PhD study?
Even after getting the admission, one still faces a difficult decision quitting a regular paid job for MS study. Talk about uncertainty of choices.

You get it baba... Maybe it's why m a bit calm about d whole process but m still careful to not get complacent. I have senior colleagues dat have left work 4 graduate school in US and 'ALL' of dem r saying it's a better choice

lobito007:
Sup bro? Lost my phone a few months back, otherwise, I would have reached you. How far as regards admission? Which school offered you funding? Which are you heading to?

Ehya Sorry about that... I got admission to SDSM&T and SIT both 4 MS Mechanical Engineering. I applied to just 3schools anyways. However, the both admission had no funding or assistantship attached to it. Major reason is dat their assistantship are reserved primarily for PhD students. I did contact faculty members b4 n after my admission n der reasons were either paucity of funds or preference 4 phd. I intend to defer d admission and in the process continue to speak with faculty members while applying to other schools too. I might also consider applying 4 phd too since SirRiddy highlighting dat 1 can get admit 4 phd n run away after msc (lol, dey think dey are smart abi )...

I will also like to thank SirRiddy 4 his selfless contributions in dis group. I remember wen I stumble @ dis thread about dis time last year, he was my 1st point of contact, m happy for what he's achieved.

N oga lobito007 thanks 4 always keeping in touch, thanks to all dos that we communicate on whatsapp n via mails. N to everyone here 4 ur comments n contributions, like sirRiddy n oga DanjaNinja we'll have our stories to tell pretty soon.

Richiy:
I am taking the test next month . The Verbal and argumentative section I can succeed, but the nothing I have done is preparing me enough for the maths. I am almost desperate at this point. Me and maths are officially one and one million. Choi.

Have u tried watching d Magoosh videos?

Oyun Baptist High School Ijagbo Team #007

How I love to sing of OBHS
The darling school to which I belong
How I love to sing of OBHS
The darling school i'm happy to know

Chorus:
Great! Great!! OBHS!!! x3
What a beautiful school in ijagbo


God guide and bless this college always
***
***
Live and Sing of her glory always


Chorus

neahyo:
Good afternoon house,

I am very grateful to you all for your advice and assistance from page 1 to this very page 85. It is an honor sharing this platform with SirRiddy, DanjaNinja, pennstate, and every other person contributing to the advancement of this group. I'll admit i'm a secret disciple of this group since last year and the reasons are not far-fetched: One, because i was an undergraduate but by the grace of God my convocation ceremony is on June 4, 2016. Two, i am not financially buoyant to register for GRE though i have downloaded the necessary materials and i've been practicing but not as intense compared to that of someone who has fully paid.

Now, i am at crossroads as i don't know which schools to apply to but I wish to study in either USA or Canada.

My profile:

CGPA: 3.81/4.00
Course of study: Statistics

I intend to pursue a PhD program in Statistics (exempting MSc)
(Hope I'm not asking for too much)

I'm hoping for valuable responses.. Thanks

Congratulations in advance for your convocation n for a job weldone as an undergraduate. It's good you have started preparing already. M sure u must av observed dis thread offers assistance basically for persons considering graduate studies in US n more importantly to guide persons intending to take d GRE. Studying in Canada from d little I know, u don't need GRE n Test of English (Toefl or IELTS) is exempted in some cases. So if u are able to put up a good SOP and get a professor dat u can work with prior to ur application, den the only thing u might av to worry about is d application fee. The chances are high u will get assistantship with ur profile. Same thing applies 4 US schools too except that now u will av to take both Test of English n GRE (which cost approximately 100k with d present exchange rate), n with a good sop n recommendation letter, it's kindof easy getting funding considering u also intend to apply directly 4 phd, 4low every other thing d great men in dis group av said n m sure u will b rightly guided. I hope dis helps a little

Congratulations SirRiddy, a wonderful brother, m not surprised ur visa was approved. You have labored and sown into pples's life. You deserve it Sir, all d best

Welcome on board flight Boeing 747, taking us to America... lol

Three options fulfill d 1st 4 hints:

1 1 9 2 5

4 2 8 3 6

9 3 7 4 7

But only 93747 adds up to 30

ponpon:
Is it wise to shift exam date?

Depends on your reasons considering it comes with extra charges, if u r convinced it's worth it, y not?

donxab:
1 2 3.....75 76...finally here!
Nice job done here by the OP and a host of others God bless you guys....

Hoping to take GRE by July for Fall 2017. For those hoping to get admitted next fall I will advice you start working from now.. Research well on schools based on admissibility, funding & GRE requirements. Create folders based on schools you wish to apply and keep every information you need. Don't apply to any school until you are sure.. Some schools don't have full tuition waivers for TAs will some only offer partial tuitions or equate them to instate students... You must gun for schools that offer full tuition waivers, this way things won't be to difficult for you later..Try as much as possible to put up a very strong application through don't joke with LOR SOP or its equivalent! America is not like Nigeria any little mistake and you are off the hook! Apply to as many schools as possible some schools have application fee waivers while other have application fees as low as $25. Finally put God first in all you applications n you will not regret it in the end

Regards

Thanks bro and welcome on board

Happy Birthday Boss... Blessing upon blessing... SirRiddy when b ur bornday too?

borie4u:
I love to know. Will d bank charge u using d parallel market rate or CBN rate when applying with ur card for gre

I think you should not expect them to charge you with CBN rate, cos dos banks too are black marketers. However der charges are not fixed it varies and it is largely influenced by the black market prices. Just imagine it as u trying to buy something online too...when I did mine, I was charged close to what d black market value @ dat time was

Teetunz64:
Please I really need your help on how to pay for the gre exam. What are the procedure or method to make the payment in Nigeria. I have registered and I have choosed Lagos as my test center. How do I make the payment, please I am expecting your reply.

You could either use a visa card or create a PayPal account if u don't have one b4 and connect ur card to d account...

cutemorgan:
Let's be hopeful boss. I think you should try mailing your departmental grad. coordinator, he/she might have helpful info. Abi wetin u think baba??

Yea, working on that... Thanks broda

cutemorgan:
I guess the application procedure varies by institution. I didn't have to write a research thesis proposal in my own case but during my school search, I came across some schools that require this. So what's up with ur apps boss mi? Hope decisions have started trolling in sir?

I did applied for masters in 3schools, got admit in 2 and rejected in one... However, no decision on funding yet

cutemorgan:
My profile is not that hot oo boss mi. I have a 4.55/5.00 cgpa, Gre score of 304(Q157, V147 and AW 3.5), didn't write toefl cos the school waives toefl for Nigerian applicants. Just normal apps; completed the online app, sent in my official transcript from my university of undergraduate study and also requested that an official Gre copy be sent from ets. All the best boss

Still dope profile ... congrats once again