hybeenoni:
To God be the glory, collected my stamped passport today.
Special thanks to Fairheart, Brown2Green, Time2win, and others active members on this forumn for their selfless acts on here, including Lagosismyhome, and Shawarma for your humour filled post while responding to questions.

Had my interview on 27/06

Interviewed I think at window 8 by the bearded VO


VO had already approved one, denied one and placed on one AP.
Next was my turn and felt now us my turn to grab this thing.

VO: What school are you applying to me?
Me: Texas tech university to study MS Mathematics

VO: why this degree ?
Me: This decision to go for a further study was informed by my current job as a maths teacher where I have grown to enjoy the job and earning this degree will enable me attain the minimum requirement needed to take up an Assistant lecturing position at my Alma Mata.

VO: Why Texas tech university?
Me: Coupled with the fact that I was awarded a GTA that covers my tuition, living expenses and health insurance, my proposed research work on Stochastic epidemic model, perfectly aligns with the primary research work of prof Bleep and also I have been able to build a good Faculty-Student relationship with my Graduate coordinator, Dr Bleep

VO: Have you travelled outside Nigeria before?
Me: No

VO: Are you married?
Me: No

Next I will be approving your visa

I just said thank you and have a nice day, after collecting my white paper

barrlabs975:
Please I am new on this Nairaland platform. what do you mean when you say Transcript? please respond.

barrlabs975:
HAS ANY ONE BEEN ON AP FOR 60 DAYS?

Amme018:

Yes

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?

Ubah1:


Your visa is valid for 2yrs. You don't need to attend another interview. All you need to do is to get a new i20 for the session your are planning to resume. So inform your school about your decision.

sammybtc:
Visa approved today July 1st 2019

My transcript is on transit

Rosetinah:
Plz house, I'm new here.. I need advice. My visa was refused on June 19 at lagos embassy. I have GA and deficit of 8k ..plz is it true that it us better i go to abuja embassy for my reapplication or still go back to lagos...

My interview was short...by the black America lady

Vo - why r u going to US
Re - for my masters in information systems at mtsu

Vo - why masters
Re - this program will ... Vo cut me

Why this sch
Re - i have a GA offer and...VO cut me

I'm sorry ure not qualified.. U can always reapply

LagosismyHome:


I dont think it matters too much. The most important is look tidy and be confident in the delivery. .... the only degree I would say a big yes for Suit is if the degree is MBA then yes i would definitely dress that part . Most of their events are all suited up . However some times it just luck and not so much about what you wear

BenAzie:
Thanks guys for this platform. Almost frustrated now.
As it stands, I have GTA Position covering my tuition with monthly stipend and my uncle pays the rest.

I am in between decision whether or not to make my 3rd application. Be detailed with your thoughts/suggestions please, whether harshly or kindly provided it passes your message.

Brief:
1st application.
I first applied using SJU Spring 2019 and got denied. Here, no funding, my uncle (different surname) had a functional statement of account that I used. I think I was denied here because as part of my sponsor, I put a friend in the US (medical doctor for that matter) which weakened my ties to Nigeria (as I was told later on though)

2nd application.
Just 2days ago another denial. I answered all questions well as I often got responsive nodding of the Window 6 woman until I was asked why I changed schools from SJU (as in my previous application) to IUP (in my new application). I never expected that and all I could say was IUP gave a me a GTA as against no funding from SJU. Someone suggested to me to have talked about research and my concentration like that.

3rd application.
Do you think I should apply again?
If yes, what possible questions should I expect for a third time application?

Many thanks. Help me please, help!!!

NB: all interviews were in Abuja.

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.

Shortcess:
Hey guys, my Visa was approved this morning at the Lagos consulate

t4thayour:


Okay thanks.
So, it's okay to fill and submit another DS-160, this time using Abuja as the appointment center?

t4thayour:
I need advice, please.
I filled and submitted my DS-160 with Lagos consulate as place of interview. Now, I am checking to book appointment, the earliest date I am seeing for Lagos is 26th August, which is way after orientation date.
I am seeing July date in Abuja though. Can I use the same confirmation number for my submitted Lagos DS-160 to book an appointment for Abuja, or will I have to fill out another DS-160 using Abuja (in this case, wouldn't that mean duplication of information?).

I am aware you can't edit already submitted DS-160.
Alternatively, any advise on "strategy" (if any) that one can use to get earlier Lagos date? Someone suggested I try weekends etc
Pls, any advice on options available.

GoodGovernance:


Then let the confusion continue:

Let CAF invite Argentina and brazil for nations cup
Let Uefa invite Eyimba for champions league
Let CAF invite Barcelona and Real madrid for CAF champions league

Perhaps you are ignorant that Canada is part of America.

NBA is meant for North American teams,for which Canada is one.


There is nothing wrong in inviting any team for entertainment,but the nomenclature should not contradict the intention.


If Copa America is also for Asians,why not name it Copa AmericAsia?



Even six teams can play a competition ,not to talk of 12.

GoodGovernance:


They should play with 3 groups of 4 teams. Or 4 groups,with 3 teams .

It's very senseless,to invite others for Copa America.

So will officiating allow say ,Japan to win Copa America?

The America sentiments will never allow an Asian to win Copa America,so what's the essence of the invitation and confusion?

Jokerman:


We are only serving you in your own coin ni���... So cry not... You can't eat your cake and have it

Why does Messi have only 1 penalty goal in 3 matches ??

Prestigewins:



That the secret people fail to understand, any principle that is not founded on Jesus Christ will certainly fail,it becomes a game of luck n chance, a practical Christian will always behave well. Thank God for your marriage and I tape into these testimony.

Stanmedix:
Embassy Location: Abuja

School name: ETSU

Program: MPH

Status: Refused

VO: Good morning, pass me ur passport and I 20
Me: good morning ma, docs passed

VO: why East Tennessee SU? *Though not audible enough
Me: cos of their well structured practically oriented academic curriculum which is what I actually needed for my training so as to be able to impact maximally in our health system once I come back after the program.

VO: I can see u are a doctor, working.... Where did u have ur degree
Me: answered in affirmation

VO: how will you be funding this studies
Me: I have a GA offer which comes with tuition waiver and stipends, my uncle will be assisting with the deficits

VO: Do you have letter from the school for the GA?
Me: No

VO: what will you be doing as a GA?
Me: working with Prof...on his current work on....
Went on explaining details

VO: sorry this paper will explain why you are not eligible for this visa at this time

Green coloured paper handed over. Felt depressed for 2days.
Please guys I need your thorough perusal and advice on what to do.
Thanks in anticipation.

Jachy4real:
Hello everyone! My visa has been approved. I have been trying to post my transcript here for almost a week now but to no avail. I keep getting banned by the anti-spam bot... Why? What do I have to do?

LagosismyHome:


The Vo not convinced that the sponsor can pay is my guess. In some cases the sponsor can but the Vo is not patient enough to review the full picture.... in such cases it might help if sponsor is a parent but when it comes to aunty and uncle things some Vo believe that but some dont. So it depends on the Vo

LagosismyHome:


clearance alone

Predstan:


You just spit on everyone because it’s a faceless forum. That’s really bad bro. Learn to ignore little things even if it irks you

User4321

calculator123:

You never learn do you?
I hope you won't still shamelessly apologize to Porpor again because you fail to tame your anger.

LagosismyHome:




alone

Deyemzy:
Hello Fam,

I am very sorry for just posting my approved visa transcript. I have been very busy.

Lagos Consulate. Visa approved by the Old man....17/06....6:30am

Me: Good morning sir
Vo: No response
Vo: Pass your documents.
Me: I obliged
Vo: (Started typing ooo then stood up to the next window)...when did you finish high school?
Me: (I was like "high school"? ).....2010
Vo: After then?
Me: Went to the University for my bachelors
Vo: in what?
Me: Mathematics and Statistics
Vo: ok...you finished when?
Me: 2015
Vo: what have you been doing?
Me: Went for my compulsory national service.
Vo: oh that's for one year.
Me: Yes
Vo: after then
Me: I was retained and I left there after 13months. Then I joined bleep company as a data analyst, left there in Dec 2018. After then I join Bleep company where I currently work as a data analyst.
Vo: Analyst....data analyst
Me: Yes...yes
Vo: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: 5
Vo: How many selected you?
Me: 4 and still on the Waitlist in the last school.
Vo: what does your father do?
Me: He's late
Vo: what does your mother do?
Me: I told him
Vo: (Then he perused my i20)...who is sponsoring your trip?
Me: My aunt...my father's younger sister and I also got a graduate assistantship.
Vo: what does she do?
Me: Head of Operations at Bleep plc Nigeria.
Vo: kept my passport and passed me white paper
Me: I picked and left.

School: Austin Peay State University.
Program: Computer Science and Quantitative methods.
GRE: 301, 161v, 140q, 3.0
CGPA: 3.12/4

Great thanks to Libber, Kashogi, Soliph, Allylic, Omofola93, Yusuf, Matti and everyone. God bless you all.

Nuggets: Two things are very important; Confidence in self and Faith in God.
Don't feel discouraged because you don't have a ground breaking profile. This year, I saw people with lower class divisions ( < 3.0) and with GREs below 310, getting full fundings. Email profs, do your research well, reach out to people on this forum if something is not clear to you. Above all, if you believe in God, please pray ceaselessly. The sky will always be our starting point.

Thank you Nairaland!

TheZed:
Please don’t talk to Miss lagosismyhome anyhow oo. She’s the only old timer that still frequent this thread. Except if you want to keep getting advice from people that will mislead you. She’s a very down to earth person. She tells you things as it is and above all she’s never rude. Abeg take your word back.

Oasishavenng:


How was her post rude, what you wrote insinuated that you wanted to take his tax return without telling him and she advised against that.

legitnow:



Everybody already learnt from Iraq.

Get nuclear weapons and America runs from u.

The only reason Bush and Blair went to Iraq was becos dey didn't have one.

LagosismyHome:


Don't use someone document without their permission.... he trying to help by sponsoring you but you want to take his thing without permission.