₦airaland Forum

Evans211:
Just got back to my abode. Left Dragnet almost immediately after the exam. It’s being a long day and i wish I could say more.. anyways, not so impressed but a bit happy and confused how I managed to get 162Q and 156 in Verbal despite burning the midnight candle and putting more efforts in verbal. My profile goes thus;


Update-

GRE- 318 (Q162 V156 AWA 3.5) Official
Toefl- Undecided (not sure if it’s needed)
GPA- 3.28/4
Degree- Political Science

Schools (MA program)

1- Bowling Greene University
2- Cleveland State University
3- University of Kansas
4- George Washington University

Impressive Quant score! I didn't know that political science graduates could score 162 in GRE quant.

If you're interested in PhD, consider Purdue University.

Chidon40:
Hello guys,
Please, i need suggestions as to SAFE schools to apply for ECONOMICS ( MS or PhD ) using the profile below

BSc. Economics
GPA : 3.8/4
GRE : 300 (Poor though but don't wish to rewrite)
Verbal= 144
Quant= 156
AWA = 4.0

Your input will highly be appreciated.
Thanks.

This is my opinion and you don't have to take it.

I think you should focus on getting your master's first. Getting into a PhD program with a bachelor's from Nigeria is extremely difficult, if not impossible, because undergraduate and graduate economics programs in Nigeria don't prepare you for the quant-heavy economics PhD in the U.S. and admission committees know this. In fact, the economic theory being taught in Nigeria and other parts of Africa is outdated. Here, people talk about game theory, rational expectation, DSGE models, and so on.

To prepare for PhD, try to take Calculus 1 and 2 while doing your master's. If you can, also take calculus 3, linear algebra, and probability theory. If you want to get into elite institutions like MIT and University of Chicago; then, you should take differential equation and real analysis too. Try to complete a decent economics research paper (under an advisor) and present the results in a conference. Learn how to use Stata (the statistical package for economists). Start thinking of retaking the GRE, PhD admission is becoming tougher.

For your master's, apply to schools that don't have PhD programs to improve your chances of getting funding. The American Economic Association has a list of econ graduate programs in the U.S. and different rankings of these programs too.

Good luck!

Tella26:
Congrats bro. Please do you have Manhattan premium accounts access? Please who can help with this? Even if it will involve money. Thanks

No. Sorry.

Tohsine:
Good day everyone,
I wrote GRE last month.
Verbal: 143
Quant: 156
AWA: 3.5.

I intended to apply for the Spring 2020 admission. Needless to say, I used only one week to fully prepare for the test due to the nature of my job, although I have always been checking GRE vocabulary words on Magoosh flashcards during leisure time. I never knew my verbal and AWA skills were poor, perhaps because I did not have ample time to take the practice tests.
My questions:
Which ebook is the best for verbal and AWA? How can I improve these scores?
Which material can I use to study Data Interpretation as I was unable to solve some questions in that section on the test day?


Proposed Schools (PhD)?
Purdue University
University of Florida
Virginia Tech
Kansas State University

Area of Interests
Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering or
Environmental Engineering



cc: user4321
EconMajor

I didn't really study for the verbal, so I don't know the best materials for it. Understanding the sentences is much more important than cramming words. I didn't waste my time on any flashcard.

I think ETS guide and Princeton Review are very good for the analytical writing. During your practice, try to type at least 600 words per essay, follow the instruction of the essay, and use relevant real-world examples.

For data interpretation, ETS powerprep plus is highly recommended. You'll find new sets of data interpretation questions there.

Hello, everyone! I guess this is my first post on this thread since 2017!

I took my first GRE in September 2017 in Port Harcourt.
Total: 302. Quantitative: 149 Analytical Writing: 4.0

My second GRE was on August 9, 2019.
Total: 311. Quantitative: 159 Analytical Writing: 4.5.

The major reasons why I improved my quantitative score by 10 points are because I used better materials to prepare and I was more serious with my second exam. I spent about 90% of my 3 months study period on quant because I knew that I can score at least 150 in verbal and 4 in Analytical writing without serious preparation. For quant preparation, I opened a Word file where I saved important formulas and techniques for further revision. This was important because I had key concepts under my belt during the exam. I didn't get my target score of 160 in the quantitative section but that's fine.

An important lesson I learned from my exams is that mastering good materials is an easy way to improve your score. Future test takers should prioritize Manhattan, Magoosh, ETS guide, ETS math review, ETS powerprep plus, and Princeton Review. Also, taking practice tests are helpful. I took about 12 full-length practice test before my exam and my average scores in these tests are quite close to my main score. You should also have a robust template for the essays, you don't want to spend 2 minutes thinking about how to start your essay.

Complacency and not using the right materials were my greatest undoings when I took my first exam. Fresh out of college with a top GPA, I took the powerprep exam and got 156 in the quantitative section without any preparation. I thought I could do well in GRE without serious preparation. My scores proved me wrong. Actually, I used 7 months to prepare but I wasn't serious, didn't master important techniques, and did no practice test.

All in all, GRE doesn't care about your First Class. You have to respect the exam because it is not easy. Try to calm yourself down on the exam day by reminding yourself how well you have prepared and how competitive the other parts of your application are. If you let the GRE psych you out; you've already started failing!

Good luck to those planning to take the exam!

My Travel Transcript

I left Nigeria (with Qatar airways, 12 pm flight) on Sunday, August 12, 2018 and touched down in O'Hare airport, Chicago on Monday, August 13, 2018 around 2:30pm. The flight from Lagos to Doha, Qatar lasted for 10 hours while the layover was about 8 hours and from Doha to Chicago was 14 hours. The queue at the airport was quite long but the officers were very efficient so I didn't spend so much time on the queue. When it got to my turn to be interviewed, I handed my I-20, declaration form and passport to the CBP officer. My interview with a CBP officer went thus:
CBP: Where are you going to?
Me: I'm going to Eastern Illinois University for my master's program
CBP: How long is the program?
Me: Two years
CBP: (While handing over my documents) Welcome and have a nice stay in the U.S.
Me: Thank you.

The officer stamped my passport and wrote "IN" on my declaration form with a red marker.
After, I claimed my luggage and was directed to the secondary section. I declared my foodstuffs so the officer asked me if they were all dried and processed and I answered in the affirmative. I placed my luggage in a scanner and after the scanning I collected the luggage and left the airport. Some school officials picked us at the airport and dropped us in one of the school's residential apartments where we stayed till Friday, August 17, 2018.

My first week here was hectic with orientation, job interview and trying to adapt to a new country. Students and staff here have been very helpful. I've gotten an apartment and an on-campus job at the library and everything is moving on fine.
Once again, I thank all members of this thread for contributing to this invaluable resource. In a special way, I thank BigFrancis for assisting in paying my fees. Thank you all.

petermane:
Please I need expert advise in the house, had my first interview on 17th of July but was denied, planning on applying tomorrow, my issue is i filled in my dad as my sponsor at first then went with both my dad and my mum's bank statement due to the total amount of money in my dad's account...I was denied visa. I'm planning on reapplying, my mum's account is actually better than my dad's due to the in flow and outflow of cash. My dad is a salary earner as well and makes over 400grand but his account history is not as solid as my mum's. He's account is always left with about 10-30k monthly my mum has stable money in her account monthly. Please kindly advise what i should do should i stick with my dad's account or change it to my mum i plan on reapplying tomorrow. Thanks


Peter

This doesn't matter. On my DS-160, I used my mother as sponsor. But during the interview, I presented my parents' financial documents and my visa was issued.

Ensure that the total balance in your parents' accounts is approximately 2(X); where X is the I-20 amount.

nelronaldo:
Good day house! Please i need your advice. I am trying to get into a school in US for my masters program. I researched top schools that offer the program i want to study and then settled for two. The two schools I have in mind have an acceptance rate of 59% and 63%. What are my chances of getting admitted with a GPA of 3.5? I wont be writing the GRE as it will be waived because I hold a terminal baccalaureate degree. Should I apply to more schools even when they are not so great in the program?

Most acceptance rates online are for undergraduate programs.

Acceptance and denial are made on comparative basis, though schools have minimum requirements. If your application is one of the strongest, your chances are higher and vice versa.

Applying to more schools is good because you will have more options.

.

Trice2:
Good evening friends
My statement of account is from may-july 2018. Hope its okay

Print from January to July

Chidon360:
Please should I go with the same statement of Account I went with last month June for my 2nd interview which comes up next month . hope its still valid or should I print another from the bank? Please I need reply

You can print a new one if the balance has increased. Your statement should cover a period of six months or more.

jelmusboy:
Morning guys, kindly advice.

My I-20 stated that I will be using family as my funding source for PhD. Fortunately for me, I got a funding guarantee letter from my department awarding me $18k as stipend for one year. My total fee is $32k inclusive of tuition, living expenses and books.

Is it advisable to take my uncle's company account statement for interview to show that he will cover the remaining cost?

Don't go with a company's financial documents. Go with a personal financial document of your sponsor that sufficiently covers the balance. Good luck

roniex2:
Good afternoon guys.
I actually went through some past threads of this Topic but I couldn't get my answer as most of the students applying abroad are graduates. Please kindly answer my questions

Are there schools that admit students into their undergraduate programs without SAT/TOEFL but just WAEC?
Also, Do I need to write TOEFL? Cos I wrote English in my WAEC and passed it.

Why don't you want to take SAT?

From your post, I think you can do well in the exam with sufficient study. These are some advantages of taking SAT:
1) Preparing for the exam makes you a better student.
2) It increases the number of schools you can apply to (most good schools don't waive it).
3) It enhances your chances of getting funding.
4) It increases your chances of getting Visa. VOs like guys that took tests, though it doesn't guarantee visa.

Some guys here took the test, you can contact them for materials and tips.

Contact the schools you want to apply to, some schools waive TOEFL for Nigerians.

Your choice.

LadyCaty:
Please someone should help me out here.. I have done my first degree here in Nigeria and i want to study another course in the USA as an undergraduate.. My question is what are my chances of getting a visa since is not masters program am going for..

My opinion

Nobody can accurately calculate or predict your chances.

That you asked this question shows how sceptical you are about your chances.

Why are you going for another bachelor's? This is a 1 million dollar question that requires a 10 million dollar answer.

seyifrenzy:
Good morning everyone. Una well done o. I have learnt quite a lot from NL. I have two questions on my mind. Please indulge me.

A) I won an essay competition and the organizer and oil company is sending me to study Public Health in the US so that I can return to Nigeria after my studies to contribute to our ailing health system (I signed an agreement to return and work in Nigeria for ,at least, some years). I have asked for the company's statement of account, and I was told I would be given. What other documents (or possible questions) do I need from the company? I would be going with my essay sef.

B) Cos I anticipate I would be asked "Why is your dad (an American citizen) not sponsoring you?", I have also asked for an Affidavit of Support from my dad. Although he is doing fine, he doesn't have much in his account. Do I need to take his account statement to the embassy?

C) My i-20 says Source Funding is family but I am going with a company's statement of account, should I be worried?

There days, there are very few days available for a US visa reappointment, and I want to go there armed to the teeth. Please help me..... Thanks in anticipation.

My opinion

Since you have a scholarship, the sponsor should give you an award letter that states the monetary value of the scholarship. The VO will compare the scholarship amount and the I-20 amount and if there's a balance, you may need to provide a personal financial document (statement of account) of another sponsor (preferably a family member) that sufficiently covers the balance. A young boy, going for bachelor's, that was interviewed before me presented a company's financial document and his application was denied.

Don't go to the embassy with fake documents. They use administrative processing to verify documents.

AFK:
Good day NL,
Visa Delayed this morning 11:15am, 21st July 2018. I was interviewed by the black American lady at window 21
VO: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning
VO: Pass me your documents
Me: You can have it
VO: you have another passport
Me: Yes
VO: can I have it?
Me: You can have it
VO: Why University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?
Me: I choose University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee because of their proven records and powerful ideas, we have some notable people in IT industry that pass through UWM…. VO cut in
VO: Which other school do you applied to?
Me: Bowling green state university
VO: Do they admit you?
Me: No
VO: How do you intend to fund this programme?
Me: I would be responsible for the payment
VO: where do you work?
Me: I work with Bleep as an IT consultant.
VO: Am sorry…….blue paper and my documents
Meanwhile she gave three people before my turn, one guy with his son the boy is going to high school and the other guy she gave had is undergrad degree from US and he’s going for his masters this time and a lady in front of me going for master’s in Texas she was asked why the school and she said because they have good engineering school VO asked her who’s sponsoring her she said uncle Ben where does Ben works … I don’t know …somewhere on the island here.
I can’t figure out why mine was denied, am going MS computer science and I had ND, HND and BSC in Computer science with good standing and I have been working since I completed my service in 2011 till date.... God knows best

In my view, your application was rejected for two reasons: you didn't give a good reason for choosing the school and you got only one admit. The first sentence you make should be powerful because you might not get a chance to make another.

YoungTesla:
Had my interview yesterday July 19, was placed on AP but my status changed to issued this afternoon.

Will the consulate send me a mail regarding when and where to pick my passport?

Yes, you should receive an email on Monday.

Nahum777:
I quoted your post and I got banned too lol..

Haha

I will post it again when I understand what went wrong

I posted my interview transcript yesterday but I got banned and the post was deleted.

PEAJEG:
Good evening beautiful people of nairaland. Please I wish to enquire if there is an ETS test centre in Abia state where I can sit for the TOEFL and GRE exam as I wish to pursue a PhD in the US.

Profile:
B. Sc Agricultural Economics
M. Sc Agricultural Economics (with specialization in Resource and Environmental Economics).

I will appreciate if any one can recommend a university I can apply to that offers international PhD students funding in form of scholarships or GA/ TA/ RS.

I have been checking for schools using gradschools.com and Petersons.com all the same.

I will really appreciate suggestions from this great house. Thank you

You can take the GRE and TOEFL at Jephthah School in Port Harcourt. The paper version of the GRE can be taken in Aba.

elevatedmind:
Sir, as much the question sounds awkward, I want to assure it isn't.

I am presently at a place that deprives me access to power supply so I can't check it on my laptop and my phone can't enable me register on ETS website.

So I asked the question to find out from those that registered recently.

Use chrome browser to access TOEFL website on your phone.

.

I'm a beneficiary of the 50% TOEFL bonus. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Walspring and the sponsors for their generosity. I also thank those that have been assisting others on this thread. God bless you all.

Walspring:
It's easy to partake, go to www.ets.org/gre or www.ets.org/Toefl and create your Ets account first. GRE is $205 while Toefl is $180, multiple it by 370 and divide it by 2 to get the 50% of the amount you pay..

If you are interested, send me the following details below, but make sure you have the cash with you at hand because I don't want to hear touching stories after the test is register for you. Also you can send your payment now or you wait the test is register and make sure you send the payment less than 24 hours after the test is registered if not the test will be cancelled

1. Type of test.
2. User name.
3. Password.
4. Date you want to write the test.
5. Month you want to write the test.
6. Phone number.
7. State you want to write the test.
8. Name of the center you will prefer.
9. Send payment to XXXX
10. Notify immediately you send payment
11. the exchange rate is #370 to $1
12. You divide the total cost by 2 to get the 50% rate

N.B this is first come and first serve as long as you have your cash at hand and I won't keep slot for anyone whose money is not complete yet

Terms and conditions. If you didn't pay after 24 hours the test will be cancelled and it will affect your Ets account.

Good evening boss, I'm interested in the TOEFL bonus. Please how do I make payment?

Congrats man. Wishing you success in your future endeavours.

This is a big achievement. Congrats man!

This is a great achievement. Congrats and more success!

I would like to see more Nigerians get fellowships.

Congrats to all those you have gotten admissions. I'm proud of you guys. To those still expecting admission/funding, continue to trust in God.

Scholastica16:
Send at the test centre. The department still knows how to link the official copy with the online application. If you send the scores after the application you'd pay $27 for each score report which is above N14k.

Thanks man.