₦airaland Forum

Lordjones:
6 weeks

Bro, I heard of two weeks.

I don't know for WIU though.

Please, does that apply to all?

Thanks.

emmanuelle27:
next time do your home work well, it's a common knowledge

Lol.....

Muleriders:
It depends on the school, the admission team and the volume of applicants

Thanks a lot, bro!

Hello everyone.

Hope you're doing fine.

After the successful submission of application materials, please how long does it take US schools before they get back?

Just for one to know one's status.

Thanks in anticipation.

Congratulations!

Wishing you all the very best.

Powerpaul:
I applied with my i20 stating my program start date is 23rd, I was gonna tell them I’ve started classes online if they ever asked question relating my presence in Nigeria while my classes has started…although my school will provide a doc I will present the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Today I was full of confidence and it was my first time

Date: 30th August 2021

FUNDING: ZERO
Venue: Abuja
Time: 8:45am
Status: Approved in Abj

Transcript.

VO: I see you are going to ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for masters in sustainability studies. (My i-20 bears sustainability, but my Program is Environmental Mgt and Sustainability)

Me: I am going for Masters in Environmental Mgt and Sustainability studies.

VO: (Looks at my DS-160) OK. So what do you currently do in Nigeria?

Me: I work as a field supervisor in ….

VO: You work with solar panels? (She saw its one of the things I do at work)
Me: Yes, I supervise the installation of solar panels and batteries

VO: what will you do when you return?
Me: I will return to my employer since we already have a bond of agreement to make me the OPERATIONS MANAGER in the bonny office, I will manage the activities there.


VO: your company will be paying for your trip?
Me: I said yes


VO: what did you study in your first degree?
Me: Petroleum and Gas Engineering.

THEN SHE SAID SHE WILL APPROVE THE VISA…I WASN’T EVEN EXCITED. I ZERO MY MIND BEFORE I WENT THERE…I WAS EXPECTING THE WORSE... IF E TOO MUCH NA TO APPLY AGAIN.

FYI: LOOK THEM IN THE EYES. NO FEAR, THEY ARE HUMANS.

The Korean guy doesn’t really have problems, if u have a good answers, he has no choice…I saw him approve visa for someone. I will help as many as I can while I am here, just send me an email. READ AS MANY TRANSCRIPT U CAN READ HERE, read here and use google, all information u need is here and in google. Pay no agent. DO IT YOURSELF AND INVOLVE GOD IN ALL YOU DO.

Laworldz:
this is a joke ���

Please, this is not RantHQ na! Lol...

Or is it comic relief??

Lwkmd

Mide95:
I wonder why that VO behaves that way. A friend that went for her interview last week at Abuja said he was just dishing out the Blue denial slip like souvenirs. He only considers applicants with good travel history, or full funding. Its really not fair tbh.

The 'souvenir' got me laughing hysterically. Lol

ObamaMessi:
I Love you @ll to those who contributed; you guys are great. My visa was approved today. So stressed out.Transcript later.Once again, thank you.

Congratulations!

Helkayklassic:


In as much as this is funny but please don’t profile any VO as rejection VO, he may be the one that will approve your visa you know.

Word!!!

Good day everyone.

Please is there anyone who applied for English/Linguistics here? Either to WIU or other schools.

Thank you.

Vavavoom2021:
Yes I have secured admission elsewhere. I checked it before I applied but I still applied cos it was free. I like to keep my options open.

I like your spirit!

Daring, adventurous, & energy-driven,!

What a go-getter you are!

I wish you all the very best.

Be blessed.

Vavavoom2021:
3.14

Sorry brother. Have you now secured admission elsewhere?

Also, didn't you check the required cgpa before you submitted the application?

Thanks in anticipation.

Kaymanz:
I'm new here, a friend of mine told me about this site.

Here is my profile.
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry
CGPA of 4.4 out of 5
No GRE
No TOEFL
I'm looking to apply for Spring 2022, is it too late to start preparations now?

Check them out!

Go to their websites for details. Write to their grad cords.

I wish you all the very best.


1. Western Illinois University
2. Marquette University
3. Clarkston University
4. University of Arkansas at little rock
5. University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
6. Rensselaer Polytechnic institute
7. University of Rochester.
8. Michigan Technological University
9. University of Delaware.
10. Northeastern University
11. Steven's Institute of Technology
12. Missouri S&T
13. Drexel University
14. Middle Tennessee State University (They refunded my $30 after paying).
15. Cleveland State University
16. University of New Orleans
17. Milwaukee School of Engineering.
18. University of Texas, Tyler.
19. Rice University (PhD in Materials and Biotech Engineering only)



Here They Are: 7 of the Most Affordable Colleges in the United States for International Students

The City University of New York. ...

University of the People. ...

3. California State University, Long Beach. ...

Alcorn State University in Mississippi. ...

Minot State University in North Dakota. ...

South Texas College.




List of 10 Tuition-Free Universities In USA For International Students

Berea College.

Alice Lloyd College.

Webb Institute.

College of the Ozarks.

Curtis Institute of Music.

City University of New York (CUNY)

U.S. Academies.

State of Washington Universities

Based on data from the U.S. News, these are the most affordable American universities and colleges for international students:

Brigham Young University-Provo.

Eastern New Mexico University.

Nicholls State University.

Bridgewater State University.

Minnesota State University-Moorhead.

Mississippi University for Women.

Oluwacolded:
lies...... it not late at all. spring application kicked off in August and most schools deadline is October. only 1% of schools in US that their application has closed such as wiu .

I agree with you �!!!!

I was surprised reading that too. There are at least five schools I know that are still accepting applications.

In fact, Oregon University, with full funding, will begin receiving applications for Fall by September 22.

Bowling University will be available in September. West Virginia University is still available.

Arkansas State University, not the public one, just started this month.

I think if the person can surf the Internet, he'll know that nothing is OVER!!!

God bless you!

Yungspitta:
Sometimes, I wonder why things don't work out like people in the gymnasium. They keep telling us to use our mind as a magnet to attract what we want in our lives, most times life brings the opposite of the things we pictured in our mind.
Life is an elevator (the journey is full of ups and downs). The unpredictability of life is what makes it interesting. Even a poor man don't wanna die because he knows tomorrow might bring joy.
As I'm writing this, I'm also experiencing my own portion of life's ups and downs. If you are reading this too, don't forget to keep your head up.
I know you are not where you want to be, but trust the process.
Move at your own pace because everyone has a different race to run.
Be like a snail who is never bothered by its pace because it knows it will surely reach its destination .


Lalasticlala

Pauliben:
Hello everyone,

My visa was approved this morning.

GRE score: No GRE
Publications: 2
School: University of Florida
Assistantship: Fully funded
Date: August 18th, 2021.
Location: Abuja
Status: Approved

Me: Good morning
VO: ( Good morning) Hand me your documents.
Me: Here you go (gave him my I-20 and passport
VO: You're going to study for a doctoral degree?
Me: Yes
VO: What's your travel experience?
Me: I have travelled to France, Finland and Germany
VO: For what?
Me: I travelled to France and Finland for my msc. I also did internship at two companies in France and Germany.
VO: He nodded his head and showed his friend who seem impressed. What did you study for your msc?
Me: Plant breeding.
VO: Very good. It's related to Horticultural science.
VO: (types for a long while...)
VO: ( gave me a white paper) I am approving your Visa. Your passport will be ready in one week. Do not transit through.... Bla bla bla (I couldn't hear him very well).
Me: Thank you. Have a nice day.

To be honest, I have read every transcript on this platform and prepared very well. But the interview was easier than expected.

In all, na God do am ooo. His Mercies endures forever and ever. AMEN.

My sincere appreciation goes to everyone that has responded to my questions. God bless you all.

Congratulations!

May God Almighty grant you journey mercies.

Good morning everyone. Hope you're doing good.

Please is there anyone who's applied for a language course at WIU?

Or anyone who's gained admission to WIU?

Let's connect, please.

Be blessed.

Adlac:
Yea, I did apply. Did you pay the $30?

Yes, and it's been confirmed.

For anyone applied to WIU,

I submitted my application materials last week. And I got an acknowledgement a day after.

To my surprise, I received another email today telling me to send my docs.

Is it that there are different people sending emails to me from the school? Who could have acknowledged the first submission? Who could have acknowledged my recommenders' emails?

Please share your thoughts and suggestions.

Funnyman:
Please for those that have applied to the University of Arkansas, little Rock, did u submit the letters of recommendation to the email provided by urself or ur referees submitted the letter directly to the provided email? Here is the mail I got.

Please I'm interested in this school, but the test part is not inviting.

TUBLEZ:
have u gotten someone? I can be of help

Done since last week.

Thank you so much.

Be blessed.

Chyjoey:
Don't waste your energy on the man. Lazy people will always find people to blame for their problems.

Good afternoon. Hope you're doing good.

Please who has applied to Arkansas State University, Jonesboro? I mean the one in Jonesboro not the public one.

I've interacted with the admission cord.

Is it a good school?

Thanks.

8

Ilsontof:
Here is my visa approved transcript

Program: Computer Science (Msc)
COA: 42k
Funding: Graduate assistantship
Deficit: 37k

GOD IS THE GREATEST

VO: I see you are going to pursue a masters program in Computer science at bleep university
Me: Yes, that’s correct
Vo: What do you do for a living
Me: I work as an inventory data analyst at bleep company where i develop performance metrics and establish ad-hoc reporting to enhance department efficiency.
Vo: Alright, Why this university ?
Me: I chose this university because it offers students the opportunity to engage and participate in capstone projects of the school which students can leverage as graduate experience. Also, during an email conversation with Dr Bleep, the Graduate Program director, i was informed bleep university offers graduate internship programs just within the two years course of studies, the school has a strong collaboration with the industry which i believe would help me harness the advanced skills and theoretical knowledge of what is taught in class for practical applications in real life scenarios.
Vo: what is your plan after completing your program?
Me: I’ll be coming back to Nigeria to seek reabsorption in my present organization as they have an understanding with me and has given me a 2 years study leave, so i plan on returning to them with the skills i have acquired through this course to help develop innovative and cutting edge solutions that address challenges we face in the company…
Vo: Cuts in, who is sponsoring you?
Me: I have a graduate assistantship and will be sponsored by Bleep business, owned by my elder brother.
Vo: what does he do?
Me: He is an established business man who is into large scale farming in the south western part of the country, he also owns some landed properties and apartments in Bleep state some of which he rents out for residential and commercial purposes.
Vo: types for long.. I will be approving your visa. Bla bla bla
Me: (With a big smile). Thank you very much.

Key Points to Note: The interview lasted for 3 mins
1. Please pray and pray and pray. Honestly I would say God favored me during this interview process, because the Vo which was a white female actually denied two applicants, and i was trying to escape her so I can get interviewed by the white male but as God would have it, we were shifted and i was called by the female VO and God did his work
2. Please prepare and study and speak to an object or something you can focus on while answering your questions during your practice, this really helped me cos i have little difficulties with staring at people in the eyes while talking. I stared at her throughout the whole interview
3. Please be honest and speak the truth with what correlates in your ds-160 form.
4. Now, i feel i have to share this last one with y’all cos I know someone might need it in advance. If you are going to be using your sponsor’s business account for getting your I-20, please have your school make this known on your I-20 , it was just Yesterday that it got dawned on me that my I-20 was showing family funds instead of company funds as sponsor on my I-20, whereas I already filled my sponsor’s business name on my ds-160. Thankfully to God, my school changed the “family funds” to “company funds” on my I-20 and even indicated my sponsor’ business name and his personal name which is my elder brother on the remarks section. Trust me, this really matters if you are going to be using your sponsor’s company statement of account. Everything as to match with your ds-160. Even thankfully for me, I wasn’t asked for my brother’s company statement of account.
5. Thanks to everyone who has posted their transcripts, I really took plenty cues from them cos honestly it helped me prepare well, Good-luck to everyone waiting for their interview. Just be confident and PRAYYYYYYY.

Congratulations to you, brother!

All the best in your academic pursuit.

tstaiwo:
Hello, all the platforms I have been checking I don't see Lufthansa flights. Pls which site did you use.
Thanks

Congratulations!

Approvalll:
Visa approved Abuja embassy of you give up Na you Bleep up transcript coming soon thank you Jesus

Approvall got approved!!!!

Congratulations!

NigPatriot:
Replied.

Hello bro,

Would you mind being part of my story too?

Can I mail you?

JavanElsevier41:
Visa Approved

I was interviewed by the white Lady in her early 30's. The man was just dishing out rejection like say e dey share rice.
When I realized this, I was just praying that I get interviewed by the woman. And God did it ooo. Interview didn't even last up to 2mins.

*Profile*
Masters Degree - Environmental science


COA: $55,358
Family funds: $100,500
Location: Abuja

VO: Pass me your documents
Me: Here they are
Me: Good morning
VO: (While recieving the documents) I see you are going to New Jersey institute of technology for a master's degree in environmental science
Me: That is correct. With a specialization in environmental...cuts in
VO: What do you currently do
Me: I work with the freedom Group of companies as a quarry manager and my job description includes managing all activities at the quarry, ensuring that all miners adhere to all precautionary measures at the.....cuts in again (at this time she was just typing seriously.
VO: What is your academic qualification
Me: I have a bachelor's degree in Geology from the University of Benin where I graduated in 2016. After which I processed....cuts in
VO: What are your plans after school
Me: At the end of my program,I will be coming back to Nigeria to take up a new role as a senior quarry manager with the freedom Group of companies where I currently work as I will be applying the knowledge and skills acquired from this program in handling the environmental challenges we currently face in the company in our daily activities and in the long run I will be taking up an academic position at the department of Environmental science at the University of Benin where I had my undergraduate degree as I will be applying the research skill acquired from this program in..cuts in
VO: Who will be sponsoring you
Me: I will be co-funded by my dad and my maternal uncle. My dad, Freeborn Odiboh is a professor of African art history at the University of Benin, with a considerable amount of investments with the University of Benin microfinance bank as well as landed properties with 3 hostels within the University of Benin axis as well as other properties in GRA in Edo State while my uncle Ezeolumba Ndubuisi chinedu is a curator of African art at the new Orleans museum of art... Cuts in
VO: I'll be approving your visa.

All the covid-19 and flight restrictions blah blah blah
Omo I nor hear again�

Congratulations!

You went there with something convincing.

Nevertheless, you're favoured!

Wish you all the best.

SMREXY:
This is going to be a somewhat long...

Fams, in whatever you find yourself doing, always put GOD first. Without him, your hardwork and great profile could be regarded as nothing in few seconds. Indeed, GOD is nothing but Great and Awesome... Alhamdulillahi Robbil Alamin.

Also, NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR PURSUIT FOR SUCCESS!




My first visa interview was at LAGOS and was scheduled for November 27, 2019. I had a fully funded PhD in Civil Engineering (Water Resources Option) at University of Kentucky, Lexington.

So, this was how the interview went...

Me: Good morning ma'am
VO: Good morning, pass me your passport
Me: Should I include my I-20?
VO: Pls do
VO: Why are you going to the US?
Me: I'm going to the United States of America to have my PhD. degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Kentucky in Lexington
VO: Why University of Kentucky?
Me: I got to realize, during my online search, that the University of Kentucky meets my expectations with respect to my research specialization. I realized that Dr.__ specializes in fate and transport of environmental contaminants (had the mind to express myself further but wouldn't know what killed my morale at this point, just got blank)
VO: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: I was able to complete my application to only University of Kentucky. I would have also applied to University of Colorado but my GRE score was not up to the required score of the school
VO: What's your GRE score?
Me: 300 (I proceeded to give the breakdown)
VO: What do you do?
Me: I work as an Assistant Lecturer at....
VO: What will this PhD do for you?
Me: Apart from my research, the PhD will give me the opportunity to gain promotion to the position of full Lecturer as the position I currently hold is a training position that requires further training (meanwhile, I had prepared to say something different entirely but someone gave the advice and I thought it weighed more than what I planned initially, so my subconscious took it instead)
VO: Why are you changing career
Me: No, I would not be changing career. My first and second degrees were in Water Resources Management and I intend to specialize in Water Resources Engineering during this program. Moreover, I intend to focus on water treatment, which is better handled in Civil Engineering.
VO: What do you do?
Me: I work as an Assistant Lecturer at Federal University of...
VO: What do you teach? (I couldn't hear what she was saying until the third time)
Me: I teach water related courses (I had to say this twice and later realized I should have been explicit enough)
VO: Have you traveled out of Nigeria before?
Me: No, I have never had the need to
VO: Are you married?
Me: No, I'm not
VO: Started typing...
Me: In my mind, I felt it was going to be positive as she continued to type. Then a smile appeared on my face as she opened her mouth to say the unexpected.
VO: I'm sorry I won't be able to approve your visa this time. Then she passed my passport and I-20 with a yellow paper to me.
Me: I collected them with a smile and told her thank you.


My second visa interview at ABUJA was scheduled for January 12, 2020.

Me: Good morning, Sir! How are you doing?
VO: Good morning, how are you doing?
Me: I'm doing fine, thank you.
VO: Pass me your passport and I-20
Me: Here they are.
VO: Are you employed?
Me: Yes, I work as an Assistant Lecturer at the Federal University of...
VO: Why are you going to the US?
Me: I'm going to the US to have my Doctorate degree in Civil Engineering with specialization in Water Resources Engineering at the University of Kentucky.
VO: Why this school?
Me: Apart from the full time research assistantship I was offered, which covers my tuition fee with a generous stipend that covers my living expenses, the school meets my expectations with respect to research specialization. My guidance, Dr... who specializes in the fate and transport of environmental contaminants and their treatments also specializes in Water Disinfection, which is a problem I intend to tackle when I am back to Nigeria after my programme in the US.
VO: What do you do?
Me: I work as an Assistant Lecturer at the Federal University of... where I teach water related courses such as Water Quality Assessment and Pollution Control, Principles of Irrigation, Hydraulic structures and Elements of Hydrology. I am also a researcher by default (I had a letter from my Registrar but I didn't remember to mention it).
VO: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: I completed my application to University of Kentucky. Though I also have a pending application at Steven's Institute of Technology
VO: Are you married?
Me: No
VO: Have you traveled out of Nigeria before?
Me: No, I never had the need to.
VO: Sorry, bla bla bla
Me: May I please know why I was denied?
VO: It's written on the paper
Me: Thank you


The third one was at LAGOS on June 1, 2021 for a different programme and school.

VO: Good morning, how are you doing?
Me: Good morning, I'm doing fine. How are you doing too?
VO: Good, thank you. Pass me your passport and I-20.
Me: I did as instructed
VO: (Typed and glanced through his system and my I-20 for a while) I can see that you are going to Kent State University for a PhD in Geology.
Me: Yes please.
VO: How did you learn about the school?
Me: I used Google search and USnews.com to search and narrow down the schools that offer my course of interest.
VO: Why the school?
Me: Thank you for this question. Firstly, I will like to let you know that Kent State University offered me a full-time Graduate Teaching Assistantship position that fully covers my tuition fee and living expenses including 70% of my health insurance as you can see on my I-20. Also, I was able to establish a research correspondence with Dr... who was excited to receive my mail after mailing him to inform him about joining his research team towards conducting a research on the modeling of hyporheic zone which is the interface between surface water and groundwater systems and allows for the exchange of both organic and inorganic pollutants. Also, I should let you know that the school initiated a platform known as flashfriends that allows for the interactions between current and prospective graduate students to enable the sharing of information about the school and all, which was very helpful during my application process.
VO: I can see that you've been refused twice, 2019 and 2020.
Me: Yes, that's true for the same program in Spring 2020
VO: Which school was that? (I didn't hear well so I asked to be sure)
Me: That's University of Kentucky
VO: You applied for Water Resources Engineering then, why Geology now?
Me: Thank you for this beautiful question. I should let you know that my major, which is Water Resources Management, is an interdisciplinary course that cuts across geology, hydrology, civil engineering and environmental science including climate science. So I am going for the Geology aspect which will allow me conduct a research on the modeling of the interaction between surface water and groundwater systems which is similar to the research I intended to conduct with my PhD at University of Kentucky. (All this while he kept typing and wouldn't say anything). So I chipped in this... Also, I was unable to sustain my funding at University of Kentucky due to COVID.
VO: How did you get this great funding?
Me: Thank you. I believe the admission committee must have been greatly impressed with my academic excellence and research capability. I completed my first degree with a First class and my second degree which is a Master's degree with distinction grade. Also, I'm quite sure my recommenders must have submitted excellent recommendation letters on my behalf because they know me quite well having worked with them while they were HOD of my department where I currently work as an Assistant Lecturer. So they know about my capabilities quite well.
VO: Are you married?
Me: No, I'm single
VO: Do you have kids?
Me: No, I don't
VO: Typed for a while that I was already hoping I got the Visa this time... Then blah blah blah
Me: Felt bad, said thank you, then left.

The interview lasted longer than this as he was just typing, typing and typing. I noticed his countenance at some point while he was reading through something on his system so I have a feeling that the issue is from my profile which I wouldn't know what it is. The denial was quite shocking because I was not expecting it throughout the period our conversation lasted.


Now the fourth and the FINAL...

I wouldn't know how, but God perfected everything. The next 2 days after my last denial was my birthday. I checked my visa portal to see what's up and luckily, I saw first available date "June 28, 2021". I thought I was dreaming because the date appeared too close for a recent denial (that's a freaking 27 days after last interview). With faith, I rushed to pay another MRV fee and I was fortunate to still have the date intact at LAGOS Embassy.

What if I tell you that I do not really have a transcript to share for my fourth interview. I mean my experience was nothing but God's mercy. At the utterance of my first response, I was already about to give up because I realized I was in no way at my peak. However, God was merciful enough to change the story for me.

So, I was scheduled for 11:30 am but I left my hotel around 8 am. To locate me became an issue for my bolt driver so I spent several minutes trying to get him to find me. That didn't get me worried though because I felt I still had enough time since it's just a 25 minutes drive to the embassy. Eventually, I was able to capture him after he had passed me again. Thank God I saw his car colour and plate number on the app. I eventually got to the embassy arena and had my bag and phone kept with one of those business oriented fellows... If government no provide job at least some people thought it well to earn through a legit means other than scam and related ways. Meanwhile, they were not even considering the scheduled time of interview so I was just passed in for document verification. It's like not much people were fixed for today because the population was not so much as my first but more than my third.

After the whole waiting, I was eventually led with four other people into the interview hall. It was then I realized that people plenty small o... But still not as much as my first.

When it got to data capturing, the lady asked me when I took my passport photograph and if I had used it for a previous interview. Since the latter response was a yes, that's how she gave me a note to go and snap another one outside o. Thank God they already have a guy on standby in the waiting arena who was charging just #1,000. I went back in after I got the new passport and I completed the process. Then comes another long wait for finger print capture. That's how oyinbo's computer no wan capture my fingerprints o. I was like abi my international passport is fake ni abi dem don ban my passport ni... don't mind me, it's not a good thing to have visited the embassy several times without approval. He had to restart his system and apologized for the delay, then I felt a lil relief that the problem ain't from my end. At last the system came on and fingerprints were captured successfully.

Finally joined the last que for interview proper, then I started viewing different VO-Applicant interactions proper. In this life, until GOD says it is your time, my brother and sister just continue to have patience o because this visa approval/denial of a thing could make a denied best student feel like losing all hope. Some guys with strong case and everything intact, the next thing sorry blah blah blah�. While some with shaky voice and less effort will just get it ...boom... visa has been approved! There was the case of a guy who had previously went to US twice for tourism and spent 6 good months without any good reason to bail himself out. Mehn the VO tackled the guy till the end o even as he was trying to tender other high grade certificates to cover up his flaws. At last he was rejected and everyone kinda laughed because it was turning to a drama between them.

Meanwhile, there were 4 VOs (one was like a part-time because she wasn't really stable at the window but she eventually became my super hero).

I was checking out the scenarios at each of the windows but didn't let what was happening affect my morale because a lot of drama was happening for whoever is ready to laugh and some set of people were actually deriving joy from it. All the while, I just kept praying to God for mercy because after my 3rd interview, I knew what was left for me in this sojourn is nothing but Allah's mercy. I wasn't having any VO in particular in mind but was praying that I get interviewed by the VO that will be willing to allow God use him/her for my case. Thankfully, I got God's mercy in a miraculous way and my prayers were fully answered.

When it was almost my turn, there's a guy in my front that was about stepping to window 2 (or so) where the part-time VO is but was beckoned on to move to one of the active VO window where dramas were happening. This left me open for the window 2. I got there and the following happened...

Me: Good morning ma'am (with a smile)
VO: Good morning
Me: How are you doing ma'am?
VO: I am doing fine (with a smile)... Maybe she likes my attire because I wore native
VO: Pass me your documents.
Me: *(After getting rejected 3 times without me being asked if I have any document from my employer, a friend advised that I include it with my I-20 and fake ignorance. After all you've been denied before so it's no new thing, the most the VO will do is to return it)* So, I folded the letter of introduction I got from my Registrar (stating that I'm a bonafide staff of the Institution with my job role, including that I am expected back at my job after the programme) and placed it in front of my I-20 in-between my international passport, then passed it to her.

VO: (Luckily for me that was the first thing she saw) She removed the letter and glaced through it so swiftly as if she didn't read anything and returned it back to me that she doesn't need it. In my mind I was like... *chai mama don vex o* �
Me: Collected it and felt as if nothing has really happened.

VO: Why did you choose this school?
(Me that I already have a good proposed response for such question just realized that nothing was in my head again o, but at least went ahead to say the rubbish English that my mouth could speak at that time)
Me: I chose the school because among the schools that I applied to Kent State University had my focus with respect to course interest and research focus. I currently work as an Assistant Lecturer (VO cuts in...)

VO: that's okay, you work as an Assistant Lecturer? Where?
Me: At the Federal University of... in...

VO: Okay! What will this degree do for you?
Me: As an Assistant Lecturer, it is expected that I ensure (VO cuta in again)

VO: Where did you say you work again?
Me: Federal University of... in...

VO: Checked something on her system, then was like University of what did you say?
Me: Federal University of... in... In fact I have a letter from my Registrar incase you wish to see.

VO: No, I don't need that. Who is paying for your education?
Me: The school offered me a Graduate Teaching Assistantship position that comes with tuition fee waiver and a generous stipend which I am grateful for that covers my living expenses and 70% of my health insurance leaving me with a deficit of $1,835.

VO: So who is paying for the balance?
Me: I will be covering that with my personal savings.

VO: Checked my I-20 and was like 'Okay'

I was just staring at her. That's how she carried my passport and dropped it inside a box and removed a white paper o. Then she faced her system and started reading through what's there. Then everything started looking like a film trick. She wasn't really happy with what she's seeing there. So she took out my passport from the box and also picked my I-20. At this point, I became really scared and started saying all prayers that my mouth could say. Thank God there's nose mask to shield my mouth's movement. All I was asking for was God's mercy as much as I could. She eventually stepped out to speak with someone I was not seeing, but it was obvious she was soliciting for a consideration on my behalf (only God knew what these people don write for my case o). She came back, started doing something on the system and it seems like copy and paste or deleting something sha. Meanwhile, she's yet to return my passport into the box but at the same time still have the white paper placed beneath my I-20.

VO: What position will you attain with your PhD?
Me: Lecturer II

VO: Okay!
She resumed to her typing and after a while, the golden words came out of her mouth... "I am approving your VISA"

That's how my system just scattered that I was trying to listen to what she was saying but my ears no gree hear o. All I wanted at that moment was to allow her stop talking so I could thank her for the consideration.

Eventually she finished talking and I thanked her and pray that God continue to bless her abundantly. It was obvious from her facial expression that she's happy about the decision and how I felt afterwards.


Special appreciation to my one and only chiefest chief, PEPEronically macaroni who saw my first interview transcript on Nairaland, reached out to me and gave me some encouragements that denial is nothing, that I will eventually get it if I remain steadfast. Thank you very much great Scholar, brother, leader and all-in-1 personality. May God continue to be your fortifier.

God didn't stop at that, He always had people sent to me at every point of my bad times. In no order of arrangement, these Scholars have been of great and immense support to my morale in all ramifications: Afeez, Ariwoola Mattew, Demmy, Yusuf, Debik, Zaynab, Mayowa, Chinonso, Gifty, Enyo (Nairaland), Eyo, Kemi (Nairaland), Kush, the whole ACER family and FCLN family. You guys are the best!

Alhamdulillahi Robbil Alamin... God will not start what He cannot complete. So, remain steadfast in your pursuit for excellence!

Congratulations to you, akhi!!!!

I'm very happy for you!

May Allah make it easy for you. May it be of good repute here and in the hereafter.

May Allah put Barokah in everything you're endowed with.

BarakaLahu fiik.

EmmaChe:
If you have their number, call them. Or alternatively, write a sample, send to them to review/edit and submit.

Thank you, dear brother.

They see messages, just no reply.

I just sent another one telling them that I have a sample. In fact, that was what I did for the first person. And she edited it and forwarded it to me.

Thank you.

Please I need your advice.

Out of the three recommenders, only one has given me a letter. The other two lecturers seem unavailable. I'm being courteous with them, so no reminder every day and night.

What do I need to do? I've paid my app fee. SOP, writing sample, and the other documents are intact.

Shadbay:
Visa approved at the Abj embassy. (7:30 am appointment) EA approved on 2nd August after waiting almost a month.
COA: $29,000
Funding: nil
SOA: $70,000
Sponsor: Uncle (Different surnames)

I was attended to by a white male VO. There were two windows active with VOs this morning. One male and one female.


Congratulations!

I wish you all the very best!

The guy had denied about 7 applicants right before it got to my turn.

VO: Good morning. Pass me your I-20 and your passport please.
Me: (I obliged)
VO: (types for what seemed like 30 secs) First time? Have you traveled to the US before?
Me: No.
VO: Okay, first time. And who'll be paying for your studies?
Me: My uncle.
VO: What does your uncle do?
Me: He's a real estate developer and property management consultant.
VO: Oh, wow. Do you have his bank statements?
Me: Yes (I passed them to him and he perused through it carefully)
VO: What do you do?
Me: I'm a Hydrogeologist. (I didn't bother telling him where and for how long I have been working. He was fixed on his screen, typing)
VO:What did you study for your undergraduate degree?
Me: Geology.
VO: Do you have any family in the US?
Me: No.
VO: So what are your plans after your studies?
Me: I will come back and work as a consultant to my state's water corporation. I wish to help tackle water sustainability issues and other critical problems affecting quality of groundwater here in Nigeria.
VO: (types for what seemed like an eternity)
Okay, I'll be approving your visa. Pick up your passport from your designated collection centre. It might take a week because of COVID-19 rules.



I was fighting to contain my excitement. That VO was on a denial streak and God came through for me. Thank you, Jesus. I had to bone up so the hustlers no go tax me. Lol.
I'd like to point out that confidence is key. This is my second application. I was denied 2 years ago. I came back better, well prepared and more confident. If you were denied, just re-strategize and come back with a stronger application.

Selah


PS: Please, who's in Bowling Green State University, let's link up.

Congratulations to you!

All the very best!

Firefox01:
I think the issue lies with your husband.

I think the VO guessed she's relocating to meet her husband.