₦airaland Forum

The scholarship apply to your tuition. If you look at the deficit and the living expenses you'd see that you tuition and fees are almost covered. Check your school website for GA opening and talk to your department.

abid4akin:
Hi everyone,

Is it possible to get an on-campus job while still here in Nigeria. Is it also possible for stipends from this job to reflect on my i20?

Why I ask this, I was offered just tuition scholarship at ETSU cos there are no more GA positions, therefore left with living cost, about 18k usd. I'm so much looking into cutting this down to bolster my chance.

All advises would be appreciated.

Thanks y'all.

You are welcome. Be free to contact anyone or drop your questions on the thread. Wish you the best!

jhidey08:
Good morning everyone, I was surfing the net to seek information about studying in the US and remembered Nairaland is always a good place for such.
I just received an offer of admission for my PhD at University of Georgia 2days ago and I’ve commenced the procedures to get my transcripts sent to the school. I was a bit worried before I stumbled on this thread as regards the Visa ban issue and other Nigerian factors, now I’m assured that there are capable people who would be willing to assist me in this academic journey. I dunno who to direct this message to but I hope this family will accept me, I’m glad to be here.

I’m hoping my application for GA will be accepted as I’m still expectant. You guys will assist me in this journey as I’m like a novice in all these. Thanks �

In your response to why the course, you need to add more salt. Although you appear to know why you pick the course, you didn't state clearly what you intend to do with the degree. Are you going to be a programmer and video game designer? State that specifically. The consular would sense this is something you want, hence a valid reason for going for the degree.

You started your response to why this school with generic tone, which is very common on this thread. A student should not start his response to an interview question like this. Say, "I" chose Lynn University because of ...Personalise! Personalise! That is the key
Generally, your response there should be rewritten.

How do you plan to link your undergraduate course, present employment and the program you are going for? You haven't done that in your transcript.

Also, look at what you said you will come home to do after graduation? You want to go to the US to study games, interactive design, then after two years, you will return to Nigeria, hang the certificate and continue with sales of building materials? Are you joking?
Abeg, go and rewrite the entire transcript. I am not impressed at all! But hey, this is my assessment; I am not a consular.

uzmu:
please Guru in the house help review my intending Transcript,b4 my interview i will be going for the 4th time.


QUESTIONS

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO?

Am going to lynn university,Boca Raton Florida for my Masters deqree program in
Games and interactive Media Design,with specialization in Interactive
media design and front end Development .

WHY GAMES AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA DESIGN?

I have always have a penchat for programming and especially how most programing
lauguage interact with front end development irrespective of their platforms,i had my first
degree in computer science and a certificate in Java Technology ,using web component Technologies,
having a masters deqgree will help broaden my horizon by giving me the technical skill-set required.

WHO DO YOU HEAR ABOUT THE SCH

From my undergradute course mate who had is M.sc from there,and he currently works
with Ericson Nigeria,he told me about the Quality of their Education and how its Researched
based,after which i checked online using us news to see there rating and ranking.

HOW MANY SCHOOLS DID YOU APPLIED TO

I applied to 3 others schools,university of southern California,Tuft university, and utah valley university.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE LYNN?

Because of its Diversity and innovation
The programs are Accelerated and Affordable
Award winning ipad-powered programs
good faculty Ratio of 18:1
cause of the research currently going on interactive Media
cause of its Rich curriculum that offers a course in web marketing and search
engine optimization,which is of kneel interest to me.

WHAT DO U DO?
Am a bossiness man,am into sales and supply of building materials.
NB,having being working in an IT Firm for the past 8 years,Resigned into full time business

WHO IS SPONSORING YOU?

Me dad,He is the deputy Registrar in one of the state owned polytechnic. and i also have so savings too

YOU HAVE BEING DENIED B4,WHAT HAS CHANGED?

This time am going to a Top Ranked university of all my admit,
I now have document to show i have ties to my home country.

WHY ARE YOU CHANGING UNIVERSITY

Cause am interested in schools where i can get good Quality education that is well
ranked and recognized.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATUION?

Upon Graduation i will return back to Nigeria and continue with my Business while i seek gainfully
employment,cause i know my degree will enable me to stand out.

WHAT WILL THIS DEGREE DO FOR YOU?

This Degree will equip me with the technical skills required to be a web Developer and digital marketer,
this will in turn give my Business a complete boost and make it more competitive as most business today
are now online.

WHAT ARE THE COURSE U WILL BE OFFERING?

Web Design Technology
Design Management
Analytical website interface & usability
web Marketing and search Engine optimization
Advanced web Technology
web Applications.
just mentioned this few

please i will accept corrections,additions and critics with suggestions thanks.

If you can't post it here, you can use the DM to contact me. I won't post my email address here.

Audacious21:
Thanks, can I send to you email?

May I ask you, what are you looking for in an ideal university for your PhD?

Onyedika11:
University of Notre dame and Montana state University rejected while Tulane placed me on wait list
Profile: 301 for GRE.
GPA: 3.41/4

We can't use N1 million to buy a latest Benz! It won't work; nobody will sell it!

I encourage those who are still applying to schools to contact the department of their program before starting the application at all. This always give you clue whether or not you have a chance. Put your GPA, GRE, SOP, work experience as detailed on your CV together and assess yourself first. Are you competitive enough for the school you are shooting for? Will you be at the top 20 of, for example, 80 applicants that applied to this school? With earnest review of your application, and sharing your profile with someone within the department, you should be able to guess.

Secondly, in 2019, we discussed at length about the importance of getting into top schools, and how it doesn't guarantee post-study success in your career. If your profile is high, go for top schools, but note that going to top schools isn't what will determine how mighty you become in the real world. The front-line of every profession on earth is occupied by thinkers, initiators, pioneers, men and women with deep insight, those who are passionate about solving problem, and so on. Top schools doesn't necessarily instill these qualities; they are are qualities that evolve based on career outlook, how far you want to go in the field, and commitment. I know Harvard graduate that is not exceptional in his field, yet Harvard is Ivy League. And I know someone who travel to the US with a vision to use his masters as launchpad to remake his field.
Let's think about that!

I can help you proofread.

Audacious21:
I'm to send an email to the professor, I have drafted an email to that effect but I really don't think it's good enough. I need help with that.

I think what sultanfortune was saying is that his application was not competitive enough! While securing a supervisor is usually encouraged, not able to secure one prior admission doesn't mean application is automatically rejected. I can tell you based on experience that the applicant was not accepted into the program because of the quality of his application. The guy in question applied to schools well within top 50 schools in the US. Norte Dome for example, is ranked very high. Your GRE, SOP, etc, couple with experience must be competitive. A potential supervisor will evaluate you before he say go ahead! Note that a top 20 school will be looking for top 10 to top 20 students in GRE, GPA, etc. [/b]In this case, you can't get in if your application is not strong; in fact, no supervisor will give you attention, because you are well below the standard they are looking for. I learn this from Pepperdine! Haven't you contact a graduate school for inquery and when they see your GPA, GRE, and work experience, they tell you: [b]"You are a very strong student; while I cannot personally promise you admission, there is high chance you will get into our program. We look for students like you" More so, these top schools handpick applicants; they don't just ditch admission out. If he has highly competitive application, I can tell you he would have been accepted and then recommend him to a potential supervisor.

No school will overlook a student with GPA of 3.75 and above, 320-above in GRE, strong SOP, undergraduate education from top school in the US, Europe or Asia over someone with 310 from Nigeria. Remember, they are doing business, and it is required that they pick only highly qualified students that will contribute to the high standard of the department and the entire school profile. Anything short of this na waste of money--even if you have a supervisor that is ready, they would still not offer admission. That is my take, based on experiences with my students!

drhammed:
I beg to disagree with you a bit on this. For Ph.D. application (at least sciences, engineering) and in USA/Canada, you STRONGLY need an appraisal of a supervisor. Most schools will even state this categorically that "applicants are strongly encouraged to contact a potential PI". Of course, this is not universally through and some department allows you to apply and mention the name(s) of Profs you would like to work with (I must tell you this is tricky and your chances of gaining admission is way below 50% if you had not secured a PI already). Your narratives may be true if it's M.Sc application (most M.Sc thesis even requires you to secure PI 1st), but for a Ph.D., (and in 85% of schools that I have visited their website) you STRONGLY need the support of a Professor.

What is the problem? Be specific

Audacious21:
Good afternoon everyone, please I need help with my GRA application ASAP. I'm kinda stuck and I don't want to mess up this application.Thanks

I guess there is mix up. Please unquote my last comment.

jteena:
did ponpon come here to tell you that I accused him of any crime. The person u r even defending is nt saying anything. Be mature enough to mind your business. I don't know who you are fighting with here.

...

Yes, you must add spouse name and other information.

tbenee:
Hello house, please I have this funny question. On ds160 form, if you’re married; do they ask for spouses location and address? I know they ask for the spouse name. Pls can anyone clarify this for me? Thanks y’all

lols.

LagosismyHome:
$500 is chicken change to 52k ... for you to target that school I trust you have a trust fund of millions

Were those people applying with public or private school? With scholarship or no scholarship? How about preparation? On this thread, we tell different stories o. Guys from here no dey sleep. I'd like to hear how their interview went. Thanks! They

adurajoseph:
Hello, Please those who have recently applied for a visa, have you been getting accepted, because people I know have been getting rejected anyhow, and this makes me scared about my chances for a student visa.

and if you got please what do you think you did that got you the visa.

This is a good offer, yes! How do you intend to pay the deficit? That is the first question that should come to mind? Will your sponsor be able the balance? Did you ask about graduate assistantship?

Rabato:
Boss good evening, please how do you see this offer. Partial scholarship worth $25000 out of $52k from Stevens Institute of Technology na d also the school a asking me to pay $500 deposit to secure my seat.

With that offer, you will only be required to pay what Texas residents are paying in tuition. You will not pay as international student, but as Texas resident. So, to know your tuition per semester, go to the tuition and cost section on the school website. Whatever you see there as in-state tuition is what you pay every semester. Also, this will be stated on your i-20. Congrats!

Tella26:
Hi guys, Please TTU gave me admission with $1000 Scholarship and the scholarship also *grants me in state tuition costs*. Please what does the statement GRANTS YOU IN STATE TUITION COST MEANS? Does it mean I will pay In state tuition fees or They will deduct in state tuition costs from the out of state tuition fees then I pay the remaining? Please kindly help out. Thanks

Cocao:
You are trying to ruin someone's reputation and all you can say is kindly ignore.

Kindly kee you there. Better goan delete that comment

That babe funny. Me self dey laugh when I see that comment

Predstan:
Lol... I cant stop laughing.

His school is in Missouri. More so, his passport still has more than 12 months validity period. By standard rule, a Nigerian passport can only be renewed when it's less than 6 months to expiration date. I guess that is why they told him it can only be done in Abuja, cause no immigration office in Lagos or Ogun will renew it for him. That is why I suggested that he should renew in the US.

On paraing, , my brother, what I need is more than money o. Make una no vex the way I replied that guy. I dey vex for someone that time. I no even know say small anger don crept in. Make una no vex

On Nigeria needing $22B. Those people won steal the money ni. Before you know now, them go borrow more money. Make we kuku sell the country to China and share the money, at least my acct go swell small.

RealTrump:
He might spend a lot more than 50k if he decides to do it over there. One way airfare ticket alone, 50k don cut.


@Paragontek, oya come o. Come n tell d house where ur school is so we can calculate the dollars you will spend to renew d passport.

Those immigration sabi arrange lies so they can get their cut. I still believe u can get it done where u r. U just haven't found d right person.

But fairheart...y u con dey para today na . Everybody need more money o. Nigeria sef need $22B.

Don't renew, so you keep your money. There is no point. Use what you have. Next year May from now is more than 1 year. The U.S embassy require your passport to have minimum 6 month validity period, which yours exceed. And you can always renew in the States.

Paragontek:
I need your advice on this please...

My opinion, on any query on this thread, should not be the reason anybody shrink so small that they are not able to ask their questions or express themselves. There is time to be straight, direct and blunt, and there is time to be opposite. I know how to be both on every given question I wish to leave an answer. It is a free, open thread. Fairheart no kill anybody abeg. I was just blunt and if anybody is offended, it is not my problem. Let us move on from here...

Neeta02:
But do you think she would want to ask more questions with the way you responded? You need to calm down bros. You can pass your opinion without been so harsh with words

ponpon:
Which freaking email?!!!!

MY ADVICE ON FUNDING!

We have already discussed it on this thread that students should apply to schools that fits/meets their academic, financial, and environmental need (like ideal location for studies, etc). But sometimes, the unforeseen occurs, and your expectations may sometimes be higher than what the schools you applied to offered you.

There are couple of options to explore when your funding or scholarship is not as robust as you want.

There are schools that will only offer GA to international students upon arrival. Contact your school, or department and find out if this is the case. If they say you have to be on campus for GA consideration and your COA is not so high, or you are offered some scholarship, you should consider applying for the visa, with hope of getting funding upon arrival. Note that this is about making sure you have a reliable source of fund for your studies before you apply for the visa. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT!

1. Another option available is deferment. I know students from this thread that had to defer their admission so that they could work towards better offer. This may be the best option should you not have a reliable sponsor, or no full funding from the schools you applied to. A student on this thread had to consider this option 2 years ago. With information I have as at this writing, he now have full funding with considerable amount of stipend from 2 universities for next fall--with no deficit. Sometimes, all we need to get the best in life is wait. A little patience, while we reach for something better.

2. If you have admission and still waiting for funding, contact your department. The best person to contact is graduate/program coordinator.
From experience, send detailed email or make call. Be direct about assistantship. Let them know what you want. The person at the other end of the phone is a human being. Don't hide your sponsorship status. If your sponsor cannot afford the entire COA, let the program coordinator know. Be open about it. (I have seen cases where when the student open up about their financial status, the department then defer her admission and assure her she will be on their priority list for funding during next admission entry. It was the coordinator herself that notified the student that she has been offered the GA when it was time). Let them know that you are aware that coming to the United States to study is expensive but it is worth it, and that is why you are highly interested in their school. Mention that you will be an academic asset as your past and present academic, work experiences align with the goal of the department (Don't use these exact words, but talk about your qualities, and why you should be considered).

Another thing you should note is that, funding is usually competitive, and will only be offered to someone they deem have the experience that align with available assistantship duties, etc. So, your CV, GRE score, or quality of statement of purpose may play a role. In addition to this, ask if you are being on a waitlist. That is like 50-50. Waitlisting a student for GA is when the admission committee or the person in charge of funding decision wants you but they have more competitive student they hope will drop their admission so that the offer can be given to you.

3. Consider school with late deadlines. There is another option. There are schools that sets March 15, April 30, May 1st, etc for priority admission and funding decision (although not so many). If you can afford it, apply to them in addition to the one you currently have. Spread your wings.

4. Apply to all scholarship you are eligible for. Don't wait for GTA, GA, etc alone. If there are graduate scholarships, apply to them.

5. There are schools that will offer funding for Spring. If Fall 2020 no treat you well, Spring 2020, or Fall 2021 fit be your term and time.
Although new rules are coming up regarding how long F1 student stay after studies, H1B, etc, the U.S will continue to issue F1 visa. I don't believe in "the visa has finished" .

That is that.

If you have funding, start preparing for your interview. Don't assume that your funding guaranteed visa approval. No!!! You can still be refused if you don't prepare for your interview well, or you mess up the DSFORM.

P.S To one or two persons offended by my response to the student who asked whether or not a full tuition waiver from KSA is good, understand that I chose this form of response for a reason. I wasn't castigating him! If you need $30, 000 and someone offered you $20, 000, will you go and ask people on the street if the $20, 000 you're offered is good or not? It's certainly not all you asked for, but it is worthwhile; it is a lot! It is good. The student, without iota of doubt, should know the offer he got is great!

lols. Please read this thread and part 14 very well before you assume my blood is hot. You don't know me. I have encouraged more applicants to ask questions than you can imagine. I was not angry at all; he asked for opinion and I dropped it. What is my offense now?

yinkhar:
You need to calm your nerves because I don’t understand why your blood is so hot. So asking for peoples opinion made you bitter, baba check yourself. Keep your advice dude

Thank you for your civil approach to this ;
And yes, lastly and for the sake of young graduates that will read this, I must add: being an international student from a country with weak and poorly funded education system, what you get for GRA/TA/GTA is not a cheap labour to the university system.

Considering the fact that you are a graduate student and the duties/responsibilities you carry out within any of those aforementioned positions somehow, directly or indirectly enrich your graduate school experience. You learn a lot; you gain new experiences; you are exposed--some opportunities with far-reaching, positive impact on your career, and even personal life.

A GTA will improve his/her teaching skills for teaching lower course to undergraduate students; a GRA will know more about research, methods, and so on--opportunities that a cheap master's in Nigeria will not offer you. As a graduate student--someone in the university to advance his/her knowledge and skills in a field-- it is certainly not a cheap labour. It is for your good!
When something is good, let us say it is good.

Take care.

iwriterng:
My detailed response to this will not be civil, so I'll just say, I don't agree with you.

And no, my comment bears no entitlement at all. And yes, GRA/TA/GTA is cheap labor to the university system. It doesn't mean we're ungrateful, and it doesn't change the fact that we're cheap labor and the deal favors the American system the more.

Enjoy your day.

What kind of labouring is this? [/b] The responsibilities attached to a GA, RA, or TA? I'd advice you go back and read with open mind. A school that offers you a full tuition waiver, is certainly a good offer. It is not the opposite.
On selling yourself short, I have no idea what you are talking about at all. At least, not in the context of studying in the US on scholarship. Don't make it sounds like he is being offered the full tuition for a labouring job on construction site. If full tuition waiver is not free, what is it?

Na the same kind mentality I was trying to correct you still dey use write this kind comment. Since the money you get from a school during your master's in the US is a cheap labour, you for kuku stay for Nigeria. The last time I check, people's life changed for good when they leave the shore of Nigeria for studies in the US. Cheap labour? How ridiculous!

iwriterng:
Calm down, it's not being ungrateful. It's about knowing what you're getting into. Don't just jump on any offer because you're being "grateful". When reality hit you in America, you would wish you stayed back in Nigeria and get a cheap one year masters then migrate to Canada or Australia.

Also the money we're getting is NOT free money, do the maths, we're cheap labor. But yes, we should be grateful for the opportunity for a better life, also careful to not sell ourselves short along the line.

Don't renew, so you keep your money. There is no point. Use what you have. Next year May from now is more than 1 year. The U.S embassy require your passport to have minimum 6 month validity period, which yours exceed. And you can always renew in the States.

Paragontek:
Please house, my passport expires in May next year. I have a summer admission this year and I wish to extend the passports validity.
I was referred to an immigration person who told me since the passport is still more than 6 months to expire, it can only be done in Abuja.
He gave me the contact of one immigration officer in Abuja. The guy said the cost for extension of validity is 50k.

My interview is next month. If I do this extension of validity, I will be issued a new passport. Can I go to interview with this new passport, even when I have filled my ds160 and visa appointment with the old passport number and validity dates. Should I forget about this process? And is therde any other way or other place I can get it done cheaper?

If the transcript is in English, WES will evaluate it. If it is in French, which is likely the case, you will need to translate it first. However, contact WES or go to the website to see official document requirement for Benin Republic. It is there.

Pepperoni001:
Can someone who schooled in Benin Republic apply for WES evaluation?

I am asking for a friend?

Cc: Fairheart LagosIsMyHome

Nigerians are not only selfish but they have entitlement mentality that makes them demand where they have not sowed.

A $10, 000 scholarship = N3.6 Million
$20, 000 scholarship = N7.2 Million

As much as I am aware, no university in Nigeria can give you this much in funding, even if you finish well and have a first class degree.
The U.S is a generous nation, giving out billions in aids to people that her citizens know from nowhere. All we do is apply, pay application fee, send test scores, etc. Then we get these millions, and we start thinking it is small. Are we crazy or something?

Our own government cannot even give us 100K in scholarship.

My point is, no matter the amount of funding you get, even if it is $2000, be grateful--because your own fatherland cannot give you half of that. The U.S and its institution doesn't owe any of us. They give out all these funds in good faith, extending love and bring us to their circle so that we can ennoble humanity together. We should be grateful.

If you have full funding and stipend, be genuinely grateful. Don't start comparing what someone else got with what you are being offered. That is selfishness. If you don't like what you are being offered, drop it, so that the school will give its money to someone else.

Many American graduate students doesn't even know their schools have GA, TA, RA. I have had privilege of speaking with students about available financial opportunities when they complain about the loan they are taking, and I was shocked they don't know their school offers such huge benefits that ingrate, stupid Nigerians take for granted.

A stipend of $1000 per month = N360, 000
Do your math and be grateful!

Use google! You will get extensive answer to your question!

hammed71:
does anyone knows anything about Claremont graduate university?

Imagine! You don't know if it is good offer or not? That sounds like you don't appreciate what you're being offered.
Do you know how much you are being offered in full tuition waiver you got? Take your calculator and do the math! Your trusted, shithole country cannot even give you 1% of that! Your school here in Nigeria cannot give you 1% of that! If, as a graduate, you cannot see the worth of what you are being offered by the school, just let it go. You don't deserve it!

Please contact the professor and tell him you don't know if it is good offer or not. In fact, tell him you don't want the scholarship so that the generous school will use their money on applicant that is desperate for something and that will see the value of what you are not sure about. Nigerians with entitlement mentality. Please turn down the offer; it is not good.

yinkhar:
I got an offer at Kensas state university with full tuition waiver and no stipend. The prof said I would have to apply for my home country scholarship cos her funding is limited. Estimated stipend for a year is 27$. I don’t know whether it’s a good offer or not (I was looking for tuition waiver with stipend)