₦airaland Forum

I only have his email, not his number. But let me check for that.

FavouredMiriam:
What's your service charge? Also, Walspring seems not to be online. Can you assist me with a number I can contact him with directly?

If you feel comfortable posting your number here, we will chat. I can't type my number here.

Vullia:
Kindly help with your what'sapp number if you don't mind

Contact Walspring. People for US don spend money finish do Christmas. Just joking! I can pay it for you but the charge go make you run . So, talk to Walspring.

FavouredMiriam:
Good Morning everyone

My interview is on Tuesday i.e 21st of January 2020. For some reasons, my friend in US hasn't been able to make my SEVIS payment. Is it late already or is there anyone that can help me make the payment so I can get the confirmation within 24 hours. Please is it doable?

Forget it! Defer.

eetzdave:
Jan 15th

When is program start date as stated on your i-20?

eetzdave:
Hello guys,

This question may sound funny but I'd still ask anyways..

Is it too late to book an appointment? Or i should just defer the admission?

I've been really thinking hard about this..Thanks

SAT registration cost 55-65K (depends on where you register it).
You may need coaching to do well as the exam may shock you without adequate preparation. So, you may need to consider taking classes or personal study for the test. When do you intend to write it? For fall 2020, you should begin now!

drealsahmy:
Nobody to help me out here

Nice addition. That was written in a cab.

NwanyiOkpa:
In addition to point 4:

Do not avoid a school because your GRE score does not meet the requirement. Package your SOP very neatly and if you have a good GPA apply. I have gotten into 3 good schools that needed 310+ GRE requirements. I have just 290+ and I was admitted anyway. focus strength on your SOP. I have a feeling that SOP and GPA have better roles to play (I might be wrong though)


Note that some schools specify their GRE requirement as an "Average". For instance, if a school says that successful students have an average of 320, It does not mean that their minimum is 320. People with 300 can still be admitted. It means that they have students with 330+ and about 300+ too and when you divide the total score by the number of intakes, the average falls within 320.

Actually, there isn't any template (though there is ). It is like contacting the person in charge of your department (department chair, a professor, etc find this person on your department webpage), informing them that you have submitted your application, and has been offered admission.

In this message, briefly states why you are interested in a GA position, what it will do for you, and how it will enable you to advance the mission/vision of the department as you have relevant work/study experiences you believe will make you an asset to the department and its faculty if considered. Talk briefly about your academic credential. The message should be short, mostly 2-3 short-paragraph, then close it with: I look forward to hearing from you soon. With this at the tail section of the message, a response from the person is guaranteed. E no dey fail . Why? The intellectuals like to keep expectation, which, with that closing remark, you have!

NwanyiOkpa:
Is there any template or any particular format i need to follow to get any funding? I am fed up o/\ Can i get your contact and get any templates from you?

FIVE POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING A SCHOOL TO STUDY.

1. PICK A SCHOOL THAT YOU CAN AFFORD.
First thing first na money. Pick a school your sponsor can readily afford. I always recommend the ones within the range of $16K to $35K as COA (However, there are exemptions especially costly schools with potential for funding). So, look out for opportunity for scholarship, and other form of funding. But make sure the school is affordable. And yes, there are thousands of them to consider.

2. MAKE SURE YOU LIKE THE COURSES OFFERED.
You will want to understand the curriculum, what it entails, and the course load as you decide which school to settle for. Also, look out for schools that have links with organisations that will take you for internship (yes, there are schools like this, although not common (though depends on your program)). If you like the curriculum structure, studies will be smooth and enjoyable.

3. THINK ABOUT SCHOOLS WITH AREA OF SPECIALIZATION.
This may not be necessary but it gives you flexible option. In short, picking a school with program that has an area of specialization will let you gain specialised knowledge and skills. A concentration allows you to focus and dig deeper, compare to when the curriculum is plain. A concentration gives you mastery on what you concentrates on. In essence, someone with a degree with specialization in a field has deeper understanding than someone who doesn't. Consider this, but like I said, it is not necessary, expect you really care.

4. GO FOR THE FISH YOUR HOOK CAN CATCH.
You cannot use a small hook to catch a 40 KG fish, or else, the fish will swallow your hook and swim away with it. That is to say, consider your academic credentials when picking the schools to apply to. Is GRE required? Did the school state percentile of score they look for in potential candidate for the program? Does the department state the GPA the applicant should have? How much is application fee? Etc. Sometimes ago, a brother once applied to Brandeis University, a school ranked amoung the best 50 universities in the US. He has 1200 SAT score, pay application fee, and all. He wasn't considered. It was later he realised that the school he applied to is "almost" an Ivy League! And almost all these schools want international students with SAT score from 1250 and 3.0 GPA (if not higher). So, check the school requirements very well! But if you have what it takes, if your academic credential is competitive enough; (if you have a strong, wide net, spread it on the river, and catch what you're looking for).
In addition, ALWAYS write to the school especially the person in charge of your program department before you start the application. This is very important as it facilitates a form of relationship: "I remember this guy contacted me" during the review, and if possible, phone them or do video call.

5. PICK A SCHOOL IN A LOCATION THAT WILL EXCITES YOU AND ENRICH YOUR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE.
What excites you? No comment!

Na small, small. Focus on those 3 admissions while you hope for the rest. contact department chair, etc to remind they you will like to be considered for funding. It always help. All the best!

NwanyiOkpa:
yeah. still hustling for fundings jare. 3 admission out of 9. This business is not easy.

Your funny!

Let it go na. I hope you are on your application already?

NwanyiOkpa:
get them for us pls

School ranking is not one of those things the embassy look at to determine your credibility. It is not every student that will go to IVY LEAGUE SCHOOLS. Likewise, you may find yourself in a very hot competition for scholarship and GA in top schools (especially if your academic crendential is not very competitive). People always get their visas, even with private schools with low ranking. So, she's certainly not leading anybody astray. Or else, students should not be getting visas with schools like New Haven and co.

NwanyiOkpa:
Please provide proof. Let's be sure you are not leading people astray.

Do you wait for anyone to suggest school. Google is your friend! Go online and begin your search i.e Affordable Universities in the U.S for Mater's in (your program), hit enter and see list of very nice schools. And by the way, every school in the US has spot for Graduate Assistant. The earlier the better.
Goodluck.

Chibzee2:
3.62/5.0
Physics/Electronics (B.Tech)
Msc ...Electrical/electronics Engr Or Energy systems...any
GRE...25th Feb....over 310 hopefully
budget $15k.....partial funding, GRA or GTA by Gods Grace

Any school ideas?

I would love to, but this is a public forum. You can just PM me by going to my profile and send a message and we can take it from there.

Vullia:
Kindly help with your what'sapp number if you don't mind

lols

Cjman685:
An agent I met online Facebook" said he does Canada visa work permit 1.5m and its visa before payment. I told him I don't have sure amount for the visa, he said I should bring my passport and 4 passport photograph and a shorty of level 10 in federal civil service that they will help me get a visa when I reach I will pay them 2.5m. Just worried if it's real

There is no need to worry about the chance of getting the visa. focus on doing what is asked of you and prepare in case some questions comes up during the interview. If you focus on that, you will get your visa.

Herjos:
Hello house I went for my interview today but I was given a white form they tick a place there that my sevis fee is not yet on there system that I should reschedule my interview and bring along the confirmation of my sevis fee and it was written there that I must do this within Thursday and friday pls if I go back for the interview what is my chance of getting visa.

To avoid filling the thread up, part 14 was very rich and contains a lot of information for prospective students. The Dos and Don'ts. To read, go to page 1 of part 15 and click the link to part 14 there.

Given the rate of students who have reached out to me that they are going for a second BSC, community colleges (even after having obtained their first degree), it is important to note that students here should understand things have changed. Before, at age 28, you can say you're going to a community college and still get your visa. It is now a red flag...except miracle happens.

To make this short, please evaluate your academic plan and career goals very well before you begin the application process (especially for Spring 2020 students). I see that this is where these students miss it. That you are an adult does not mean you understand how to arrive at the best decision for your career. Sometimes, you need someone to share your career objectives, dreams and goals with. Discuss with close friends, mentors, and even parents (if necessary). Building a career-driven and successful life takes more than personal decision. It is like building a skyscraper; a lot of efforts, hands, minds come together to make it possible. And the loftier the building, the more consultation it may demand.

Make adequate findings about your course of study. There is something called career outlook. With enough forecast, you can see down the line where your program will take you and whether or not it will remain relevant 10 to 20 years from now. In addition, choose a program based on your desire to advance the field, and because you will excel there. I have an approach to career counseling: pick a program you have talent or love, or passion for. This is what drives academic excellence, eccentric insights, ideas and as one of the drives behind almost all inventions man have touched and that have helped all of us come this far as human race. There will be very few persons who can beat you when you choose a field you strongly have passion for. The great inventors we studied chose this path, and that is why their names are written in stone--ever remembered by humanity.

21st century is cursed for its center on money, money, money. People now want to have a degree because they will be getting 6-figures. Have you asked? Will I excel in this field? Can I use it to heal some of the ills in my own country (even if you do not see yourself returning to Nigeria). Do I want to be known with this field? What challenges, perennial problem can I use my presence in this field to provide solution to?

Life is not always about money, even though this generation thinks it is. We are here for contribution, which far exceed our love for money.

I do not have any yardstick by which we can measure the chances of getting the F1 after making major blunder with type of degree you're going for, but chances are that if you pick something that's right for you, do adequate findings before you pick a school, manage to get funding (even if very small), and the force of favour is on your side, all will go well.


Just a thought I woke up with

The rules still apply. Every student still have a chance, even after 2-7 denials. I keep saying it: I know more than 4 students who got their visas after 4 denials respectively (the 5th time). Why so many denials if they were to be granted eventually? I have no idea. I also know several students who got it first appearance. I once tried to look at the determining factors between these two groups, and I can't find much. The first-time student appear calm, confident, and did not have occupied fear of denials, no travel experience either. One of them is a close friend. Victor is a simple guy; he doesn't worry or carry things for head. He is a good example of calmness. On his interview day, he behaved as though he is unaware that US embassy denials a lot. He took himself there and got it. (of course, there are other factors).

I have learned that we can't achieve much in this life if we are not confident and calm in our pursuit. So, I want to encourage prospective students. Learn these qualities as you prepare for your interview and in other areas of your endeavours: confidence, ability to be calm under pressure (this doesn't come easily except it's in your gene to take things lightly. For me, it is difficult experiences that taught me calmness, and I am still learning).
Please don't picture yourself in another student's scenario. Someone has been denied, but it is not you. Have faith and keep calm.
You need to find it within yourself to believe that your case is different. And even when you're denied, keep believing.

You want to leave Nigeria and never have anything to do with this country again? You don't like it here, and you want to go as fast as you can? Well, change that perspective. No carry America education for head. It will happen, but let it not be do or die, or else, you will put yourself under unnecessary pressure and it will not help.

I am just looking for avenue to encourage you guys.

APPLYING TO SCHOOLS

I'll also like to note: Don't be scared of top universities in the US. If you apply for fall 2019 very early and you have outstanding SAT score, TOEFL score, high GPA, with good writing skills, you can try the University of Southern California, Pepperdine University in Malibu, Stanford University, all the Universities of California, Brandeis University, University of Chicago, Princeton, etc. The list is long and all these schools offer high scholarship. University of Southern California, for example, will offer full scholarship to any students who meets its top requirements...

For Masters, so many schools offer in-instate tuition, full GA, etc to international students.

Use the following search string to search for these schools:

*US Universities that offer Graduate Assistantship

*US Universities with full-ride scholarship for international students

*Affordable Universities in the US for (your program)

Take each school at a time. Once you click the link and gets in, quickly navigate to Admissions, then International Students, Scholarship, Admission Requirements, etc. Once you check a school and does not offer what you want, close the browsing tab immediately, then check the next school, etc. When you see a school you like, write the name down on a paper. I have always said the hardest task is finding a school that offers what you are looking for. Some of you complain that you can't find the right school because you rely on your phone. Use your laptop, or go to cyber cafe and buy a whole day browsing time. You may need to search for a week to get what you are looking for. Whatever the case, there is a school for every student. Always.

I hope this is helpful

I am glad you got some energy from that comment. I will be sharing some of my old, in case for someone like you out there. Be strong and fight one. God is your strength!

eetzdave:
I must admit, trying again after failing is truly a difficult thing, if i remember the whole stress ive been through only to just be dismissed in less than 3 minutes because of the subjectiveness of the vo, my eyes becomes teary. But this f1 visa thing kinda teaches me about life in general, about the determination to fight for what i truly want.. I was a little bit depressed till i read this, though you weren't directly talking to me but somehow i found strength to apply again..thank you all for this forum..God bless

I am glad you took responsibility. That is where the change is. First of all, I will advice that you ditch this school. You will get your visa when there is a major change in your application. Given my experience and that of other students I have communicated with on this forum, using different sponsors hasn't really damaged your chances of getting the visa. You just need to do things right this time.

Yes, you should begin a fresh application for Fall2020, and I recommend that you apply to public schools, and pick program that best align with your undergraduate studies and present employment. This strengthen your chance of getting the F1 visa too. So, I assume a lot will be changing in your application. Also, if you are handling things yourself this time, get all the information the agent used on your DSFORM, and keep that. Make sure you know all the details he used on your behalf. If your academic credentials is cool, there are several schools that will offer you admission. Take it step by step, and lock your focus on this goal--if going to the US for your master's still matters to you.

If you have any specific question, there is always someone here to help. And if it is personal, you can DM me.

Vullia:
@fairheart thanks for the response ,i so much appreciate it.

I have already taken responsibility for my mistakes cos it's not just that,I actually used 3 different sponsors @3 different appointment at the embassy. I have no excuse for the negligent and carelessness even thou have always been busy with work. Now the question is can i reapply to the same school ? What are the chances of getting the visa ? Can I apply for the next batch starting in may as my last interview was just last week Monday .

I am glad you took responsibility. That is where the change is. First of all, I will advice that you ditch this school. You will get your visa when there is a major change in your application. Given my experience and that of other students I have communicated with on this forum, using different sponsors hasn't really damaged your chances of getting the visa. You just need to do things right this time.

Yes, you should begin a fresh application for Fall2020, and I recommend that you apply to public schools, and pick program that best align with your undergraduate studies and present employment. This strengthen your chance of getting the F1 visa too. So, I assume a lot will be changing in your application. Also, if you are handling things yourself this time, get all the information the agent used on your DSFORM, and keep that. Make sure you know all the details he used on your behalf. If your academic credentials is cool, there are several schools that will offer you admission. Take it step by step, and lock your focus on this goal--if going to the US for your master's still matters to you.

If you have any specific question, there is always someone here to help. And if it is personal, you can DM me.

Vullia:
I applied for masters in business administration @ Gannon university.am in my early 30

Were you approved?

Geojnr:
I was at the embassy today in abuja consulate..I must admit the rate of F1 visa denial is very high..

Sad story, but did you not actually shoot yourself in the leg? You are using an agent without knowing what he's doing? He gathered the papers, gave them to you and you took them to embassy without adequate understand of what has been done or being done. It is obvious you're not a student, or else, you would have thoroughly went through the papers and forms filled on your behalf before you go to the embassy, and you did so, 5 times. Unbelievable! Anyway, 5 times is a lot, but I have seen more refusals and eventual approval. First, take responsibility for your mistake and negligence. Yes, you are very negligent and careless. I am angry!

Secondly, take the entire application from the agent. If you still want a ride with the US embassy, you must do things right and know what you are doing. Even if you need help on what to do and not, you should be in it yourself, following everything that is being done. To receive help here, I will suggest you ask specific questions, and those who have experience can help you answer them.
What level of study were you applying for? Which school? How old are you? Let us start from here.

Vullia:
Hello everyone ....I have been going to the embassy now for 5 times without been issued a visa,so I called a friend that opened my eyes to the mistake made by the agent i used .the school has it on my I20 that am sponsoring myself and on my Ds160 has it that my uncle is doing so .whenever the VOs ask I will tell them my uncle is sponsoring me unknowingly that my i20 has it that am using myself as sponsor .now I don't know what to do if I should change destination or still try it my luck .I also heard the embassy has it that record of reasons for denials that can be viewed by the present VO interviewing you .

What is the total cost of attendance as stated on your i-20? The available balance in sponsor account should be double of what you're expected to pay for 1 year. This is my own suggestion. In essence, your sponsor should be financially sound enough to sponsor you; you will know this by checking his total credit for the past 6 months. The embassy look at that to determine the strength of your sponsor.

Calazto:
Please house!!! How much money will be in my bank statement as proof of fund for my f1 student visa ..

...

Start with searching for schools in states you would like to study. Explore as much school as possible, note the admission requirements, write the tests if required (SAT), but most importantly, decide when you will like to enroll and start your application in time. As you move on, you will have specific issue that you will need to ask questions to clarify. If you have questions, ask.

Itxibini:
Hello FAM! I'm a new member here. Pls can anyone put me through the process of applying for an undergradute degree in computer engineering in schools at the US

The two countries offer the best of what you can get. With the right academic credentials, you can study on full-ride funding and still get paid monthly in the US. The stipend helps fund other expenses. I will advice you to consider the US and start you application as soon as possible, in case you are looking at 2020.
Best!

Zluky:
Please my ogas in the house. I am planning to go for MS Electrical Engineering. I am confused on which to focus on Germany or US.

Depends on where you are.

electromagnito:
Guys is it better to do an interview in foreign land or coming back to Nigeria will be better choice?

That is your SOP: Statement of Purpose!
You have to write it from the scratch and explain within it why you choose the school, what you plan to do with the degree you're applying for, why why you believe you need the degree at this time. Just talk about yourself and your career aspiration.

Do you understand?

eddyme:
Yes, the school say it should also contain work experience, it for my bro.
Thanks for your help