₦airaland Forum

Mmlanrehh:
Hi.
I got my I-20 last week and school resumes August 15. Pls can I possibly still get appointment or it better I defer my admission till January,Spring admission Urgent reply is needed pls

August 4 is now available to schedule an appointment.

mayd16:
thank you for your review, its an associate degree

Are you aware that is like OND degree. Emphasize the practical aspect of your study, practical labs, faculty members of your program.

Nahum777:
We don't know what we have on Nairaland here. No one should take this thread for granted as nobody will give you a better advice. Everything you are told here is 100% correct, you might not like it but it's 100% correct and helpful. People just go to the embassy to blow their money without preparation and I believe many of them don't have access to nairaland. So take what they tell you here as gospel, period!

So I left my house for Famoss guest house the previous day before my interview, I was very early and I went to the embassy to see the atmosphere (This is important).

I didn't sleep throughout the night. I was already prepared by 5 AM, the hotel people succeeded in wasting 30 minutes of my time, there was nobody to open the gate for me, I thought my village people were after my life at that moment. They finally opened the gate sha after I boiled for 30 minutes, I almost cried.

I found myself at the consulate and those boys at the gate started their usual nonsense. Please don't listen to them when you get to the Embassy, just walk straight inside, don't allow them to frustrate your destiny.

We got in and they gave us some instructions, They checked all our documents, the security was really tight. You needed to pass more than 7 security checks lol.

The 3 people before me were handed the blue paper by the nice guy on window 5 or 6 I don't remember. I was almost taken to the black woman, but thank God, her first interview took like 30 minutes, meanwhile other VOs had already interviewed about 3 people. The guys who got rejected weren't prepared at all and I knew they wouldn't get their visas, I told myself that I must get that white paper today or never.

They asked the first guy to Define Biology and he couldn't answer correctly, they asked how many schools he applied to and he said one, they asked why and he said it's a good school. They asked him about his sponsor and what he does, my guy begin call title oo, he's the chief of here and oil company of there, they handed him the blue paper and the interview was very short.

The second guy said he was a telecommunications engineer. And he was going for his masters, but he couldn't answer the questions asked. For the first time people's denial motivated me because I knew Nairaland had equipped me with everything I needed (truth be told).

My interview 6:30AM Lagos.

Me: Good morning sir.
Vo: Good morning.
Me: Passed my passport and I-20.
Vo: Where are you going to study this course?
Me: I am going to Utah Valley University for a Bachelors degree in Economics.
Vo: Why do you want to study this course?
Me: Nigeria as a developing economy, needs a lot of well versed economists who are in touch with modern economic theories. My study in the US will allow me learn from the best faculty with versed knowledge of their field and in the largest economy in the world.

My study will help me learn from them so I can return to Nigeria and be instrumental in developing and formulating viable economic policies.

As a writer, for news websites and blogs in Nigeria, a well grounded knowledge in economics will broaden my writing abilities and this means more writing jobs will come my way when I return to the country.

I plan on starting.. VO cuts in (I get it).

VO: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: 3 schools. Utah Valley University, University of Wyoming and West Virginia University.

Vo: What do the schools have in common?

They all have low faculty to student ratio, which means faculty members can spend more time working individually with students.

Vo: How did you hear about the school?

I first heard about the school While I was on a mission for my church (Church name), a family we went to visit had a son who just returned from the university and he said great things about the school. After my mission, I went on to do some research on my own. I went on quora to read reviews from past and present students, I went to the school's Facebook page and the school's youtube channel to watch videos and I really liked the school.

Vo: You served on a mission for two years. What did you do within the period of your high school and now ?

Me: I went on to learn a skill, I learnt this to repair flat screen lcd televisions and then I started writing for blogs and news websites.

Vo: What kind of writings do you do and what platforms have your written for?

Me: I write mostly on relationships and studying economics will broaden my. Writing abilities. I plan on starting a YouTube channel where I will be talking about Nigeria's economic policies and I will also be sensitizing Nigerians on Nigeria's foreign policy and trade. I wrote for Naij.com and other platforms that aren't popular.

Vo: Who's sponsoring you and what does he do, do you have his bank statement?

Me: My dad. He owns a security company.

Vo: Okay, I will be putting you on administrative processing. I will be holding your I-20, Passport and Bank statement.

This is quite an elaborate and interesting interview, considering that you are even an undergraduate. Congratulations.
Excel in your studies and prosper in USA.

mayd16:
GOOD MORNING PEOPLE, PLEASE HELP IN REVIEWING MY PROPOSED TRANSCRIPT, MY INTERVIEW IS TOMORROW MORNING, THANKS


VO: Good morning ma'am, pass me you I-20, passport please.
Me: Good morning. Sure, here they are.
VO: What are you going to the US to do?
Me: I am going Jamestown community college for a certificate in network and systems administration
VO: What is your highest degree?
Me: Bachelor of Biochemistry
VO: What year did you graduate?
Me: I graduated in 2013
VO:Why are you going for an associate degree why not a bachelor degree
Me: I want a degree that will take me just two years and considering my sponsors budget, university is way more expensive.
VO: Why are you switching career
Me: My first job in the IT firm was an eye opener for me but jobs were not assigned to me because I do not have a degree related to the IT industry
VO: why this program
Me: My goal is to support organizations by ensuring a smooth running computing infrastructure, so getting a degree in this program will give me the practical and theoretical knowledge to achieve this goal and also it will not limit me to my place of work.
VO: How much school did you applied to
Me: 4 other school, Kansas city CC, Jefferson CC, Metropolitan CC, and Houston CC.
VO:How many gave you admission
Me: 3
VO: Why JCC
Me: Of all the school that gave me admission, Only JCC introduced business as part of the curriculum for my course of interest which was a side catch for me and also the department provides one on one mentoring by major professors like professor Williams and Mr. Jeffery.
VO: What have you been doing since then?
Me: After my NYSC in 2015, I got a worked in an IT firm as a customer support (training and implementing hospital software, then in 2016 I got a job in my current place of work as an IT consultant where I support and monitor the IT operations)
VO: Who is paying for your studies?
Me: My place of work will be sponsoring my studies
VO: Why are they sponsoring you?
Me: I have been able to improve the hospital operations by introduce the use of hospital software to run our operations
VO: Do you have any children?
Me: No ma'am
VO: Are you married?
Me: No ma'am
VO: You qualify for a Visa ........
Me: Thanks

You have to be clear about your program of study : you are confusing me, is the program a professional certificate course or another Bachelor's degree?
You have to be explicit about it.
Why career switch? This is one deal - breaker in your interview : you can state that your newly found passion for the field emanates from your first /current job experience.
Elaborate on specific IT programs /applications you utilize at work, professional certificates obtained on the job, other related skills acquired.

There was a lady that switched from Arts to computing here, check her transcript. Also check Nitta08 's transcript.
See it as a job interview and an avenue to sell youself to the VO. Don't panick, be audible and convincing.

Francolisa65:
I tried to highlight the needed info. The things I wrote 'told him' are personal and not necessary.
Thanks

I agree that your responses were personal, however, this is a faceless forum in the cyberspace. Please do well by re-writing your transcript in full. Thanks and Congratulations.

VECOH1:
Good afternoon everyone, my interview appointment is 7 am this week.
Please what time latest should I arrive at the embassy.
Also, my statement of account balance reflects May 22, is it ok to go with this date or is there a need to get a more recent date.
Pls it is urgent, my interview is on Thursday
Thanks for your reply

6:30am

Predstan:
Maybe you don't understand what I am trying to say. I've read part 10-13 but I've not seen anyone with full funding for spring semester.. I just want to know if its advisable for mW to apply for spring or make I just apply for fall 19 jejely

Send a mail to the program adviser /coordinator asking specific questions about Spring admission and the funding opportunities available.

lasthero:
Recharge your phone, subscribe to international call package and call the director within 2pm Nigerian time to 10pm Nigerian time, you can also call the graduate studies unit as well.

If funding Is your major priority, you can check on other schools as well.

Thanks, funding is paramount. I would call as you advised.

lasthero:
hey, the best way to find out if they offer funding or not is to mail the coordinator of the program you are applying to and enquire from them. they are the one in best position to tell you the truth, you might not get answers here on nairaland.

when i was applying to alcorn for mba, i couldn't see any funding information on their website and i had to inquire from the director of MBA and he made it clear that their is no G.A at the school of business,, i had to checkout another school. mail the coordinator of your program and ask questions. otherwise, you may be waiting in vain

Thanks, I have mailed the program adviser but he didnt respond.

Danielaz5:
Bachelor's degree: SAT 1370 GPA 3.62.
With a good SAT score (1270 upwards )you could qualify for their Full scholarship. Regarding Graduate scholarships I don't know but you can always check the schools website

Thanks, hopefully I would get some funding as well.

Danielaz5:
I'm attending Alcorn

Good, Congrats. I can see that you've got a visa. How did you go about securing funding?

mroluyemo:
I hope so to...I have a loan of 25k and my dad will cater for the rest about 28200

Type your course in the search bar to check old transcript in previous parts to guide you. The cost of study seems huge and you may have a hard job of convincing the VO on why you're expending so much on your education.

exxy:
it's a good school and yeah them get funding. personally, I don't know anybody there but I know say Nigerians they there.

Thanks bro. Where are you in Mississipi?

exxy:
it's just Ok sha, Mississippi is a very poor state. but you will survive and as for funding it depends on the school.

I'm planning to attend Alcorn State University, Lorman. Please do you know someone there or any information about funding there. Thanks

biikeys:
I've not googled anything yet but looking at the names of these schools, I won't be surprised if they are just glorified community colleges..but then I may be wrong. Also, YouTube video uploaded when...
Note that international students usually qualify for in-state tuition on getting GAs,TAs etc. So I wouldn't search using your criteria, try the funding opportunities, ranking and possibly location first.

They are public Universities, tier 2 or regionally accredited.
Not everyone would have a profile admissible to first tier or Ivy leagues to qualify them for GA/TA/In-state tuition /tuition waiver.

MackyNaija:
No Sir, I do not know anyone in the aforementioned schools.

In-state tuition cost for schools in Texas is around $5k per semester.

Thanks bro, I wish you the best.

mroluyemo:
PLS HELP MAKE CORRECTIONS TO THIS TrAnSCRIPT

Why are you going to the US?

Response: I’m going to the US for my masters in Chemical Engineering
with specialization in Pharmaceutical Engr at Rutgers University in
New Jersey

WHY CHEMICAL ENGINEERING/Why Pharmaceutical Engr?

Healthcare in Nigeria is a mess which is a reflection of our
Pharmaceutical industries, Hence one of the outlets of being able to
solve problems in the healthcare industry as a Chemical Engineer is by
specializing in Pharmaceutical Engr. Also, during my application phase
I came across a paper authored by Professor Piero Armenante on
Pharmaceutical process and Equipment design which further heightened
my likeness for the course

Why do you want to do a masters?/why would you spending so much on a masters

Basically to gather a deeper understanding of the concepts in the area
of pharmaceutical engr by leveraging on the theoretical knowledge I
got from my bachelors chemical engr, with the ultimate goal of coming
back to Nigeria to apply the knowledge to the pharmaceutical
industries here.

For me getting a deeper understanding of pharmaceutical engr is not a
waste of time/money, because after the program I would have been
equipped with requisite knowledge needed to move the Pharmaceutical
industry in Nigeria forward

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT RUTGERS?

I decided to go with Rutgers because it best fits my profile

Attending an Ivy League school such as MIT (which I visited the last
time I was in America) has always been my dream, but after my GRE I
had to compromise a bit. I started researching on other schools and
other programs, I was fascinated by a paper I came across by Professor
Piero Armenante’s -Pharmaceutical process and Equipment design , This
led me to do an extensive research on the top programs in
Pharmaceutical engineering, of which I found out the Pharmaceutical
engr offered by Rutgers. Recently I found out Rutgers is sometimes
referred to as a public Ivy League school, which means my dream is
still valid

WHY USA? Why not Canada or Germany

USA because it’s the innovation capital of the earth, with big
advancement and contribution to Research and development, moreover the
US is home to many top notch universities, also in the US I get to
experience and meet people of different cultures that will further
enhance my development, personally and professionally

Why Rutgers

It was an easy decision for me because. At Rutgers, students have the
opportunity to be part of an engineering community that includes
world-renowned faculty conducting leading-edge research as well as
motivated students from a diversity of backgrounds and interests, who
remain networked beyond their studies as part of a 20,000-strong
alumni association. Rutgers is located in New Jersey which is home to
many Pharmaceutical Research and Development centers. The chemical
engineering department is also home to powerful research centers like
Engineering Research Center for structured Organic Particulate



WHY NOT STEVENS OR NJIT/ WHAT IS RUTGERS OFFERING THAT YOU’RE NOT
GETTING FROM STEVENS?

After talking to the Professors at all of the institutions, I found
the work of Professors Fernando Muzzio more fitting with my interests.
Specifically, I took liking to the work of Professor Ravendra Singh in
the area of Continuous Pharmaceutical manufacturing and upon
communicating with him and some of his research students, I found his
style of advising to be palatable to my person*. Also, Rutgers is
highly reputable with over 20,000 Alumni, I wanted to be part of that
history

Tell me about Pharmaceutical Engineering

Response: Pharmaceutical Engineering is the branch of engineering that
deals with the production and formulation of drugs

Response: Basically, Pharmaceutical engineering is the development and
manufacturing of products, processes and components in the
pharmaceuticals industry

What will Pharmaceutical Engr/ Chemical Engr do for you in Nigeria?/
What’s your career goal?/

What will you do after your program?

First of all, I intend to use the knowledge gained from the masters to
move the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria forward by getting a job
upon arrival in Nigeria, also I would also love to work as an adjunct
staff in Nigerian institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development
in Abuja where I’ll have firsthand information on the Pharmaceutical
Research going on Nigeria. Ultimately, I want to own my own
pharmaceutical company whereby the major raw materials will be
efficacious herbs from Nigeria







Whats your highest level of Education?

I have a bachelors in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos

When did you graduate?

2016

What have you been doing since then?

I recently concluded my mandatory National Youth Service corps (NYSC)
in Abuja where I was posted to a construction firm (Kaniz
Construction) , I’m currently interning with a Pharmaceutical company
in Lagos, Mecure Healthcare, I just wanted to famillarize myself with
drug production in preparation for my masters. Its an Unpaid
internship

Did you apply to other schools?

yes

How many

other schools apart from Rutgers

Name them

Stevens and NJIT

Why Rutgers

It was an easy decision for me because. At Rutgers, students have the
opportunity to be part of an engineering community that includes
world-renowned faculty conducting leading-edge research as well as
motivated students from a diversity of backgrounds and interests, who
remain networked beyond their studies as part of a 20,000-strong
alumni association. The chemical engineering department Is also home
to powerful research centers with great facilities like

14) How about housing and all?

Rutgers has a website for off campus housing, which I have made
enquiries on, which I’ll be going for inspection upon my arrival in
the US

What courses will you be taking?

I’ll first of all take my core courses before taking the
pharmaceutical engr courses

How did you hear about Rutgers? I observed a digression in your response from the actual question.
I'd suggest - I was guided by Prof.... /undergraduate preceptor in the the choice of Rutgers. I then personally undertook an extensive internet research for institutions offering this program, using google, usnews.com, gradcafe.com and quora.
I followed up and ransacked online repositories ofeducationusa resources on youtube and Facebook.

What courses will you be taking? Be explicit and cite core courses and codes as stated in your graduate school catalogue /program handbook.
Then, maybe your elective courses that aligns with your research focus. A total of 33/36/42 course units

MackyNaija:
I copied the post below from another thread, it was addressed to me -


First and foremost, you must have some funds to embark on this journey.

I recommend schools in Texas because they are the cheapest I have seen; $3000 - $4000 per semester for school fees.

You need to be sure of the first 2 payments, living cost can be sorted Most times with an on-campus job.

I have previously explained how a scholarship here can last for 3 semesters which is Fall, Spring and Summer.

***The bigger the school, the better.
UofH would have cost me roughly the same thing in fees minus living cost (I don't have a personal experience relating to living cost anywhere else except Oklahoma, Chicago and Arizona from people I know living there as 'students').

A bigger school also 'guarantees' an on-campus job (nothing is sure in this life).
Graduate assitantship (GA, TA and RA) is also more certain (I know because I take a peek at UofH website once in 60days).
If your get an internship, you'll also get paid and your journey continues.

This is not a spiritual approach, it is a practical one.

Hello bro, please do you know anyone in Alcorn State University in Mississipi? Do you have any idea about living and transport cost in Mississipi?
I'm surprised to see you cite schools with tuition fees as cheap as $3/4k. Mind sharing the names of the schools.
Thanks and God bless you.

Trice2:
Evening everyone, please a sister needs help here.
i got admission to study social work*MSW* in new mexico highlands university

The estimated average cost for 9months is 18, 536 dollars. How much am i expected to have in my account,, i Mean the least amount that should be readily available.

Secondly am using my bro in Canada as my second sponsor, do i need to convert his acct statement in Canadian dollar to naira?

I guess double of that amount, at least, or even more.
Bank statement should have the conversion from Canadian to US $.

Dewumi054:
Wow.. Okay thanks and God bless you. Although I had searched that b4 but now I'm going back to search with a renewed hope and enthusiasm. Thanks once again. I think you have helped me solve one aspect.

I can't thank you enough.
Thanks

Just relax, your school and course of choice are good.
Work on your response delivery, smile, maintain eye contact and dress officially ;as advised on this forum.

Dewumi054:
Really thanks for taking out time to respond. I'm grateful. But right now I guess the shortage of time or insufficient time to prepare is just getting me tensed. I'm panicking and I'm not thinking well. I don't what to say? I've searched and searched on reasons for choosing the united state to study

I know you must have researched some information about your program /course in the USA.
Why do you want to go to USA? - To pursue Master's in your program.

Why do you want to study the program in USA? This US University has great facilities for research........... . Moreover, a MS degree from a University in US has high recognition in Nigeria and would help me establish myself in good position after my MS.
Quote authentic numbers from your program research to show how informed you are.
Talk about Dr/Prof you'd be working with and their current projects as well as the projects ' relevance to Nigeria 's development.

Don't just panick.
Rehearse your answers and rephrase them as many times as possible.

Dewumi054:
Really?

Too bad what do you suggest I do? I don't know any one else who can sponsor me without raising a red flag in the mind of the VO

I'm confuse. And its just 8days away

Just relax and reword your response.
You were asked for annual income but stated monthly salary. I m not sure if the VO prefers stating the income in $.
Overall, convince the VO on why you are spending on getting educated in the US
Im not sure if you can talk about funding opportunities available in your dept after the Ist semester, if you can maintain a certain cgpa.
So many guesses and asssumptions Im making.
Also work on why USA?

Dewumi054:
Oh okay.. Thanks. But please how do I contact him. I'm new here. Do u have his contact so I can call him right away

Search for his monicker in the search bar and quote him.

Dewumi054:
Good afternoon people

Please is there anyone in the house who chose to study Geography/GIS in the united state, has been interviewed by the VO and has been issued a Visa? Please I need your help. My interview is just a week away. The first issue is the issue of home tie and the second is pertaining to the course. I've surfed the net and I couldn't come up with a better response to *why the course?* Please I need a response as soon as possible.

Thanks in advance

You can contact our GRE registrar ; Ponpon, he is studying a related course.

quinzypearl:
I didn't make any improvement on my transcript cause I didn't even get to a point of been asking to submit Any document or if I wrote any test..why i like UCMO was the first big question apart from the where are you going question... TOFEL Was waived For me by the school immediately my WES Evaluated transcript was send to the school and GRE was not requested cause of my course "masters in communication"

Then go ahead and work on the way you deliver your answers.
You can post your proposed transcript here for correction and improvement.

quinzypearl:
Hi guys.....I defer my january spring admission to fall this year cause I was denied last year December, I gave nonsense answer to the question the Vo ask which is"why do you like UCMO (university of central Missouri)" she first look at me somehow,��� she didn't even bother asking another big question again before she gave me the color blue paper I pray will Never be mine again nor will I see or receive again.��. this year I am ready by the special grace of God with a full bullet answers to all questions���expect a question...please what is the appropriate answer to give to the question "why were you denied the last time or what has change between your last interview and now" with my Explanation above. And what should I write on DS-160 ....Thanks in advance guys...

State whatever improvement you have made in your application.
V O was not convinced about the reasons you cited for studying at UCMO.

Dewumi054:
Hello everyone
I applied for visa for my summer admission but I was denied based on section 214b so I had to defer my admission to fall. By the time I was applying this time, I found out all the dates b4 my travelling date had been booked but just last week, I found an open spot for July 21st which is just next week Saturday. Please I need your candid advice on what to do so say in order not to face the same issue as the last time. I am not currently employed, wanna do my masters b4 settling to work.
The last time, I was asked why the united state, and i couldn't give a good response. Please I need people's testimonies to help me prepare better for my interview. It's just 8days away.

State the full details of the conversation you had with the visa officer. This will help with indepth analysis of your case.

Prestigewins:
Wow good to finally make my comment on this thread, I have been following for over a year and I must commend @scholartisca @timetosmile @drhopeful @ponpon @quoran @rafezy etc and the person that started this thread @Dinja, u guys have really motivated people to pursue their dreams of schooling abroad, most people are not aware of the GRE route but with your post many people have succeeded in gaining admission with full funding, you guys deserve all the accolades, is really rare for most Nigerians to share information but here I HV seen most of you empty yourselves for others to succeed and is really amazing

I will be graduating from university next month, a student of nutrition n dietetics and will love to pursue a PHD in Nutrition or public health with full funding. Please I really want to know if there are funding in my field of study and also if anyone know about Dietetics internship for international student of Nutrition who wants to do their internship in the USA or Canada . Thank you very much I appreciate you all.

Internship and graduate studies are different entities. Why don't you do your Internship here before travelling?
Graduate studies doesn't require internship for admission however, internship is required for your licensure in Nigeria.
I would advise you study and plan for graduate studies while on internship in Nigeria.

exxy:
Yes

Hello bro, how is life like in Mississipi as touching funding, accommodation and transport?
I trust you are doing great.

10 Universities with lowest out - of-state tuition
10. West Texas A & M University, Canyon, Texas. $8,959
9. Dickinson State University, Dickinson, North Dakota. $8,918
8. New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, New Mexico $8,650
7. Alcorn State University, Mississippi $8,500
6. Bemidji State University, Minnesota. $8,386
5. South West Minnesota State University, Minnesota. $8,386
4. Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio. $8,096
3. University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas. $7,866
2. Gordon State University, Barnesville, Georgia. $6,761
1. Minot State University. Minot, North Dakota. $6,568

Source is from a youtube video.
Nairalanders in any of these schools can help update with the current tuition fees and funding opportunities available on campus. Thanks.
Fees quoted are per semester.

Is there anyone studying biotechnology or a related course here.? I sincerely need help( convincing reasons) on how to justify a switch from pharmacy to biotechnology.
I actually wanted a MS in pharmacology but my grades weren't stellar and my GRE scores were abysmal.
Also, what is the job outlook for biotechnologists in the US post - graduation?
What is the prospect of biotechnology in Nigeria? What are the names of biotechnology companies in Nigeria?
I would not mind having list of average schools in the US with pharmacology /toxicology programs with funding.
Thanks.
Cc: Twood, Time2smile, Imperioux and other great minds on this platform.

I knew England would give up the lead by their lackadaisical attitude exhibited on the pitch.
Croatia deserved to be in the final as they exuded desire and passion.
This is the world cup, a theater of action for the proficient and not mediocres.
If Croatia can be more dogged and meet with some luck, they might just pip France to lift the 2018 world cup.