₦airaland Forum

sharwama:
TO WHOM IT MAY NEVER CONCERN
I'm crying and smiling right now and I don't know why. I hate being an empath. I have absorbed so much feelings tonight on this thread.
If you follow my posts, you'd realize I have always considered myself a Jon Snow on this thread, I know nothing. I often advised as an apprentice while waiting for the masters to give a better response.
I have never argued or fought with anyone on this thread. I have had to keep quiet over certain things that didn't please me. One of them has to do with demanding money for mock interview, transcript review and even writing of SOP (via pm of course)
I have reviewed over 80 transcripts in my mail, dem no dey gree me rest, na dem dey rush me ooo
But I have never charged anyone for that, I actually enjoy reading transcripts, e dey sweet me like Alomo bitters
I used to run away from conducting mock interviews because I thought I was neither good enough nor qualified. So I kept redirecting people on this platform to people I believed were more capable than myself.
Unfortunately, some persons would come back with "one person charged me a big sum of money, please just do the mock anyhow you can"
I didn't want to argue with them, I couldn't convince them to open up and be brave enough to reveal the name of anyone who charged them, I guess they knew once there's evidence, Sharwama must talk, she is so free. Sharwama is a drama queen, she will break this table. I guess they didn't like the spotlight
So I started doing "unprofessional" mock for our people As in mock interview that has no NAFDAC registration number
I bought a new sim card, created a WhatsApp account and I have dedicated and consecrated that sim card to NL until I travel to Tennessee( we will find a way)
I don't have much time but I do what I can for whoever I can, whenever I can and it gives me unquantifiable joy!
Some of you read my diary of gratitude, I wouldn't be where I am now if Texrem had asked me for money before helping me. What he did for me, what he is still doing for me, when I think about everything, I'm like " how did I get so lucky"
Let me make it clear tonight, the accused and persecuted "might" have actually charged "some' individuals who sought "his help" but I promise you, he is not the only one. Yes I wrote that. One down, some more to go!
There are people here who charge exorbitant fees even for writing statement of purpose, giving fake assurance that their "professional SOP" will foster automatic admission. Oh puhleeze my muse is becoming too strong. Sharwama calm down, easy, easy, take it easy!
When breeze blow, las las fowl pink yansh go open.
Please be brave enough to call out anyone from this platform that exhibits the character of an "agent". This thread was created to teach you how to do it yourself so you won't fall prey to agents!
If people want to help you, they will. No, it is not your right to be helped(so don't demand it!) Ask nicely, some people just love to help.
However, if someone puts a price tag on it, it ceases to be help. It is business! If I charge 40k to modify your transcript, please come here and post it "gods of NL, Sharwama asked me to pay 40k before she will help me ooo" and you better have screenshot or audio to back up your claim before roasted thunder from Okija shrine will locate you
Ultimately, no matter what happens, through the rain and stormy weather, we are family. We rise by lifting others, we are in this together. Should I also add, we are stuck with each other
Our people that have interview this week, please forget about this Africa magic we are doing here
Focus and go and bring visa biko. I want to dance atilogu this week on top your success
May the force be with you!

Congratulations

Deyemzy:
Hello Fam,

I am very sorry for just posting my approved visa transcript. I have been very busy.

Lagos Consulate. Visa approved by the Old man....17/06....6:30am

Me: Good morning sir
Vo: No response
Vo: Pass your documents.
Me: I obliged
Vo: (Started typing ooo then stood up to the next window)...when did you finish high school?
Me: (I was like "high school"? ).....2010
Vo: After then?
Me: Went to the University for my bachelors
Vo: in what?
Me: Mathematics and Statistics
Vo: ok...you finished when?
Me: 2015
Vo: what have you been doing?
Me: Went for my compulsory national service.
Vo: oh that's for one year.
Me: Yes
Vo: after then
Me: I was retained and I left there after 13months. Then I joined bleep company as a data analyst, left there in Dec 2018. After then I join Bleep company where I currently work as a data analyst.
Vo: Analyst....data analyst
Me: Yes...yes
Vo: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: 5
Vo: How many selected you?
Me: 4 and still on the Waitlist in the last school.
Vo: what does your father do?
Me: He's late
Vo: what does your mother do?
Me: I told him
Vo: (Then he perused my i20)...who is sponsoring your trip?
Me: My aunt...my father's younger sister and I also got a graduate assistantship.
Vo: what does she do?
Me: Head of Operations at Bleep plc Nigeria.
Vo: kept my passport and passed me white paper
Me: I picked and left.

School: Austin Peay State University.
Program: Computer Science and Quantitative methods.
GRE: 301, 161v, 140q, 3.0
CGPA: 3.12/4

Great thanks to Libber, Kashogi, Soliph, Allylic, Omofola93, Yusuf, Matti and everyone. God bless you all.

Nuggets: Two things are very important; Confidence in self and Faith in God.
Don't feel discouraged because you don't have a ground breaking profile. This year, I saw people with lower class divisions ( < 3.0) and with GREs below 310, getting full fundings. Email profs, do your research well, reach out to people on this forum if something is not clear to you. Above all, if you believe in God, please pray ceaselessly. The sky will always be our starting point.

Thank you Nairaland!

Congratulations

TokeOlawunmi:
Hi everyone,
My visa was approved on Thursday,Thank you to everyone who assisted in answering my questions especially Time2win, you are super amazing dear. May all of your dreams come true.

Deficit on I20- 45k
School- Georgia Institute of Technology
Program- Quantitative and Computational Finance

VO- Good morning
Me- Good morning

VO- Pass me your I20 and passport
Me- Passed the requested documents

VO- What program are you going for
Me- Quantitative and Computational Finance at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta Georgia

VO- Why did you choose this school
Me- I want to be a thought leader and an expert in the area of risk management in Nigeria. Also, application of knowledge is very important to me at this stage of career, the program is very practical, you get to learn skills such as R, python, matlab and also get to apply these knowledge by working on a capstone project. Also, the program has a small students to faculty ratio hence more access to faculty members and better learning opportunities. As you are aware the financial crisis originated from the US, learning from the school will give me a first hand learning experience of what leading practices standards issued after the crisis are trying to correct, for example Dr Chauva is very popular for teaching cases in financial crisis and credit risk analyses. when I come back, I would like to take a senior financial advisory role and work with the cbn, fmdq (financial market dealers quotation), sec (security exchange commission) in developing standards for our economy. The school also has one of the most brilliant minds in the Quantitative Finance space for example Dr Daniel Weagley who is an expert in teaching the relationship between financial markets and government agencies.
(Basically I forgot my transcript and just kept rapping)

VO- Who is sponsoring you?
Me- My Uncle

VO- What does he do?
Me- He does internal audit, board appraisals and helps organizations in assessing their governance structure

VO- Do you have account statements for me?
Me- Yes I do (passed the statements)

VO- Are you married?
Me - No I’m not

VO- Any kids?
Me- None (laughs)

VO- I have approved your Visa, please pick it in 3 working days


I was worried about my deficit and then saying it was my uncle (different surnames) paying. All the best guys, thank you for your support

True.

Nairaland is not an adequate representative sample of those going to both lagos and abuja embassies for student visa

Davidkking:
You're just seeing like 3 people out of about 2000 that applied for f1 visa....... Kendrick99 got his visa without funding

You're the best person that can answer this. It has to come from you naturally so you don't loose composure that day.
So ask yourself why am I going for this course? Beyond visa interview, the answer to that question will be vital long term.

Everestblings:
Pleas i need ideas when asked why this course because I’m actually going for Msc in Human Resource Administration thanks

This is serious. You didn't have to lie about the NYSC tho. And maybe the sponsor for the deficit is an issue too

Queenex93:
My denied visa transcript

Vo:good morning
Me: good morning ma

Vo: I see you re going to southern university Baton Rouge
Me: yes ma

Vo:to do what
Me:to pursue my msc in urban forestry is

Vo:when did you graduate
Me: march2018

Vo:have you gone for Nysc
Me:yes ma

Vo: what did you do for your nysc
Me: I taught agriculture in a secondary school

Vo: why us
Me:US graduate schools re very good in research and this I very good for me as urban forestry is more of practical oriented

Vo: how many schools did you apply to
Me: three

Vo: name them
Me:SUBR, Florida A&M university and Texas A&M unio

Vo: how many admitted you
Me: all

Vo: what re your plans after Graduation
Me: I intend to come back to nigeria and begin working with the federal ministry of environment as a conservationist

Vo:how do you intend to pay your tuition
Me: I’ve got funding

Vo: (pointing to my i20) you re only given 10k graduate assistantship, you still need about 9k to be able to pay your tuition, who’s going to sponsor that

Me:my dad and my uncle ( on my ds 1-60 just my dad)
Vo:pass me your dad’s SOA

MeI didn’t have it just my uncle’s and my dad’s asset documents) passed her the asset documents
Vo: handed it back to me that they don’t recognize that give me your uncle’s SOA
Me:I did

Vo:went through it for a while, then started typing for a while, gave me a blue paper, sorry you re ineligible

I seriously need advise and correction from the gurus in the house, I’ve reapplied, scheduled for next month.....although my dad doesn’t have that much in his account, but my uncle does(maternal uncle) .what should be the appropriate response in my next interview if asked why were you denied previously?, and what has changed in your application. Actually I’ve not gone for nysc yet, I intend doing it after msc.....

dumbiri99:
Forget it bro, they won't approve. PhD should be fully funded.

Visa officer �

Okay

BIMestBabe:
It's a PhD not masters

fairheart:
Lols.
You think the dream has expired? No way!
The denials that shock us between yesterday and today are temporary.
Approval rate is increasing comes 24th of June.
We shall see!

Yes!!!

Lizz58:
Good afternoon everyone. I was just granted an admission at Austin Peay State University but I also applied for graduate assistantship and I have not gotten any response about the GA yet. Should i wait a little or start sending mails the departments I applied to?

Also,there is a WhatsApp group for those going to APSU this fall, you can PM me to be added to the group chat if you want.

Lizz58:
Good afternoon everyone. I was just granted an admission at Austin Peay State University but I also applied for graduate assistantship and I have not gotten any response about the GA yet. Should i wait a little or start sending mails the departments I applied to?

By now, I can't really be sure there is still funding to give out for fall 2019. If you're going for computer science masters and focusing on predictive analytics, you can still be lucky. Can't say for other departments and concentrations. APSU has generously given Nigerians going for computer science funding since March.

This is someone going with parents and was denied.

I don't think using uncle, aunty or parent as sponsor is the issue in most of these interviews.

Sometimes it might be the ds160 form or the composure of the applicant or inability to prove a strong reason to return after studies whether by showing past work experiences or potential positions

Smiley01:
Hello guys this is my second time I was denied a u.s visa and this is is the transcript of my last interview

Me: good morning
Vo: good morning, pls pass me your passport .
Vo: where are you going to?
Me: am going to Saint cloud University Minnesota.
Vo: why st cloud University?
Me: well after my first degree on biotechnology I went on a research on school of technology in the United states and I came across st cloud University.  From my research I discovered that st cloud University is the best University in the whole of Minnesota I terms of technology for instance I discovered they have the latest laboratory tools and equipments such as the latest dna sequencing machine , hand pipette, the autoclave ,agitators to mention but a few and exposure to this practical environment will help me Hone and develop my practical skills because quality control and safety technology is entirely a practical course on its own. I would also be able to put to work some of the concept I was taught during my first degree as some of the courses offered are related to courses I encountered during my first degree there by making me a complete and a confident graduate in my field of specialization.
Vo: okay
Vo: who is your sponsor?
Me; my parents and I also have their statements here with me .
Vo: what do they do?
Me: my mom is a medical doctor at lasth and operates her private clinic at lagos also. My dad is a business man.
Vo: what does he do?
Me: he deals in automobile tyres
Vo: okay
Vo: what have you been doing since you graduated?
Me: well I have been working in my mom's clinic under the supervision of the chief laboratory scientist.
Vo: long pause!! Sorry you are not qualified for a us visa..then she hands the blue paper to me.
 Couldn't identify the reasons why I was denied the visa in the first place...she didn't take a look at my statements also.

Additional information
Your year of graduation : 2017
Amount on I-20= 12,750
Living expenses=1450
Amount on SOA= 10mil + 8 mil= 18mil
Places you've traveled= dubia
 Intended course of study= medical technology quality.
Previous qualifications = B.sc biotechnology
Standard examinations= gre, toefl and did evaluation of my results
Gre = 246
Toefl =92
Evaluation = 3.0

It has not. One shouldn't just ignore good preparation because one has school funding.

dreambound:
Funding have you lost your charm?

True.

I know someone that used agent sometimes ago. He was asked, are you married? He said no. Whereas agent filled he was married on his form for him.

solihp:
Maybe they were trying to assess if you truly know your sponsor or if you were the one that filled the form yourself

Seems so

Wretch32:
It almost feels like taking a polygraph test
Ask you mundane questions at the beginning, ask the main questions after that (the polygraph). Then ask you mundane questions at the end to confirm you’re not trying to cheat the polygraph

Lol

One can have kids while single. Marriage is not a pre-requisite for having kids

dreambound:
Some even accidentally ask 'Do you have kids?' after you've told them you're single...LMAO

EXACTLY

dreambound:
Yup. That's why they also ask 'are you married' and 'do you have kids' at the end of interviews, even though you've already told them that through your DS160.

I guess they just ask those extra questions so that applicants can't easily know what went wrong.

Oasishavenng:
You and Solihp were asked where your uncle stays. This is weird, what do they need that information for.
Prepare harder, try and get the multi-compartmental folder lalavita was talking about for better arrangement of document

I think the issue started when VO found out you're going for second masters.... Just my thought

BIMestBabe:
Good morning house.
I'm new here.
I'll love to post my transcript. Visa delayed
Lagos consulate
June 11th

Vo: good morning with a smile
Me good morning. Smiled
Vo pass your I 20 and passport
Me. Did
Vo -- straight up, can I see a letter backing up your assistantship
Me: sure, so... I search for my funding letter o, took almost a minute.
Vo (while I was still searching for the letters) you're doing your masters? (With an irritated face or so)
Me yes, my final defence is in 2 weeks. Then I gave him the letters
Vo scrutinizes letter.
Plus, I gave him 3 letters. (Funding and contract award letter. Guess that's part of my mistake)
Vo does the letter cover all the 70k dolls,
Me yes, my funding covers all my tuition and stipends for the first semester and will be renewed for subsequent semesters.
Vo. No, you're not answering my question. Is your funding all the 70k dols?
Me. No, my uncle is paying for the rest, do you want to see his bank statements,
Vo no
Vo have you travelled out before
Me no, I haven't have the reason too, till now.
Vo, where does your uncle stay
Me. Lagos, ikorodu.
Vo.. Blabla..not eligible for the visa now... Blablabla.


OK guys, this was my first time. Please, I really need advice. I'm picking abuja this time and I need to get it right. Please gurus in the house, kindly help me.

Congrats sis....

flairlady:
Visa Transcript

VO:Why are you going to the United States
Me:To obtain a doctorate in Nutritional science from Texas Tech University.

VO:You have applied for a student visa before
Me:yes

VO:Where did you get your previous degree from?
Me:OAU and FUTMinna (In full)

VO:Where do you work?
Me: I am a lecturer at .....

VO:Are you married
Me:Yes

VO:Do you have children?
Me:No

VO:Is your husband going with you?
Me:No,he has a job

VO:Will you be returning to Nigeria
Me:Yes(I wanted to explain,she stopped me)

VO:Will you be returning to you current job?
Me:Yes,because I am going to get a study leave.

VO:Your Visa has been approved.
I stopped listening to everything she was saying at this point.

Note:I am fully funded.I got fellowships and a research assistantship.

Thanks to everyone.I learnt a lot from this forum.
Brown2Green,thank you.

Sorry about the delay sis. Good that you know what to work on. I believe you will get it next time. All the best

solihp:
Hello, so my visa was delayed at the Lagos consulate today , my appointment time was 6:30, I was interviewed by a white guy in his 30s or 40s at window 3.


VO: Why are you going to the US
Me: I am going for my Masters in Mathematics with concentration in Biostatistics at Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.

VO:Why this course
Me: This course would equip me with the necessary skills in tackling some public health challenges, such as the investigation of food borne disease, establishing the causes of illness outbreak and it would enable me to take on job when I come back.

VO:What's your highest qualification
ME: I have a Bachelor of Technology in Statistics

VO:What is Biostatistics
Me: Biostatistics is the application of Statistical methodologies to the field of forensic Medicine, medical practices, public health and other health related fields

VO: How did you hear about the school
Me: I did an extensive research on usnews to know the schools that offer Statistics with Concentration in Biostatistics and I came across GSU

VO: How did you get this huge scholarship
Me: I believe the admission committee were impressed with my CGPA, the fact that I graduated at the top 7 of my class, my statement of purpose, the recommendation my lecturers sent across.

VO: You have an oncampus employment, what will you be doing
Me: I have not been assigned my duties..... A pause, it's a graduate teaching assistantship position

VO: who's your sponsor
Me: My uncle, Mr...

V.O : How many children does he have
Me: 2

VO: Where does he live
Me: Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State

VO: Why will he want to sponsor you
Me: My parents were one of his educational sponsor and he has been part of my success story since my mom died and he promised to sponsor me when I graduated with a strong CGPA

VO:Have you travelled before
ME: No I have not had reasons to

What I noticed during the interview, he emphasised on the huge scholarship as if he was impressed, but I feel he was disappointed with the fact that I said I haven't been assigned my duties, he said again that but you have a campus employment, that was when I mentioned that it is a graduate teaching assistantship position.

Also, how I got my scholarship, I should have mentioned my GRE scores, also although he didn't ask what I would do after my course, when he asked why this course, at the end, I should have mentioned a specific position, I had an answer for that. Please help me figure out what went wrong and how I can improve my responses, I want to reapply immediately.

No document was asked except passport, Sevis fee, and i20

My profile: 3.47/4.00 WES unofficial evaluation
GRE score:314, 161Q, 153V
My tuition was waived(30k)+ 10k stipends, total cost of attendance is roughly 49k, so deficit of less than 9k.

Congratulations sis

omofola93:
Lagos Consulate 6:30...Wednesday Morning (19/06)
V. O: What's your highest degree
Me: I have a bachelor of Pharmacy degree
V. O: When did you complete this
Me: 2016
V. O: What have you been doing since then
Me: I worked for a couple of months as a locum pharmacist before I went for my one year internship program to become a licensed pharmacist, then I went for my compulsory one year National Youth service, which I completed in April, I was retained where I served and I work there till now.
V. O: Did you apply to any other school
Me: Yes I did
V. O: Name them
Me: SDSU, OUHSC, WSU
V.O: Were u admitted in any other school
Me: No, I was rejected at wsu and ouhsc and waitlisted at sdsu
V.O: What will you be doing as a research assistant
Me: I would be working in the laboratory of Dr Wood, who I would be assisting in setting up of laboratories ans working on his current work in d development of immunotherapeutic for the treatment of cancer
V. O: Thank you, what would you do after your program
Me: I would return back to nigeria to work as a research scientist and academic at my undergraduate university, where I would promote the local production of pharmaceuticals in Nigeria
V. O: Are u married
Me: No
V. O: Do you have any kids.
Me: No
V. O: your passport would be available for pickup in d next three days, seems your pick up location is isolo? Have a nice day
Me: Kukuma Catwalk out with grace

Thank y'all for being a part of this Journey.

sharwama:
I carry pen and paper siddon dey write una names ooo because if I say make I reply one by one, the thread go enter part 16
Body dey sweet me as una take dey congratulate me, Sharwama don blow
Thank you so much olumuyiwalasode, mummy LagosismyHome, dwilliam707, Davidkking, Yeechi, heeedreez, Wretch32, Neeta02, Floral895, Hybeenoni, Dhebie19, twittycutey, dreambound, Brown2Green, Nehemiah77, Tohajan, Gloryemo, Nobody, TheZed, Masterforcell, nelem, Kay100, Johnolukolade.
This is Batch A stream 1

Congrats sis

sharwama:
SHARWAMA'S APPROVED VISA TRANSCRIPT.
Date: June 7, 2019
Venue: Lagos Consulate
Time:6:30 a.m
Gender of VO: Male
Window: I Didn't notice, I was blown away by his cuteness and jerry curl
Ok it was the second to last window, before the exit door.
I: (Smiling) Good morning sir
V.O: Good morning, please pass me your passport and your I-20.
I did and he was like "please push your passport a little bit further". I pushed it and asked, "is it okay now sir?"
VO: Yes it is. Why are you going to the US
I: (deep breath + killer smile) To uhm, pursue a masters degree in Biology, Biomedical Science Concentration at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City Tennessee.
V.O: Why this degree?
I: I really want to work as a research scientist at a renowned biomedical research Institute here in Nigeria. Unfortunately, a masters degree in Biology or a closely related field is the minimum requirement for such a position. So this degree would not just help me hone my research skills or build my critical thinking, it would qualify me for the position I really want, when I return.
V.O: So why did you pick this school?
I: (Gesticulating with magical hands) For me, it wasn't just about the generous funding I received, which I am extremely grateful for by the way, it had a lot more to do with the student-faculty relationship I have built with my potential supervisor, professor Burna boy. We Skyped a couple of times and we have chosen a thesis topic I am super excited about.
V.O: What other schools did you apply to?
I: I applied at Texas A&M University, Commerce
VO: uhum(while typing)
I: Cleveland State University Ohio and Kansas State University Manhattan Kansas.
VO: Have you travelled out of the country before?
I: I have not had the need to sir.
VO: Are you married
I: No sir
V.O: You said you have funding, let me see the evidence
I: My school did not give me an official letter but it's on the I-20(I pointed at the document so he looked at it)
V.O: Ok I see $9590 to be payed by someone ,who is this?
I: That's my mum sir
V.O: What does she do?
I: My mum is a business woman, she sells African fabrics and traditional bridal attires
V.O: Yes do you have any proof, I want to see evidence.
I was confused and he mentioned "or bank statement"
I: (Killer smile)Yes, with all pleasure. Just a moment please.
So I got the bank statement
V.O(while looking at the statement) Doesn't your mum have other children to sponsor in school?
I: (I never expected that question, so my English technically failed me, so I looked at him and answered) All of us have finished school, it remainder two of us.
I was so embarrassed about my grammatical blunder but I was glad he understood the point, we were all done with school except two of my siblings.
V.O: Ok, I will be approving your Visa. He hands me the white paper. Talked about pick up in three working days, gave me back my SOA and I-20, asked me to keep it carefully and I would need the latter at the port of entry... Told me to have a wonderful day
I: (Killer smile) Thank you and have a wonderful rest of the day too.
Yup, I bounced out of the building
THE END

I wonder why most people here can't just IGNORE.. Must you continue to drag unnecessary arguments.

Please it is too early to soil this place.

Learn to ignore and save yourself and others unnecessary stress.

Kindly reduce the length of your responses. They are too too too long.
As much as possible carve out the important and strong points and make your responses detailed and straight to those important points.
Also, don't say something that you can't easily proof or back up well.
All the best!

Chidon40:
Good day everyone,

PLEASE, I need you guys assistance in reviewing my complicated transcript (VERY LONG) and providing the best feedback necessary.

PROPOSED TRANSCRIPT

Before I begin, I must state some circumstances surrounding my visa application as I believe my case is a bit different from other proposed transcript posted on this forum so as to receive adequate feedback from GURUS in the house.

Visa interview location : China
Purpose of residence in China: Study on full scholarship (Ending next year; I have completed my coursework and currently preparing for thesis)
Circumstances surrounding my case : I got employed in my alma mata in Nigeria as a Graduate Assistant (Already in China when the official letter came out), My employment letter stated I must obtain a masters degree in my[b] field[/b] (My study in China cannot be used as a substitute for M.Sc. Economics) within 2 years or on a special case, 4 years maximum or it will be terminated. My department is aware of my absence but insisted I must return NOW or start a masters in Economics so they can issue official study leave letter based on the Economics program(Study leave cannot be issued based on my current program in China).
Got assistantship with some deficit [ Using my uncle bank statement from Nigeria{original copy posted to me through DHL}]



VO: Good morning
ME: good morning
VO: where are you going to?
ME: I am going to the New Mexico State University to pursue a master’s degree in Economics with concentration in Econometrics.
V.O: You have a first degree in Nigeria?
Me: Yes sir
V.O: What course
Me: Economics
V.O: Same as what you are going for now?
Me: Yes sir
VO: Why Master’s degree at this time? / Why Master’s degree in Economics at this time?
ME: It’s a requirement for me to be promoted to an assistant Lecturer at my alma mata, ( Federal University)and also safeguard my employment as I am time-bound to obtain a master’s degree in Economics as stipulated in my employment letter.( This is my employment letter)
VO: Tell me about the program you will be going for and why you chose this program?
ME:I will be going for Masters in Economics with concentration in Econometrics at NMSU. I’m required to complete 30 credit hours within 18 months. I will be taking 3 core courses namely; Microeconomic theory, Macroeconomic theory and Econometrics. Some of my electives will comprise mainly of applied statistics such as Application of statistical techniques to estimation of economic relationships, and inferential statistics and so on. I will finally write a thesis towards the end of my program.
Aside the fact that I have a bachelor’s degree in Economics and as a university teaching staff in Economics department, Masters in Economics is the next step in my career development. I want to also obtain the necessary training and essential research skills required for a research and teaching profession. I want to understand how economic theories can be applied to the development of policies. I want ample knowledge of the statistical and econometric modelling techniques used in decision making and analysis. I want to learn how to Use statistical tools, calculus, computers, and economic theory to measure and test economic relationships.
This program at NMSU is very important to me as I have the option to minor in Applied statistics, thus given me the opportunity to perfect my understanding of the application of economic theories to real world issues.
I also want to obtain an in-depth knowledge of recent policies for combating major macroeconomic problems, especially unemployment and inflation, which my country is currently facing. I want to be able to return to Nigeria at the end of my programme with the confidence that I can help my country through my University, which is currently lacking in good economists who want to make a difference both as academics and economists. I strongly believe that New Mexico State University will help me achieve these goals.
VO: What are you doing in China?
ME: I am undergoing an English taught master’s program in contemporary china studies at Silk Road School, Renmin University of China to understand the Chinese development model.
VO: When will your program end?
ME: My program will officially end in June 2020.However; I have completed my coursework and currently writing my thesis. Because of my recent employment with my alma mata, I can only be granted study leave for a master’s program in Economics. Hence, my decision for masters at NMSU
VO: So, you intend to abandon your studies in China?
ME: Not at all Sir, I have discussed with some of my professors about my employment conditions and it was advised I should go for my masters in Economics since am done with coursework and already writing my thesis. Then, I can probably be reaching my supervisor online and finally attend my thesis defense next year.
VO: Do you have a relation in the USA?
ME: No sir
V.O: Where do you work
Me: (Federal university from February, 2019)
V.O: What do you do?
Me: Graduate research and teaching Assistant
V.O: How much do you earn per month?
Me: xxxk
V.O: Are you married?
Me: No sir
V.O: How old are you
Me: 26
VO: WHY USA?
ME: America has well-developed economy and education system. American universities are widely known for the quality of their teaching and research. Also, USA has Opportunity for Research, Teaching and Training through graduate assistantship which will help prepare me for my career as a Lecturer in Nigeria
VO: Why not Nigeria?
ME: Nigeria’s education system is still developing, given the shortcomings of graduate studies in universities in the country, continuing my education in Nigeria will ill-afford me the required skills and knowledge for the kind of impactful career I intend to build.
VO: Why not China?
ME: In as much as China has experienced rapid economic and technological development within the last few decades, its education system cannot still be compared to that of the USA. (This explains why there is a constant increase in the number of Chinese moving to study in the USA). Also, language barrier might have a negative impact on the quality of education delivered. (Since I am from an English speaking country, USA will rank better than China in terms of language variable when English taught courses are involved)
VO: New Mexico State University, Are there Nigerians in this state?
ME: Yes sir, I know of one Nigerian studying there sir.
VO: How?
Me: I checked a Nigerian forum of people studying in the USA known as nairaland after receiving the admission decision and I found one Nigerian there
V.O: Why New Mexico state?
Me: When I was applying for my Master program, I considered states that the cost of living is reasonable for me, that I can afford. The weather in the state is also good, similar to what we have in Nigeria. So adapting will be easy for me.
VO: how did you hear about New Mexico State University?
Me: I first heard about NMSU from my American classmate. She spoke highly of NMSU as a place where you can get quality education at a relatively affordable cost (my major consideration) and I also did research using College Board, master portal and Peterson where NMSU was also recommended considering my area of specialization. I also researched on graduates from Economics department of NMSU on LinkedIn and got connected with a Bangladeshi who equally recommended NMSU. He got his masters from NMSU and currently undergoing his DED( Doctor of Economic development) studies.
VO: What do you know about NMSU?
ME: NMSU is a medium-sized public university located in a small city in a suburban setting. It has more Hispanic than native whites.
Vo: what is your highest degree and what have you been doing after wards?
ME: My highest degree is bachelor’s degree in Economics obtained from (xxxxx) in 2015. After-which I taught high school Economics at Divine Child International School, from Sept 2015 to October 2016 before going for my 1year compulsory NYSC where I taught in a secondary school as an Economics teacher until October 2017. I returned back to my previous employer and taught Economics and Mathematics from January 2018 to August, 2018 before moving to China to study Contemporary china studies, at Silk Road School, Renmin University of China. Then, February 18, 2019, my alma mater employed me as a Lecturer which I’m expected to obtain a master’s degree in Economics within the stipulated time in my contract. Hence, my proposed study in the USA.
VO: What will the program do for you?
ME: I plan to come back to Nigeria and use the knowledge and experience I must have gained in NMSU to contribute my quota to the development of education in my University(Employer) and the economy at large. I intend to use the knowledge I have obtained to equip my students with econometrics skills needed in order to apply economic theories to real world issues as my University is lacking Lecturers in the field of Econometrics/quantitative economics.
VO: what is your study plan?
ME: The study plan involves a minimum of 30 credit program comprising of three core courses namely; Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory and Econometrics. Some of my electives will comprise mainly of applied statistics such as Application of statistical techniques to estimation of economic relationships, and inferential statistics.
VO: how many schools did you apply to?
ME: I applied to only NMSU although I started application with 3 schools (NMSU, ASU, and WSU) but had to stop the rest as I got timely feedback from NMSU( with Assistantship) coupled with recommendations I received from friends about the NMSU.
VO: Did you take any test?
ME: No, NMSU advised that it’s not really necessary considering my academic excellence, current job description, and recommendation letters from my University and statement of purpose. Then, I had to drop my plan of taking GRE which I had prepared for but yet to register.
V.O: How do you plan paying your fees?
Me: I was awarded a 10hour Graduate assistantship, by my school with a salary of $4,200 per semester and non-resident tuition waiver.
The deficit will be covered by my uncle. He is the CEO (xxxx). He became my sponsor after the death of my father in 2006, and after graduating as the best student during my bachelor’s studies, He promised to sponsor my master’s studies as well because he encourages/supports academic excellence. This is his bank statement of account. I also have some savings as shown in my Bank of China statement of account here.
VO: How many siblings do you have?
ME: five
VO: Which uncle would be paying for them?
ME: Fortunately, I am the last child
VO: Oh! I see. So how did you secure this funding?
ME: I think the admission committee was impressed. My undergraduate CGPA , academic excellence and current work position were way beyond the requirements. I was the best graduating student with CGPA of 3.8/4 and was retained by the University as a faculty staff (Graduate Assistant).
VO: I will be approving your visa………….


I am very open to any type of feedback (positive or negative)… I am also willing to receive insults provided it’s feedback (I might learn something from it)

"This thread was very helpful to me and I learnt a lot and so I want to give back" blah blah

But all you do is write your transcripts and leave out all the important information. If this was how this thread was when you were looking for information and help, would you have gotten?

This attitude of selfishness that we so much wallow in in this country is very bad honestly.

You have gotten what you want, the best you can do is help others, share information.

That you share or not share doesn't affect your own visa or funding and doesn't mean others won't get what they want too.

You won't be the first and definitely won't be the last to get admitted to a school, or to get funding or to get visa. Let's do better.

If you want to give back, do it thoroughly.

Don't be writing fairy tales here up and down.

Share useful information. Let others learn. Help others.

Nothing lasts forever. All the best to everyone going to embassy soon. We shall celebrate more wins!

No. You have to pay first

ObodoNaija:
Please house, is it possible for someone to schedule an appointment before paying visa fee

Space Booked�

But do you think the university will be willing to hand over their huge SOA ??

Time2win:
Go with both

Thank you

Time2win:
Go with both

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for the great work that is being done here.

Please I work in a University here in Nigeria, I have been admitted (MS) in US in a program that my workplace is currently looking for lecturers for. I got a full tuition waiver with stipend, however, I have about $7k (living expenses) deficit. The department I work (Employer) is willing to sponsor. On my DS160, I have filled Employer in the Sponsor part.

My question now is this, while going for interview, do I need to go with my workplace SOA or a letter of Sponsorship from the department ?

Thanks in anticipation.