₦airaland Forum

hybeenoni:
So I received a mail from the graduate coordinator of the department I was admitted to who scheduled a Skype interview for a Graduate Assistanship position with me, could anybody share tips or hints on what to expect from this Skype interview?

Thank You

Congrats on your admission!

You can follow this link on what to look out for in an interview of this type: https://www.nairaland.com/1832477/how-achieve-high-scores-gre/99#47881174

All the best.

paulemi:
Thanks bro. I'm definitely diversifying, although after sending them follow-up emails yesterday, both the graduate coordinator and office of international admissions replied within an hour. The OIA explained that they're getting lots of emails this period and it may take a while to respond to all.

Hmm, true.

paulemi:
Hello guys,
I want to appreciate all the people that have been contributing on this thread and making life easier for Nigerians aspiring to study in the US. You guys are doing a great job. I wonder if anyone here can help me with answers to a few questions regarding my application process for master's in Mechanical engineering at csu Sacramento.

It is not mentioned anywhere on the school's website that one should submit a sop as part of requirements, is this an oversight or are there schools that don't require a sop for master's degree admission?

Secondly, is the accounts statement meant to be submitted during application or after one has been admitted?
I have sent emails to the graduate school coordinator of the faculty and office of international admissions, and it's running into weeks now, none of them has replied. What kind of school does that.

Please anyone with idea about csu Sacramento should help with a reply.

Yes, only research-intensive programs tend to ask for SoPs. No reply in weeks is not a good sign. If you can, kindly diversify your eggs.

Quoran:
VO: Good morning. Please pass me your passport and 1-20.
Me: Good morning
VO: I can see that you're going to Texas A and M University, College Station for a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering.
ME:Yes PhD Mechanical Engineering
VO:Interesting. Tell me about your past academic experiences

Congrats brother! A well-rounded transcript indeed.

reDazey:
My Visa was approved today at Abuja Embassy.
My transcript goes like this:
VO: Good morning, can I have your passport and I-20?
Me: Good morning(with a smile). I gave her.
VO: You are going for a Ph.D. at the College of William and Mary?

Aha! Don't even know what to say. Congrats dearie, I'm so so excited for you!!! Accept that for now, as we'll complete the rest soon enough.

calculator123:
Cc Quoran,happyday,Time2smile and all the bosses in the house..help a brother

It really depends on who else is in the application pool. Personally, I suggest you re-take it, if you feel you could do better than that score.

Hi everyone,

Update on the Knight Hennessy Scholarship:

It's time to start the application!

"The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is building a community of leaders who work across disciplinary and geographic boundaries to tackle pressing challenges.

The online application for fall 2019 is now open.

As a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, you will receive funding for your graduate education at Stanford University — including the JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, and PhD programs, as well as all joint- and dual-degree programs.

Do you need guidance as you prepare your application? Get advice from admission staff and incoming Knight-Hennessy Scholars. Register now for an upcoming online information session."

Apply here: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission/apply-now

Good luck!

iamlucky:
I took the test today. The verbal wasn't surprising and my strategy for AWA worked well for me.
Mine was VQVQV. The first quant was a walk in the park for me while the second one was extremely demanding and I couldn't get some questions right. In the end, unofficial scores are V154 and Q163

My profile reads:
Chemical engineering 4.65/5
1 published work (undergraduate project)
My interest include Fuel/energy engineering and process systems. Which school can I go for with this GRE score?

Great scores! Now the real work starts. Don't relent. Your GRE score, in and of itself won't get you in. You have the raw material to get into a very good program. Whether you get in or not depends on how much work you're willing to put in.

Start researching schools and grad school programs. Start with those you've been given here. Soon enough, you'll have very specific questions. Don't hesitate to come in here or reach out to people and ask.

Whatever you do, again, don't relent.

Best.

Quoran:
So I think it is the right time to share my complete testimony

I have been following this thread since 2015 though as a guest.

Dream.Believe.Achieve.

(Pardon my errors).

Well-deserved congrats! You definitely can't go wrong with a PhD MechE at Texas A&M. Hope you'll agree all the sweat was worth it?

That being said, I think you reinforced some lessons for everyone here - applying, waiting, or current students.

1) Pure hard work: Sending emails to over 100 professors is a lot of pain. I've been there. I know how it feels like to not get any reply, or worse start second-guessing yourself, that maybe this US grad school thing is not for you. But, you kept at it. And it worked!

2) The incredible leap between your GRE attempts: Again, this confirms that acing the GRE does not require special talents. If you think others are more talented than you are in taking tests, then make up for your weakness with the sheer amount of practice you put in.

We should talk sometime.

ORI1:
Good day house, I'm new on this thread. Much gratitude to the OP and other contributors to this thread. Its been so helpful.
Please i need advise on how best to go about my preparation for the GRE. I've been following the tips given on this thread buh e long gan(still on page 38). Also this thread started 2014 so some things might have changed by now. I got some materials from this thread but couldn't get some cause the links have expired. So i also need help with the necessary materials. If you can, please share with me. I stay in Lagos and I don't mind meeting you to get it(if you stay in lag). In case peeps are still added to the Facebook grp, please add me.
Btw my email is femimckonzy@yahoo.com
Thanks and God bless.

Hi,

If you have a gmail account, I can share the materials with you on Google Drive.

Hi everyone,

Good to be here!

I thought I'd share two generous funding opportunities for grad school with the house.

1) EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP). Closes June 30.
What they're looking for: Preferably STEM majors with 4.5 or higher undergrad GPA with demonstrated financial need. They'll assist you in the application process, and provide funds (on a case-by-case basis) to apply and get admitted.
Note: Even if you don't have a first class but preferably over 4.0, apply still. But be ready to demonstrate that you're insanely passionate about going to grad school and simply don't have the resources to do so.

Application page: https://ng.usembassy.gov/education-culture/exchange-programs/opportunity-fund/

2) Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program at Stanford. Applications for 2019 classes close September 12, 2018.
Definitely more competitive, they'll fund your grad school for up to 3 years at Stanford. But you must be admitted to a program at Stanford at the same time, else you won't be eligible. A long shot, but if you had a very high undergrad GPA (even with weak extracurricular activities), it's definitely a shot worth taking. No application fees, and if selected, all your fees are catered for, plus flight expenses covered.

Eligibility criteria: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission/eligibility


Best.

Scholastica16:
Thank you plenty much man. Long time no read you. How is Louisiana and the RA, I am sure you are making light work of the research?

For me here adjusting has not been exactly easy and that is because the whole system is different from Nigeria. That cold you speak of, I heard about it...but like the Queen of Sheba when meeting Solomon, the cold far outweighed and outfroze any ideas I had before. Even Iowan natives say it is a new one. Truly, this arctic blast meant business when it said it will turn up.

Now I know that thick hand gloves, head warmers and even napkins for the face are not fashion items. My fingers get numb when not in gloves and I don't feel my nose and ears at times. Great thing is, all the apartments and buildings are insulated from the cold, so I stay warm indoors.

I am enjoying the serene environment and easy-going people. I understand there is a phrase "Iowan Nice" in USA when trying to refer to how nice someone is. I see how that came about. Women open doors for me and wait till I walk ahead of them unlike what obtains in Naija. I can get used to the treatment. I really can.

Thanks for looking out. Regards.

Hahaha, yeah, everyone is saying this year's cold no get chill at all. For one, it snowed like twice here in Louisiana, last month and few days ago. The last time that happened was 'ages ago.' Lol, with the Iowan treatment. Sounds sweet. Abeg,be opening the doors too o, before they think you're rude!

Have fun, man!

Scholastica16:
My Visa Interview

Timezone difference is crazy but I coped easily as I used to be "Mr Nocturnal" in Nigeria.

Hey!

Congrats to you, and welcome home!! Iowa State is a very good school, though the cold no be here. I've always heard of these local scholarships and their too much gra-gra, I never knew it was this bad. That was some real scuffle there, and for what it's worth, you've crossed the hardest hurdle - you got in. The good news is that, while it might still be tasking to get funding for your program here, you're definitely in safe hands.

You'll have enough time to rest & recover in the summer. But for now, hit the ground running, and PROVE yourself. I wish you the BEST this semester. And remember to stay warm! Very important!!

Geedhey:
Please I need somone to help review my SOP
MS Electrical Engineering Fall 2018.

Send me a PM.

babiepraiz:
Wow I finally got to the last page no.

Your response and advice would really be appreciated. Thanks...

Hi babiepraiz,

First, good job on reading the ENTIRE thread. I'm glad you're making good use of the thread. It's impressive, please keep it up. Second, cherish those materials you've obtained. Even though you've gotten them at no cost, you would gain a lot from them, when it's time to prepare for your test.

I didn't see any specific question you want answered, so I figured I should address two key issues you should be mindful of, going forward:

1) Why Chemical Engineering

2) GRE vs. Statement of Purpose

1) Why Chemical Engineering? Switching courses now will involve adopting a brand new learning curve altogether. In my opinion, it's better to leverage what knowledge you've acquired earlier in your career, as opposed to continually learning new things.

Your four solid years of experience in Industrial Chemistry counts for a lot, don't underestimate it. Industrial Chemistry is great, and you'll have a lot of opportunities to choose from, if you can come here to study.

That being said, if you believe getting a Chem Eng grad degree would get you closer to your career goals, then, go for it.

b) GPA vs. GRE vs. Statement of Purpose

We could sit here all day and talk about how you could bump up that GPA, especially for top-ranked Purdue. So, just focus on other aspects of your application as it is.

For your GRE, get the Magoosh GRE if you can. Score as high as you can. If you can get 170's across board, please do. If you won't be able to pay for both Magoosh and the test fee, then try saving till you can. Fall 2019 gives you enough space to do that.

NOW, absent your GPA, your Statement of Purpose is the single most important part of your entire application. So, start writing this now. Start thinking of your answers to questions like: What degree do you want to pursue? Why? What are your research interests? Why are you coming to graduate school? What have you done apart from taking classes? What problem did you address in your final year project?

These are questions you need to start working on now, and preparing careful answers for.

According to Purdue: "CAREFULLY prepare a statement of purpose that clearly outlines your goals and interests in Chemical Engineering."

A lot of people think getting close to a perfect GRE score helps a great deal. Nothing could be further from the truth. Schools are focusing more on the softer parts of your application such as Statement of Purpose & Letters of Recommendation.

With programs like Magoosh and others becoming rampant, it's becoming easier to ace the GRE, and still perform poorly in grad school.

Schools are tired of stories of how you've always wanted to study Engr since you were a kid. Adcomms are already seeing through that fluff. Writing a GOOD statement of purpose takes quality time, but I can assure you, it will well be worth it.

Good luck!

tolutweety:
Hey!

How's the winter in BR?

Hanging in there, bro! How have you been?

Whosentyou:
Q 158
V 148
AWA 3.5

Am devastated

Want to retake GRE but no money again.

Hi!

That's not bad. Depending on your stats, and where you're applying. If, however, your mind is set on retaking the test, you should dig deep into what went 'wrong' the first time. Then you can fix your weaknesses with on the second attempt.

Cheers.

blessurance:
mornings guys, @cutemorgan, @believerspraise, @chiomalonglegz, @happyday, please I need directions and help. @cutemorgan-pm sent! I know you all are busy, but spare me some seconds. thanks. need connections to grad. supervisors

I'm expecting your PM.

patomaniac:
Thanks, really appreciate , can I also send you a pm?

Yes.

patomaniac:
Good day all,
I'm new at the same time not new, had to take my time to go through all 271pages (phew!). I have some questions and would be glad if anyone could be of help.

First of all I noticed we have more of science students here especially engineers .haba
Please I'm looking for anyone in the social science field, most especially economics.

I'm a graduate of economics and I want to switch to agricultural economics , I want to know if agricultural economics is seen as a STEM course (I know it's a science course and not a social science course). And will like to know what re the funding opportunities in that field.

If anyone knows any other course with good funding that an economist can switch to with ease please kindly suggest here. (buh I'm still bent on agricultural economics).

Lastly, I'm looking for study partners in Uyo or calabar (Uyo is preferred, because that's where I am serving). Kindly pm me

Thanks. Apologies for my blunders and silly questions or requests.

#TeamFall2018.

Agricultural Economics is great, and only you know why you want to switch. It's a great field, and there are funding opportunities if you can do the work. Send a PM to Glowrie22, she got into a fully-funded MS Agric Econs program for this Fall.

All the best.

Yildiz:
Hello house. Today I wrote the TOEFL exams in Abuja thanks to this group. I wrote the test in Abuja. I will update the house later.

Nice! Kindly keep us posted.

sahm4u2nv:
Good morning sir and MA's

I'm elated to come across this thread,


All.errors r highly regretted cos I was sleep typing it

Best wishes

Next time, type while you're wide awake. First off, don't drop out of your MS. Don't. Finish what you started well. All you need to know about registering for the GRE is on www.ETS.org/gre

When you're done reading on the site, don't hesitate to ask questions here.

tosinooo:
My people, I greet every body in the house.
Please I want to ask just two questions and would be very glad if I get prompted answers
1) I want to apply to City University of New York for Master's degree but I need to pay my application fee using money order. Can someone explain how this is done?
2) I need suggestions of schools (safest schools) as I will be rewriting my gre next week and applying for Spring 2018 admission. Got 308 before but I was bounced from LSU and TAMU. Studied chemical engineering for BSc and would prefer chemical engineering or any related discipline for masters

PS : I'm not really concerned about getting funding, it's the admission that matters to me.
Thanks

No safe school anywhere. Even with your money, you'll still need to score well on the GRE. Push the limits this time around. Check UL at Lafayette's ChemE program.

Scholastica16:
Thank you brother.

PhD actually.

Mississippi just struck out as well an hour after I made my last post. I am blessed!

Hmm, it's well. Let's count on Michigan for now then. Getting into LSU's ChemE is becoming hard of late. Same for other Houston schools, outside UT Austin. A common factor I've seen though is that, even with little or no research experience, most int'l admits had really superb undergrad GPA OR compensated with very high GRE scores. Either one or the other.

Having a Nigerian faculty in these depts would definitely make things easier. Even if they aren't currently accepting students, they'd know of other profs with funding. But there's none here, AFAIK. Hence why we need people like you to[i] not[/i] give up, so we can have our people there.

obene12:
I had to write back to him stating am a bit naive abt what he meant by strong research profile with my detailed CV on research work done. Am getting a feeling he meant my work been published still in doubt but still yet to get a response back from him almost 3 days now.

temmitats' answer is spot on.

The only thing I would add is that if you're really keen on working with him, you could get money to sponsor your MPhil, get in, and then apply for a funded PhD position. Things get relatively easier once you're already in the system. They might even take up your funding once you show promise after your first semester in MPhil.

Also, even though you'll be working in his lab, your entire app would still be vetted by the Dept's admission committee. He can't see how you could get pass that Dept filter with your current research experience, even though he wants you "so badly." So getting his 'yes' doesn't mean an automatic admit. It just makes things somewhat easier.

Beegamer:
Guys, I graduated from secondary school 2015 and went to lautech for bsc. Unfortunately the school has been on strike for 15 good months. I decided to apply for admission in USA and luckily they gave me computer science. Already booked my appointment for next week

My Question::::
If they ask why am I just applying to university now? what will I say

OR

What have you been doing after your secondary school?
Any help please because I know they will ask.

In fact, America's looking for motivated peeps like you. Just say what you've just said here. And that you've learnt how a US Education can get you closer to your dreams of studying CS. If not for the strike, you won't have any need to travel abroad for studies. Which makes perfect sense, in your case.

You mean, instead of sitting down and whining about how Buhari refused to pay the lecturers, you 'took the law' into your own hands, and applied to schools in the US. Esp CS. It takes some guts.

PS: For more on the experience of studying in the US, go here: https://educationusa.state.gov/experience-studying-usa/experience-studying-usa

Scholastica16:
As most know, I applied to 8 schools. Michigan State and Uni of Houston were my preferred destinations in that order and for obvious reasons: Michigan state was the highest rated of the schools I applied to whilst Uni of Houston posed (In my opinion) the best connections to the oil and gas industry based on its location and proximity to the oil Hub.

My thoughts are with you at this time. I'm sure the best is on its way. You got into Michigan for MS?

nibrainengine:
hello friends, I had a chat with an American who told me that GRE exams is regularly being revised; hence he advised me to get 'Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides, 4th Edition'. please, what can you guys say about this? who has/or is currently using this preparatory guide?
Because it's not about how much you read/study, but it's about how much right study tools that you use.
Thanks

If you're in the beginner phase, and want to brush off on concepts, then you'll need the Strategy guides; but your goal should be to solve problems, and tackle your weaknesses, in the Manhattan 5 lb.

tescoman90:
@ happyday plz do u av any mail format I can use to get grad advisor cuz I sent alot already no reply

How did you write the emails?

Ibukunoluwa01:
Undergraduate

If you're an undergrad in Nigeria, it's a very long shot. You don't want to put in all efforts into your transfer, and not get it at the end. You might be frustrated. And your Nigerian grades could suffer. Esp since you're not really sure, as at now, what school you're transferring to.

Why don't you finish what you started, well? And then go to the US for grad school in CS? Hm

TooMuchSauce:
The time has finally arrived for me to put in my applications for spring '18 bro. Please check your pm.

I replied

krissconnect:
I will love to study and work there

Me too