₦airaland Forum

OGreene:
I still dont understand how to answer Assumption, Strengthening and Weakening a statement questions. I always miss it. Thats 3 marks away

Who can put me through? Exam is Sunday.

That part is technical. Plus they kinda suck the time you don't have.

You might as well skip it, or guess along. It probably won't hurt your marks in the end.

Cheers!

sirRiddy:
LOL
I would not advise anyone using agent cos you can
have someone to bi.tch at any time your mumu
query is not replied after a minute. Pay 200k and get
recommendations to apply to school one thief has on
a txt file on his laptop.
People with Warren Buffett kinda dream and Trump
kind of mouth cannot even do simple query search...LOL
This thread is the best that can happen to us in Naija. If all
you can contribute is mum query and nonsense attitude, you
can as well go to hell.

Oh man! sirRiddy is smoking so hot today! Quite the unusual you. No let anybody vex you o . . .

Scholastica16:
It won't raise any red flags but since the Grad Coordinator doubles as the Professor you are in talks with then the email can go directly to him only. HappyDay makes a good point about enthusiasm but the point is he has to understand why sending the official transcript that way makes zero financial sense. OluDare01 made another salient point about time constraints in sending the documents. You can use that as a second reason why the Notarized copy is a better idea. I am almost 90% sure they would honor your idea as I got it from friend who consulted a grad coordinator of a private school in Florida.

As for funding opportunities in the school- If I am to call a spade a spade (and not a big spoon) I do not think the school in question will provide you the funding you seek. Their indifference to LORs, SOPs for instance gives off that vibe. I hope I am wrong though.

Yup, you're right. I was suggesting he should cite something like a factor reasonably out of his control, like time. That sounds plausible.

At the bolded, this will most certainly be the case. Before these guys would part with their money for the next 2 years, more so for an Int'l student, they would wanna justify it. It's pretty good that he's got a Prof inside though, you can stylishly ask if you can work in his research lab, in exchange for an RA or TA. Other than that, the department isn't making the process competitive enough, so they can make the most money from students viz-a-viz tuition and fees.

Scholastica16:
@Seeker88

Write an email and blind copy the Grad coordinator, the International students graduate admissions office while the main copy goes to the email of the college of engineering that has been corresponding with you.

State unequivocally that it costs you at least $200 to send your transcript to each school that you are considering and [s]that it makes no financial sense to do so considering you are uncertain about getting admitted[/s] (they need to see the cost implication of their proposition in a currency they understand ).

Let them understand that you would be more than willing to pay that amount if admitted as you know it is important to enrolling in the school when the time comes and that instead you are proposing to send them a notarized copy of the certificate (or statement of result) and the transcript. Most schools accept notarized copies for review (afterall it certifies that an original exists).

I did this to one of the schools I was applying to and they accepted it. At the end of the day, you can use express mail services like DHL etc to send it or NIPOST.

I wouldn't suggest you add this. It doesn't show enthusiasm on your part about their program. Sometimes, less is better.

seeker88:
Thank u so much for taking out time to make such detailed response...... I really appreciate ur concerns.

Honestly, if I don't get any form of funding, I would definitely not be able to enroll considering my current financial status....however, a reasonable percentage of that cost would make d cost more affordable even if full funding isn't offered.

Thanks a lot for this option....sounds so good.
Yes, I'm genuinely passionate about getting into d school and eventually working with d Dr..... I just hope he sees d passion too. Recently, I sent him a copy of my SOP which I wasn't able to submit with my application because there was no provision to attach it in the application portal, n he promptly acknowledged recepit of it. So I will explain my situation to him with the necessary attachment as suggested.

Thanks again boss...

Sounds like a great plan! Good luck! If paying the tuition and associated costs will even remotely make you uncomfortable, abeg, find all means to get funding. I was thinking you got like $50k stashed up in some Swiss/Bahamas account haha. But for real, getting funding will make a whole lot of other things easier.

Wait, you didn't submit your SoP with your official app? I used to think it's ONE of the most important parts of the app though.

lankykid:
I don't want to bug you with the story of my life. I'm 18, dad is a successful business man, so is mum. I want to be an independent guy. I don't like asking for my needs or wants from them. I don't have a beef with them thou. I just need a roof from them before I get mine. I gat two jobs that gives me change. programming (because I don't have a lappy) and photography(a stressful business wit change as well). I finished schooling 3 years ago. and all my efforts to get into the university isn't going well. mind u, I get good jamb scores but d admission just won't come. I've kinda given up on schooling for now I just want to give my life a little shape. But with d change I make, I can't go anywhere. pls nairalanders, I need ur advice on how I can go about making cool money... if na hustling, I fit do am. I jus need ideas... I would be making nothing less than 10k this week thou... but I just need advices on the kind of business that would help me completely independent of my parents... thanks in anticipation. I was typing really fast. so don't mind my language

How about you stay under their care, and also work on your businesses? I know right now, you want to explore and 'have the time of your life', but trust me, it'll pass. Truth is, you are NOT ready to be on your own yet. And yes, you can take a break from schooling, it's called a 'Gap Year', and it can really turn out to be a defining moment in your life.

Go take time out to figure how to get a laptop that will handle your programming needs, and as you go on, get a professional camera for your photography. Find a way to legitimately get the money from your parents. Ask them reasonably, and I guess they'd be willing to oblige you.

But, this is not to say you've quit schooling. No, you're only exploring your passions, and seeing where life might take you one year from now.

Cheers!

seeker88:
Please I earnestly need your advice/suggestions on this:

One of the schools I'm applying to for MSc MECH Fall 2017 is San Diego State University CA. I have submitted my application n also paid the application fee. I also uploaded the required documents such as transcript, test scores, etc before submitting my application which I thought would be sufficient for application review purposes, ....and for originals to be submitted if admitted.

Now, the school want a copy of my transcript sent from my school here in Nigeria. It takes much time n resources to order a copy of transcript from my school to schools abroad. And in a bit to avoid that, I resorted to evaluating my transcript with WES for faster n easier dispatch to schools during my application. This School (San Diego State Uni) said they don't accept transcript from any evaluation agency n that my transcript must come from my school direct even when I'm not sure of getting in . They also require a copy of my degree certificate which must not come from me, but from my school.....and d process of getting this is even more taxing!

However, I included this school on my list because d school has on going research in my area of interest. I've also been in touch with a Prof who has been responding to all my mails n could eventually be my advisor if admitted. Also, I felt their overall cost of attendance ($34,702...for tuition, housing & foods, health insurance, books, supplies n transportation) isn't too high considering d school's location.....maybe I'm wrong on this.

Please who knows more about this school. Are they generous with funding (GA, RA, etc). How easy is it to get in? Though I meet d min admission requirements on their site....Biko, I need as much info as possible concerning this school so as to determine if it's really worth going through their demanding application process or to just leave them with d app fee already submitted.

Your response on this will be highly appreciated...

Thanks FAM....

Also, I felt their overall cost of attendance ($34,702...for tuition, housing & foods, health insurance, books, supplies n transportation) isn't too high considering d school's location.....maybe I'm wrong on this.

What do you mean by this? In the case you don't get funding, do you plan to bankroll this yourself? I don't understand.

Well, I'm not enrolled in the school, so proceed with caution.

1. No school is "generous" with funding. There is no such thing as a generous school or program. They need to feel that you're going to do some cool research before they admit you, and most likely pay you to do such research. You've done a pretty good job establishing rapport with your likely future advisor. Here's how to use that rapport to your benefit.

2. Let him see that you're genuinely interested in doing research with the dept, particularly in his lab. He must see the interest as genuine. Then, explain to him how getting your transcripts and certificate officially sent is going to be a big issue. Tel him the intricacies involved, as per Nigerian schools. And attach those docs in the email. Let him see that you're passionate about getting in (that is if you are, by the way).

3. Once he sees the interest, he'll find a way for you. This way, your chances of getting funding increases very well. Note that departments don't fund students, faculty members do. In most cases, the dept might fund you for the first year, pending the time you get an advisor. But once you do, they hands off, expecting your advisor to take care of you.

4. So, if you want a great chance of getting in, try to get on the Dr's good side and let him know the situation of things.

Cheers!

lilyheaven:
Oh I wish,
I bought them with my money , for his money, I couldn't explain, thou I suspected his family.
I don't look into a guy pocket, I was looking for love.
But my elder sister ended up with a man that left all the responsibility for her, starting from school fees, house rent, feeding and clothing,
Sometimes I wonder what he does with his Money.
You see, I didnt want to be like my sister.

Oh yeah, sorry for misquoting you. My bad. Hope you've found the one?

lilyheaven:
I actually left my man because of this,
I was 29 and he was 32. But he always looks like a forty five years old man, he had a very great career, he won't even buy a cloth for himself, I kept buying all these things,
One day I said to myself, if I marry this Man, will I continue like this plus our kids .
I left him sha,
But my family were so angry with me.

Except there's something else you're not saying, I think if you were buying the clothes on his bills (since he's got a great career), it shouldn't bug you. Should it?

PaperLace:
I understand your concern_ it shows you care. I've seen women who don't care as long as it doesn't affect her own look.
Some men are like that, a woman would know the whole colour wheel (including cockroach brown and custard yellow) while a man is okay knowing just primary colours.

I'll edit if I remember anything else.

Please take my like and my share, and come and be going. Before you start to make me feel jealous.

mariamadenle:
I think this is a best place to get help/answer to my question.
I met an American woman last year June here in naija which she later turned to be nice friend, mentor and co, she left naija around July and we never loss contact we talk almost everyday maybe through phone or email (I still have the record of our conversation)..fast forward..August last year she complained back pain to me which I think it kept her out of work for two months before she was diagnosed with cancer in October....and after then will talk and used to promised she will help to travel to US if get better but I received Email this year 5th of Jan. that she died on 3rd (But before she gave up the ghost) she discussed me with her church (May be Pastor) and the representative of that church was the one that sent me the breaking news about her died and she (church rep) also tell me she want me to attend her funeral service.
They asked me to send my passport bio-data page and other necessary info....
my questions:
please I want to know if US Embassy can grant me a visa based on church invitation to attend funeral service of someone that is not my family
2. Aside from that my account balance only define my level of poverty
3. with all these do you think I have any chances of attend the funeral service
4. Though my Reverend father promise to write a supportive letter to embassy but I still think this not enough

please I need you advice Nairalander

Hmm, the power of networking. Well, I think mourning the death of a 'loved' one doesn't necessarily mean you must be at their grave side. So, go with this mentality to the Embassy. If you appear desperate, you might be denied. If you're granted, fine; if not, she still means a lot to you. So nothing spoil.

I think a big part of the visa app process is what the VO feels and thinks, it might not be the real thing. But the best you can do is to make the VO feel and think you're really going there based on the invite.

You should also go with a confirmation that the lady actually requested the church to invite you + a letter from the church, too. Alongside other standard docs.

That would be a visiting visa though, not F1.

Cheers!

Time2Smile:
I got to the center where I met young and not so young people.

Great! Lovely! Congrats! What are your stats, if I may ask? Let God take all the glory.

manwonder:
Hello guys,

Happy New Year to you all!

Spoke with a friend yesterday, and she told me she was given a scholarship by ScholarX to study for an MBA @ Harvard, and that she will be sitting for her GRE on Sunday. As at the time we were speaking yesterday, she was yet to send her application to Harvard Business School, and she said she was trying to pay her application fee and forward her application ahead of the Nigerian time equivalent of the deadline (the deadline was 12 noon Boston time yesterday).

Please does anyone know about ScholarX and how it works? Do they give scholarships to study a course @ a school you're yet to apply to?

ScholarX? Really? That's strange. MBA scholarships, especially at Harvard, isn't small money. So if it's the truth, she most likely had applied and emerged successful with the ScholarX application before now. What's your motive for asking this, by the way?

MamiaDiaper:
I understand there is a facebook group for gmat/gre
Please who can add me?
I need the official gmat guide for 2016 or 2017 too
Thank you

If you want the latest, 2016/2017, you might need to do some digging here; http://gmatclub.com/forum/the-official-guide-for-gmat-review-2016-directory-209567.html

Or you can buy online.

Or just download the older versions (PDF) for free.

ponpon:
This is true, but what if he has been preparing before now?

Then, he wouldn't be asking for materials by now.

mjksho:
Thank you so much.

Absolutely!

Good luck.

tomide706:
pls i need Gre material my exam is next month

Too late, boss. You should seriously consider shifting to a later date. 2-3 months of consistent prep is the rule, not the exception for the GRE. Still, you can check the first post on this thread for what you'll need >> https://www.nairaland.com/1832477/how-achieve-high-scores-gre

Cheers!

mjksho:
Hello House,

I need your help. I intend to apply to the following schools for Fall 2017.

Tennessee Tech University
North Carolina A&T
University of Wyoming

I intend to go for MS Environmental Engineering or Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Environmental Engineering

Tuition and assistantships are major consideration for me. I got an admit for Spring at MTU but the tuition is almost 10k per semester with no assistantship so I couldn't go.

I am looking for schools with less than 8k/term and that are also generous with funding/assistantships. Im also not looking at schools that will ask me to pay for WES evaluation as I don't have the money.

I have a 149Q 151V 4.0 AWA in GRE
I have 9.0 R, 8.0 S, 7.5 W, 7.5 L and overall of 8.0 in IELTS
I finished with 3.28/5 in UG Chemical Engineering.

I appreciate your help. Thanks.

You've got good stats. Moving forward, I suggest you work your way backwards, try to get an assistantship first. The money will definitely come with the admit. To get funding, you'd need to build rapport with profs you'd like to work with, based on similar research interests. If any of them feels like your work ethic is great or you're smart enough to handle things in their program, they'd go considerable lengths to get you the admission + money.

Is it possible? Yes. Is it easy? Nope. Hard, but not impossible. I wish you the best.

Cheers!

ponpon:
This writing thing Don come serious gan ooh. Lmao. I always laugh so hard when I see the whole writing attack, advice and Co. People are different, but overall it's helpful to write well, but writing on nairaland and this thread Don turn herculean task, lmao...

By mafit is legit sir

Not an attackk. If you'd want people to take you serious enough, then you must be willing to put in a little bit of work. That's what I think sha. Thanks for the bolded.

Timitex85:
Hello nairalanders! Firstly, wanna wish every1 on this platform happy new year... U guys are really doing a great job... To my scholars n ma oga.@oludare1,@walspring...n d rest. I salute o... Pls,av jes bin informed by my graduate cordinator of my school(etsu) that GRE exam is not required for my graduate program for mathematics(cos of my Strong gpa ), however, TOEfL will be required,now my question is how much will it cost me for this exam(TOEfL)?..am considering the cheapest price for this, is there anyway i can go about this, maybe registering myself or some1 registering for me(just tryn to save cost) ...need yr contribution on this house... Thanks in advance!

Good work! First off, I urge to consider quit writing like this, it doesn't much add up to your ambitions as a decent grad student. You must have been pretty motivated during your UG days, for the Prof to think you're really good without the GRE. He might be seriously considering you for a Teaching Assistantship position, hence the TOEFL. To that end, you'd need to score particularly high on your Speaking section, while not losing grips in the other sections.

I think the cheapest you'll get is with B Y Mafit Nig. for 50k. Google them, you'll see how to register. Do your due diligence though, as I've only read their reviews, not actually registered through them.

Cheers!

Scholastica16:
Paper route is 40mins for 2 Q-sections and 35mins for each V-sections. The Q section has 25 questions each as against 20 of the Computer route. Same goes for the V. I don't think there is an experimental section for the paper route but I could be wrong. HappyDay would know better.

Also, Paper route takes about 2 weeks or so for the results to come out. The intervening period between those weeks will be nerve-wracking compared to the Computer route that gives you an instant result. So pick your poison.

Lol @ bolded. You're right, all the way. No experimental section, and it's always in the VVQQ order. If you're working on a deadline, those two weeks could seem like two years.

warriboy21:
last fall boss

Alright. Thanks.

warriboy21:
Anyways... i just graduated with distinction honors ..i no gree o..i folo d oyibos dem drag d distinction (we no de carrry last na )

Original waffi boss, congrats brova. I pray favour and mercies speak for you, moving forward. You entered for Spring or Fall?

Chiezzh:
All THANKS BE TO GOD !HE MADE THIS HAPPEN ......and thanks to DEETUS most especially Who scoded me but taught me all I need to know ...Thanks to Venek, Texrem,.ajomarzy. lagosismyhome and all you contributed one way or the other to the success of this ....MY VISA WAS FINALLY APPROVED TODAY 7:30 VERY FUNNY INTERVIEW THO ...TRANSCRIPT LOADING .......70%

Finally. At last, all the bashing here wasn't for nothing. Congrats man!

eniolagharxe:
Approved Application Transcript VO:Good morning
ME:Good morning,sir
VO:why are you going to the US?
ME:To pursue an associate degree in general engineering at Westmoreland county community college, youngwood, Pennsylvania
PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Congratulations bro. Thank God for this very good news, now quickly step down, as you move on to the next thing. Welcome to Obamaland.

damiliano:
Greetings house, Pls if I make payments for US visa application for student visa. How long will it take to be invited for interview

Have you paid? It depends, you can book your appointment within 1-2 hours.

Olayinka15:
ABEG ,please is there anywhere to sleep over at embassy because my interview is on the 29th of december and i might experience hold up if i leave home that morning.....pls i need your prayers ooooo

Go lodge in an hotel at Obalende for the night before, for 3-5k. You'll take a KEKE NAPEP to Bonny Camp, which will drop you at the Embassy, the following morning. Go and get your visa.

All the best.

eniolagharxe:
though I didn't fill on my DS-160 that I'm employed,filled student and my current institution as lagos city computer college, where I got a certificate in computer engineering (2013-2015), can I still go ahead and mention working with my dad before getting the certificate?

In my experience, if you know you won't be able to convincingly discuss what you filled on your DS-160, go fill a new one. Your interview starts with your DS-160. I advise that you fill it again, taking care to account for all the gaps, and smartly talking about your achievements in those places you've been, be it work or school.

eniolagharxe:
I've actually been working with my dad(a senior manager at NCC,technical research and standards and a mobile phone distro)wanna study computer engineering ...so,should I go ahead and talk about working with him with the VO?...

Yeah, you can mention that. Only let them see that you actually worked in an official capacity, handling official responsibilities.

eniolagharxe:
Is it advisable I say I've been working with my dad(he's the sponsor) and I also got a certificate in computer engineering at lagos city computer college,when the consular asks "what have you been doing since you left high school" as I've left high school since 2009 and I'm applying for an f1 student visa?

You want to know what to say? 7 years is a long time, what have you[i] really [/i]been doing since then? I think it's key you tie your roles in your dad's company to what you're going to study. Better if you can relate both to what you plan to do when you return.

eddymatti:
Good morning all, I have been a silent reader on this forum, everybody going for student interview are mostly science related, is there nobody that is going to study economics, that have gone for interview b4?

There are. You don't need to fret, just prepare very well. Let the VO see you're a credible student, won't get stranded over there in terms of cash, and that there are chances you'll be coming back.

Cheers!

believerspraise:
Below is my interview transcript:

I have been praying because I so much believe in the power of prayers and that God can do and undo anything.
The day before I prayed and asked God that I dont want to be interviewed for my Visa and I dont want the interview to exceed a minute. My interview was for 8:45 Dec 13 (yesterday) at VI Lagos. I got there and joined the 8.15 queue; when I got to screening I was sent back because I joined the 8.30 instead of 8.45 queue (I didnt check the time on my appointment form). When I got in again, I was my name was not on the manifest, I sat down and waited till it was resolved. When I got into the embassy to be honest I tried to position myself in front of the guy I thought was giving Visas, he told me he was closing and the security told me to go back to the guy who just refused the last person. I immediately remembered the hard long journey until now and how God was with me every step of the way.

Now the interview proper

Me: Good morning
VO: Good morning, pass me your passport please
Me: Just the passport?
VO: Yes just the passport and your I-20
I passed them to him
VO: OOOOOkay (dragged it) you are going for your Masters in Petroleum Engineering at LSU
Me: Yes thats correct
VO: I AM NOT GOING TO INTERVIEW YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE GOING TO A VERY TOP SCHOOL AND I KNOW YOU ARE A GENUINE STUDENT
That was all the confirmation i needed, that was exactly what I prayed for.
Me: Smiling so hard, thank you very much.
VO: Did you take the GRE?
Me: Yes I did
VO: What was your score ( I told him)
VO: You must be a very intelligent student
ME: thank you very much
VO: how many schools did you apply to
Me: Listed them
VO: You are the fourth student i am interviewing today for masters and only you took the GRE. It tells me that you are ready to put in the work for your studies and for you to be going to LSU you must take your academics very seriously; unlike most of the students who come here and just want to travel to America. I can obviously see you have ties to your academics at LSU and you have ties back here in your country because when you done with your Masters you can come and get a better Job at Chevron (I was a trainee there).
Me: Yes, thank you very much.
VO: Is Chevron paying for you?
Me: No my Sister is paying
VO: 3 business days you can pick up your Visa. Congratulations you are going to a very very good school. very good school.
Me: Thank you very much.

Note: He did most of the talking and he was just telling me about his experiences with Nigerian students who apply for Visa.

two things I left out in my strategy post

i. Aim for top schools. You will get a better all round education and be more desirable to potential employers here or abroad
ii. Try to build a good profile for your graduate application. If you want to study software engineering at UCLA or CALTECH or MIT, go to oracle in VI, tell them you are a potential MIT graduate student. talk about your areas of interest and tell them you would like to work for free to acquire some experience in your field of study. Trust me, no one will turn that kind of objective talent away. thats just an example. Be proactive ! Bless you all. (I've said it all in my strategy and visa post). Before you send a pm look for the answers there

Are you sure you weren't the one interviewing the VO? Congratulations! Your testimony is as fresh as fine wine.

Your transcript would not have helped us much, if you left out the part where you itemized what you did to get here. I think I can safely say that visa interviews should be the least of any genuine student's worries, if he can actually work his bones off to get admission in a top school.

Welcome to Obama land.