Aig84:
Hello, please can you help me with this issue, I have an undergrad CGPA of 3.0/5, I know it isn't competitive but I expect to write the GRE and hopefully get a very competitive score, I do not have a masters yet also but how realistic is it for me with a competitive GRE score and this undergrad CGPA to qualify for a PhD program. Also note that I have no research experience save for the undergraduate project

You can get into a fairly strong PhD program even with this GPA. It all comes down to these: How badly you can convince them you'll be good at research via your Statement of Purpose, how highly you score on your GRE, and how strong your lecturers can vouch for you through their letters of recommendation.

Working hard on those 20% will disproportionately boost your 80%.

Scholastica16:


All my applications are against Fall 2017 as well. PhD for Chemical Engineering (as funding was a priority) but I don't have a Master's degree. I applied to a couple A- and the rest B+ and B- rated schools.

1. Michigan State Uni (11% Acceptance rate )
2. UofUtah
3. UofH
4. LSU
5. UNM
6. Mississippi State Uni
7. KSU
8. USF

Except Utah, I was able to meet the priority deadlines for the rest of the schools. Don't really know what to expect so I am hoping I spread my risks well because I changed my list alot.

Hello, how are the decisions coming in? With this selection, you might have the headache of deciding which offers to accept. And would need to choose based on ishs like weather, public transport system or the school's sport teams.

Scholastica16:
Will respond to my mentions in a wee bit.

Just saw your post and thought to chime in.



Emory has a history of not accepting international students. If I had known you were applying there I would have told you point blank not to waste your time. I guess the application fee waiver was an incentive.

If it would act as a form of consolation for you, most applicants on grad cafe forum for Emory University are reporting rejections and the consensus is that Emory generally has a reputation for preferring American citizens never mind the low acceptance rate. In other words, it is not your AWA or SOPs and so on that limited you.

Well, it's a good thing they waived the application fee. It could have been more demoralizing.

DanjaNinja:


Yes, indeed there is a facebook group and at that time, we thought adding members to that facebook group was a good idea. In retrospect, that was a wrong move. A very wrong move.

Why? Firstly, the facebook group is a private group. All information posted on that group is private and cannot be found through a search engine like google. Incase you dont know, valuable information that cannot be easily found, is useless information.

Secondly, it violates one of the core principles behind the creation of this platform which is to provide a community where people can help one another with useful information on passing the GRE and subsequently getting admitted to the university of one's choice. You may have not noticed but at the time we did GRE group additions, there were barely any meaningful contributions on this thread. Instead, 90% of the posts were based on requests for addition to the GRE group. Suffice to say, this thread became a transit/connecting station for Gre group travellers. They come in, request to be added, get added and never return to make any meaningful contribution. One outcome was inevitable - the eventual death of this thread. For the sake of preserving this beautiful community of humble,selfless,volunteers helping each other succeed and thrive, we did the needful and shut down all gre facebook additions. The recent string of high quality meaningful post on this thread is a testament to that decision. In Olamide's voice "Every post on the thread was a hit back to back".

Moving on, I know i have been absent from this thread but from the bottom of my heart, i thank all those who have kept this thread alive. Sirriddy, i sincerely thank you for selflessly leading this thread even as you do your PhD. Studying in the US is a tough experience. Only those who currently live and study in america would understand what you go through to make contributions on this thread. To do three heavy courses with mountain loads of weekly assignments, work 20 hours a week as a Graduate assistant, cook, hustle babe and yet still find time to come on nairaland to make contributions is truly laudable of you.

To all those who have made truly mind blowing contributions - drHopeful, time2smile, believerspraise, Scholastica16, Bolisticbond026, andradaeze to name a few, i say thank you. Keep doing what you do. God has a wonderful way of blessing those who give. And biko, abeg no vex If your name was not mentioned, please keep up the good work because all those who have benefited from your contributions greatly appreciate you as well.

Oh before i forget, did you know its been almost three years since this thread was created? Its funny how it grew into this beautiful community. When i made the first post, i had one goal in my mind "build a place where like minded individuals can help each other pass the GRE by sharing useful information". Right now its 178 pages and 187,500 views strong. Even though ranking was never the intent, if you do a google search on how to get high scores on the gre, this thread is number 6 on the list. This would not have been possible without every single person who has made a contribution. You all made this happen. It goes to show the what can be accomplished when people come together to support and help one another grow.

On a side note, to all those complaining about reading from the first page of the thread, i see and hear you. You think the GRE is tough? lol. Wait till you get to america. You haven't seen anything yet. If you cant even read 178 pages of useful information that would help you achieve your dreams, how can you even survive? It begs the question - "what are your priorities in life?" America is a beautiful tough place. You have to be really strong to survive here.

I mentioned the group ish back then. Best way to illustrate the true picture. America is one hell of a place. I guess you're now used to the system??

Cephas0009:
Evening friends... I understand the primary purpose of this group is to provide necessary information that will help members ace the GRE and we av done well in this regards. However, the main goal is to secure admission (with funding) . Please I suggest we discuss our admission applications, efforts we av made in reaching out to faculties n possibly the status of ouuur application if any yet. I believe we can learn one or two things from each other's experience so far. I also understand individuals can want to be discreet with their applications until fruition, it's fine.


I applied to UofH n KSU for fall 2017. I completed both applications last year. I had admission for MS Mech Engr Fall 2016 in SDSM&T and SIT last year but I didn't pursue further since neither came with funding option, I deferred SDSM&T to fall 2017 n m still hopeful of securing the service of a faculty for a potential GA. The few times I have gotten replies to my email is when they want to explain that they r not taking new research students.

How is it going from ur end Sirs & Mas?
Cc: Scholastica16, drhopeful, Time2smile, the whole house.

SirRiddy, thanks 4 d support always ... God bless bro

Hi, don't relent. If you applied for MSc for both, funding is always difficult for MSc programs. What do you want to study?

uzolexis:


My brother don't let inferiority complex kill you o. Have you heard an Italian speaking English? Or a French person speaking English? Or even a hungarian? Their English is heavily accented with their native tongue as a result they don't pronounce some of the words well. Yet they write TOEFL and they pass and they don't laugh at each other cos of their accent. There is nothing wrong in having an accent, everybody has an accent.

popular
I guess it because most outsiders don't have an idea of how a Nigerian speaks English. . .

sirRiddy:
I am a yoruba boy and I understand why I said that.
Because of the way our accent is, some words are not pronounced well.
At the same time, many words were pronounced wrongly for us by our
first teachers in primary school. The English speakers are native speakers
even though they have different accents. Their pronunciation are definitely
closer to the British English than ours.
Yes, the test is for non-native speakers. Nevertheless, your accent matters in TOEFL especially
if it distorts you from pronouncing some words on the Speaking section. I wrote the
test myself and had a 24S.

Exactly what I think, boss.

towbaynah:



Yeah true about the email, most top-rated schools state it clearly on their websites.

Would try to check-in here as often as I can as well. Thanks a lot.

Absolutely!

dossylvanus:



Guy abeg remove the English from pidgin. It stopped being English a long time ago. No Nigerian academic even wants to do research on it.


You're welcome.

Funny fact: I used to think pidgin English is Nigerian, but if a native English speaker thinks you're not doing a good job with his language, they say you're speaking 'pidgin English'. So, it's more like adulterated English.

dossylvanus:


Sure. But I don't think that these English language proficiency testing companies will ever agree to let Nigeria off. The number of Nigerian students abroad is frightening. It's very big business for these guys.

Nigerian students abroad aren't really many. We can do better. We're only many in a few US states. When you talk about 'many', think India and China.

Gerrard59:



Same I thought until I became more active on Nairaland. Truth is: We don't write and speak proper English. I read a thread sometime ago where the Chinese were looking for English teachers in Africa and listed Ghana, Kenya and either Zimbabwe or South Africa as the countries where prospective teachers should be chosen from.


That said, this GRE, is it only for entry into schools in the US? Can someone use it (GRE) for non-US schools (say Singapore, Japan or South Korea)?

Thanks.

We've a lot of excellent English teachers here in Nigeria, but we don't have an Int'l rep in it. Since secondary schools, I've always heard that Ghanians are super awesome in teaching Math and English. Now, that's some good'ol rep preceeding them.

For the bolded, I advise that you once you think of going to grad school outside Nigeria, take the GRE with the goal of scoring as high as you can. GRE is the US's standard, and apparently, whatever the US makes becomes the world's standard.

uzolexis:


you know accent does not matter in TOEFL right Everyone has an accent even native English speaking people have different accents.

I'd love to think TOEFL doesn't matter, but in as much as the human graders come from one corner of the planet, they feel well at home with certain accents than others. So, please if you can, try to mirror the native accent as closely as you can. If you can, it'd be good to make the effort.

dossylvanus:


Maybe our accents are unique. But that's what you get from so called non native speakers. Seriously though Nigerians string better looking sentences than the average native speaker.

I honestly don't know how Jamaica happens to be classified as a native speaking country while Nigeria isn't

It's their language, so they don't care. You're right though. Nigerians generally take the effort wherever they go.

uzolexis:


Congrats. Every Nigerian graduate should ace TOEFL though, I mean we have been taught in English from day 1.

Well, we are ESL speakers and writers. Ace writing? May be. But when it comes to speaking, there are a whole bunch of accents. It's one of those culture shock experiences I had when I got here. You can definitely hear them, but then it's hard for them to hear you. Damn, it was frustrating at first. But then, it got better with time. I probably can hold a 5-min convo, without them saying "Say that again!"

BintBello:
Thanks to everyone for their contributions.

My conclusion: it's not only about how long you practice but also using the right materials and getting the right information about the test.. I used just barron for my practice and I can you that the reading section is a veeerry different from the actual test.. This got me unaware and I lost my balance and confidence for a while during the test.

This, in bold, is the key. Smart work sometimes trump hard work. Well done. Let us know if there's any way we can be of help, on your way up.

Cheers!

Waoh, thanks everyone for the love. Really. Everyone. I wanted to do research, never thought it would be this "challenging". Well, I told the VO I wanted to work on challenging stuff in grad school, so I deserve all I'm getting now. Lol.

200+ pages? Really?? I'm glad this thread is thriving day by day. Let me try and play catch up.

* Singing * # Afe o, sugbon Jesu fe o ju, sun re, sun re, sun re #

RIP Mama.

auxioneer:
Happy New Month Everyone here. sorry i have been away for a while. So based on advise i was given i tried my hands on the GRE & TOEFL. i wanted to try again but time factor am still considering this fall.
GRE (V149 Q155 AWA3.0)
TOEFL (R27 L21 S23 W22)
BSc MEch Eng 2.89/5.0
WES Evaluation 2.95/4.0
Schools in view University of Bridgeport (MS Mech Eng), University of Toledo (MS Energy Eng), Mississippi state Uni(MS Mech Eng), University of Kansas (MS Mech Eng).
So please in need someone to help review my SOP.
Thanks in advance
cc happyday, Danjaninja

Send me a PM for the SOP.

sirRiddy:
Bintbello
Thanks for sharing your experience and all the best in the GRE.
Happyday nice work sir.

I'm always loyal, my oga.

towbaynah:
Do you guys get notifications for the posts here? Just wondering how the lot of you active followers get to see virtually everything posted here.

Anyways, I posted my scores way back like three weeks ago. I've applied to the schools and I'm currently waiting for feedbacks. My own question is, do you think I should initiate correspondence with any of the faculty members whose research work dovetails with mine?

I feel it might enhance my chances of being considered for admission but, I'm also scared it might hurt them.

And yeah, Time2Smile, like somebody suggested, the best shot you have at getting your recommenders to respond to their emails, is to get to where they are and help them with it. I was shuttling between Lagos and Ibadan to get mine done. You might want to employ these tips for yours;

1. Get down to their office with your fully charged laptop
2. Draft a copy of the recommendation letter for them
3. Make sure your hotspot works pretty fine

All the best.

Nairaland doesn't notify me of new posts or mentions, I just come here anytime I want to touch base with my roots, always soothing. Generally, schools would want you to direct all of your inquires to the admissions committee and not the faculty members, so you might see some of them explicitly telling you not to contact those lecturers.

But, if you feel you've deep interests in a Prof's research group, send them a short and quick email, hinting briefly about your background, and focusing more on your perspective of his research works. You might gently add a PS that you've applied, and would be interested to wok with him. Bottom line, is don't put him under any pressure to get you into his lab. And don't set your expectations too high; if the adcomms thinks your app is good, you'll be admitted, when you'll get to choose which lab you wanna go.

So, I'll say send the mails, even though there's every chance they don't reply. Or if they would.

Cheers!

Scholastica16:


Thanks dear. I read all your posts on this thread including your GRE experience. You'd make a good teacher. Hope you know.

You took the TOEFL as well. How was yours?

Hmmmmmm! Finally, another confirmation!

Renewable0216:


Sorry I'm quoting a very old msg but I need to make reference to this!
This was some 3-4 months ago and this advice has really helped.

I appreciate you Skinny and everyone that has helped me reach this stage! God bless you richly!

I'm back this time and I think I have some good news this time.

I got a mail from one of the schools you advised that I applied to that I've been accepted for a PhD Electrical Engineering. Super excited about it.

The only ish now is I was asked to send financial document before issuing I-20. Truth is I don't have such financial muscle


Anyways, I trust the Elders in the house to guide this "toddler" in the right direction

I must appreciate the indefatigable efforts of @Electronic aka my tutor He's been very helpful and instrumental all through the application stages. He's also given valuable advice on how to proceed which I hope to act on from Monday but I'm open to more guidance; the more the merrier,right?!

I totally will love full funding or something very close.

PS: I've been in talks with the grad coord for a while and she's been of help too though most times pithy and not discussing things at length. Ive never discussed funding with her up till now because I felt it was sort of sensitive but now that the admissions' given, how do I proceed from here?

Also, I once mailed the particular Prof whose research aligns with mine before submitting my application but he never replied.


Should I mail him again, or reach out to even more outside my area of interest?

What should I do differently in the mail this time?


The school is U o Kansas, if that might help

Looking forward to your much esteemed guidance folks!


cc: Electronic, Slimmy2005, Sir Riddy, Lagosismyhome, Gunther6, just wise and everyone who can be of help

Congrats! I assume they're not expecting you to fund 5 years of PhD with your funds. But it might be that the top candidates get funding, while others who are admitted but without funding are eventually dropped. Mail the grad co-ord without mincing words that even the first year willbe financially difficult for you to sponsor. That you'll need all the funding you can get, and that you might not be able to attend otherwise.

Tell them you're saying all this, cos of the financial doc requirement they're requesting. You might be exempted, or better still need to tell them you expect their funding.

PS: It would help if you've already said all these in your SoP, that way, you can just refer them to it. Cos, I can see this on the program's page: Students interested in assistantships should describe their teaching or research interests and qualifications in their academic objectives statement.

All the best!

andradaeze:


Did you write the TOEFL? If you want a GA position in Mathematics which is usually in teaching, endeavor to write the TOEFL.

Also, based on your quant score, what you are seeking will be difficult because you are expected to score high as a mathematics graduate.
From my observation, you have two options, either you rewrite the GRE and score high in the quants or you have tuition for your first year. You might be lucky to get a GA in your second year if you work hard.

In fact, most graduate programs in Maths require the subject test. Hence for schools that do not require the Subject test, you need to score high on the Quant Section. If you really need funding, please rewrite the General GRE and write the TOEFL and score high on the speaking section.

Please, this time around, do not do a "crash GRE exam".

The gurus in the house will add their knowledge later. All the best.

Gbam! Dopest solution. Sbrainy, don't waste that GPA.

ponpon:
schools are usually specific in the lor they require, some request solely academic ref while some go with professional and academic.
I have never served on any admission committee and I don't think any one on here has but following the instructions on the portal of the school pays and you can get professional info on quora

OK!

Time2Smile:
I think we should move on from the fact that O'Green failed to report his scores ad experience. As much as I don't agree with his decision, He is not the first nor will He be the last to do so. Some even neglects the thread entirely once their test is done. This thread has always been courteous and civil, please let keep it that way.

I got my official GRE scores and AWA score is 4.5 I am a tad disappointed as I was hoping to emulate Scholastica16 90 something percentile score. The 4.5 is 82nd percentile which is more than good enough for my field. Forward and upwards.

I am having a challenge getting suitable referees. Those I would like to use are not responding to their emails, and most schools require online submission of letters of recommendation preferably through institutions based email addresses. Can I get letters from someone who is not my former Lecturer?. Suggestions are needed please.

I choose to be happy, cos I owe myself that. Good news on your AWA! Great score there!

You've been calling those profs, or emailing them? Your best bet is to call them, send them texts, just anything, that doesn't require email. Even though they would still have to send those LORs via email. Better still, I suggest you choose a day. Try to get those email requests from your target schools in their emails first. Get your PC down to your school, and do all you can to make them do it. I think it's easier that way.

And yes, letters from faculty members weigh a whole lot more than from any other source. Why? Grad programs don't give a damn about our character, extracurriculars, or other soft skills. Of course, it would be nice to have those, but then they're interested in your research experience and/or potential. The rule of thumb is for every 3 letters, 2 should come from those you've worked closely with in research-heavy environments or something similar.

Good luck!

mechango:
Hello house,

I am new here, just finished my masters programme in Economics from UNILAG and considering writing GRE, here 're the questions I want to ask

1. what is the current cost of GRE -- $205 official rate, but you can google 'B Y Mafit' to register at N50k
2. what re the subject combination -- 3 sections; Quant, Verbal and Analytical Writing
3. How many questions does the exam entails -- Check the very first post on this thread
4. Relevant materials -- Check the first post on this thread
5. How is the scores computed -- Aim to not miss a question at all, and you'll get a perfect score, or close to it. By the way, a perfect score is 170/170 in the Quant, 170/170 in the Verbal, and 6/6 in the Analytical Writing section
6. For schools in America, is it a must I write TOEFL or it depends on the institution - A big YES, almost ALL schools require that an applicant who has not completed a Bachelors degree in the US take the TOEFL. In short, you will need it.

looking forward to your prompt response

Anything else?

Zino55:
Hello Guys. Pls who came help me breakdown the process required to apply for Economic Hardship work authorisation? I need to knw d steps involved. Thanks

Go here:
https://www.nairaland.com/3285858/general-u.s.a-student-visa-enquiries-part/41#48862390

You have ddbluv and richcasey to thank for that.

Scholastica16:


There is a reason this thread was started and to that end, why we come here to report scores and share tips. May be you think it is to gloat or appear scholarly but you'd be sorely mistaken.

.

He's gonna come around, bro. Trust me, I know that feeling. OGreene is feeling tensed, and may not be feeling proud enough to quote his scores, and relate his test-taking experience. Just take your time. When you're ready, we'll also be here to learn from you.

Cheers!

Olayinka15:

its better u say u are not dah brilliant rather than saying u are not intelligent....cos brilliancy is quite different from intelligence, u might be intelligent and not brilliant, but all brillant people seem to be intelligent.

Na joke sis. He's too humble.

sirRiddy:
LOL...Am I lying ni?

No be lie joor, boss mi. Your head is overly valid.But all of us want to breaaaathe in that American Oxygen now. Na why.