Chidinho10:


From your current options, MSF at Villanova seems the best option. The reviews on quantnet seems good and It has strong placement stats. The program seems to be doing well with placements for IB and trading. With strong networking on your side, you can land an IB position at a nice BB. However the downside for you is that the program is non-STEM (did you check that while applying?). So if your risk level is high (lol), you can negotiate some scholarship with the admissions office and then take the offer knowing fully well that your chances of working in the US for >1 year after graduation is dicey.

JHU is a no no (the business school is new and network is not strong yet which may not help you in job placements)

Durham in the UK is a no no too unless you want to return back home after studies


So I'll suggest two options

OPTION A

Take Villanova. It's a reputed program with strong placement stats.. But your chances of staying back in the US is dicey because it is non-STEM. If you're taking it, negotiate scholarship with the admissions office. Use your diversity (African student) as a bargaining tool. Also use your other admits and partial scholarship as bargaining tool. Don't tell them the name of the school or the scholarship involved unless they ask you.

OPTION B

Complete your CFA (is it level 1 or level 3?). I guess it's level 1

Improve your GRE and hit an insane Quant score

Get 1 more year work experience in Finance on your resume

Improve your C++ proficiency through MooCs (I'll tell you why)

Add some extracurricular

Then reapply to McGill and MIT (I'm not really a big fan of this MIT program. Story for another day)

McGill has a very nice program though. You also get finance experience through their business school firm.

Also Add
1. Princeton MFin (confirm if it's STEM but I think it is)

2. Columbia MSFE from the business school (very expensive but insane placements at BB and it's STEM)

3. University of Toronto MFE (their admissions interviews are very technical. Make sure you revise your finance concepts very well before taking them)

4. Vanderbilt University MSF (I won't recommend this program cos of location disadvantage and the fact that the business school is not reputed. It's STEM though)

5. MSF Baruch at CUNY (very strong name in Finance. Apply if its STEM)

If you don't mind considering Financial Engineering, your knowledge of C++ comes in handy. It majorly leads to roles in trading (algorithm stuff). But you need an insane Quant to crack this one. I will recommend >165 as an okayish score and >168 as a safe score

If you like Financial Engineering, then add the following. All Financial Engineering programs are STEM

6. Columbia MFE from the Engineering school (insane placements in BB)

7. UCBerkerley Haas Business School MFE (beware of technical admissions interview questions and nice placement stats)

8. UCLA Anderson Business School MFE (technical interview questions and nice placement stats)

9. Gatech QCF (cheapest reputed FE program on the market but may not land you in Wall Street)

10. Rutgers Financial Engineering (location advantage but beware of their enrollment deposit. Enrollment deposit is >$3500, so you may have to start saving for that just incase. This one may land you in Wall Street or a BB in New Jersey. Good deal I think)


Wish you the very best!!!

WOW! Thank you so much for this. I am sending you a PM right away. Lets talk more.
I think i'd be re-apply. For my CFA, I already passed level 1, would be writing level 2 in June so hopefully, I get to apply to the schools as a level 3 candidate. One thing though, I would say that my applications were very whisky. I plan on doing way better this time.

Of the schools you mentioned, I already knew about the Princeton program, i don't think its for me though. I'm waay out of speck relative to the class average. If I could change my GPA, maybe i'd have more confidence to apply but unfortunately, its pretty much set in stone - Though very good, it'll look so meager compared to the perfect 4.0's.

I just checked the Columbia MSFE program, it looks really really good but it is SUPER EXPENSIVE. 100k per year for two years! My parents would faint! I'd add Toronto to my list, not so sure about Vanderbilt and Baruch. The former doesn't strike me, it seems like just another regular "MSF" and as for the latter, the school "Baruch College" doesn't strike me as a prestigious school. Its not even ranked on QS world ranking and THE World University Ranking.

Financial engineering is a no-go area for me. I was actually considering it before but i don't think I want to be competing with those Chinese guys, it seems like more of their thing.

Are you proficient with C++ ? i actually want to learn it, probably after my exams in June... Also, what extracurricular is there to be involved in as a working professional?

sukerefakere:
@hilaryxoxo, please i need your materials for starters..
thanks and Godbless adipo20@gmail.com

Have you checked the links that I shared?

sKeetz:
took the test on the 21st of last month, I just checked my score and I wasnt impressed at all.

What did you get?
How did you prepare?

Let's start from there...

.

Its people like you that make Nigeria backward. later you would be shouting "racism" "racism"
"you no fit be Kogi man friend"? Do people still think this retrogressively?
ABEG COMMOT FOR HERE *TUEH*

ladiesreject:



Bros I no fit.

If stew like make e de on top her pussy, I no want.

I no even fit be Kogi man friend self

I just hate that state
Evil people everywhere

.

Scholastica16:


Gokuu, is the best person to discuss with on the afore. I think you can PM or ask him the questions directly here. From where I stand, I don't think upping the GRE score will help the MIT chances any better than they currently are. I say this because I have seen a 324 GRE guy get admitted into the same program above but with a 4.8+ GPA. I doubt MIT will fund you significantly as well though.

There are great programs in Austin (not STEM), Duke and Vanderbilt that come with as much as 50% off the tuition and have prohibitive employ-ability rates that you may consider with your current GRE score. The guy I mentioned above will definitely know better.

Thank you @scholastica
I'd be sure to reach out to the person you have recommended. I think i also have more research to do in terms of finding schools. Thank you

femi312:
In as much as I don't support the way he answers some questions because I believe there are better ways to pass the message accross. However, you guys are doing exactly what you are accusing him of. Calling someone 'ode' or 'boy' or 'waiter' is not rude to you? Because Nairaland is a faceless forum does not mean everyone here is a kid or fresh out of undergrad. Just to give you a perspective of who he is..this person you called waiter works in one of the largest oil company in the world. Him telling you to tell your friend to ask the question is not a big deal here. I don't think its hard to ignore some comments that are not telling you what you want to hear. Never burn bridges on your way up, you never know if you will need he/she's help later in life, nairaland is not that faceless. Never met or spoken to him in my life but if I see him in life, I can recognize him. Moving forward, try to practice what you preach, just ignore and get it going

Oil company or not, he has been very ill-mannered.

On another note, what's wrong with calling him a boy? is he a girl?

James89:


Hmm 322 for GRE...u try...u need to lecture me o coz I’m planning to write that exam

You can use the following things:

1) 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems (Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides) - do all the exercises twice and also do the online exercises.
2) The Official Guide to the GRE General Test - Practice all the tests, read the content very carefully and look for things that are crucial. Don't avoid the things you know pretty well such as basic math.
3) https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gmat-word-problems - watch all the GMAT math videos, the guy is exceptional. Will teach you how to approach the questions efficiently.
4) Download MAGOOSH's application of flashcards/ basic and advanced/
5) Official GRE Super Power Pack - Best source for GRE standard questions. Do it after doing the top 4 things and do it thrice if you can.
6) Give the exam - software test 2 weeks before the exam, to understand your mistakes. Do the same test again and again until you get a perfect score in quantitative.
If you have more time, you can practice questions from magoosh. They're very spot-on

LagosismyHome:


John Hopkins is an interesting school .......It is very strong in medical but not so much in other areas (smokes & mirrors hype) so that school i would tread carefully with too . My friends who did MBA there and MPH there , wasnt worth the price tag especially since there was no funding . Some might say otherwise but i said my own

I totally agree with you on John Hopkins, I was initially deceived because of the ranking but I later observed that the program was filled with Chinese students (over 90%).

I also agree with you on UK. The only people that can even manage the employment structure there are IT guys. I guess i may have to stay back in Nigeria for an extra year

Guys,

What do you think about this?
I applied to MSF/MFE programs at MIT, Johns Hopkins, Villanova, Oxford, Mcgill and Durham. Unfortunately, I got into all but the ones I really wanted - MIT, Oxford and Mcgill. TBH, i have no interest in the other schools and only applied there as a backup plan.

Option 1: Should i fashee and just go to Durham?

PRO's
- Cheapest amongst all my schools (£7,500 scholarship)
- My brother works in the UK so there's convenience
- I may be lucky enough to land a job in my dream BB

CON
- I may not be as lucky as my brother in terms of getting a job.
- I'd be more advanced than my classmates given my background


Option 2: Should I just stay back in Nigeria for another year, re-write the GRE (I got 322 the last time and MIT's average is 327) and re-apply (i'd obviously apply to more schools and i think i'd look into Canada)

PRO's
- I get to complete my CFA (hopefully)
- I may get into my dream school (MIT) or any other top school i apply to

CON
- I may not get into my dream school
- Wasted opportunities

TWoods:


This isn’t for you. Save your money... I know most folks here are afraid to tell you the truth.

This is harsh.

What do you mean by "Wonderful JavaScript i wish i can see through the source code grin grin grin grin"... sounded sarcastic to me.

Walspring:


Confused as how?

Walspring:


Wonderful JavaScript i wish i can see through the source code

I'm confused...

LagosismyHome:


an international student who is not ontop of his visa status no won stay abroad ........... There are some thing you dont be nonchalant about .

The story is confusing . If she needs a visa then she doesnt have permanent stay . if she doesnt then how would it help the guy ... Except he intend to switch to hers as a dependent visa . if dependant visa , i dont know the rules but the lawyer should

Hello @Lagosismyhome, thank you so much for your response. I have sent you a DM to explain better.

TWoods:


Tell your “friend” to come here and ask the question herself.

I’m asking on her behalf.

Hey guys, quick question...

My friend's brother failed to renew his Canadian student visa, even after the 3-month grace period. (i honestly don't know why he was nonchalant).

Now, the lawyer is saying the only option he has is to get married. I just want to know if all this guys mess would affect my friend - the guy's sister.

I am sure their records would show the relationship. Would it affect my friend when she wants to get her own student visa?

.

.

besttbabe:
Thanks a lot for the info. Pls here is my mail. Need materials too


Success to everyone!

What materials exactly do you need? I already put up links to the resources i feel is important.

Personally, i think its better to do your research and know exactly what you're going to be using rather than collecting and collecting and not using any at the end of the day.

drhammed:
As you may be aware, application for FALL 2018 has ended already. Then you may consider applying for FALL 2019, which will open in September 2018.

1. For you to be considered for McGill Mastercard Scholarship (M.Sc) , you must be nominated by any eligible department. (Check previous page of this thread, I uploaded list of department participating in this program sometimes late last year).

2. Contact the department and they will advise you to apply for admission, and will nominate you for scholarship.

3. MasterCard will review the documents of ALL nominated and admitted candidates around March/April.

I hope this help.

Thank you so much @drhammed

These are some of my favourite songs... I love them because they are biblically sound and Christ-exalting

1. Sovereign Grace Music - All I Have Is Christ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0vfz5lr37g

2. Sovereign Grace Music - Before the Throne of God Above (feat. Kristyn Getty)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LULK2nZ6sCc

3. Sovereign Grace Music - All Glory Be to Christ Lyrics Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDeWpTkMgFU

4. Keith & Kristyn Getty - He Will Hold Me Fast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=936BapRFHaQ

5. Keith & Kristyn Getty - By Faith

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpScEpriWZs

6. Shane & Shane featuring John Piper - Though You Slay Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyUPz6_TciY

7. Christy Nockels - Let It Be Jesus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_Zsiz0xbxE

8. Christy Nockels - The Wondrous Cross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeLVOl0fxwU

9. Christy Nockels - My Anchor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKpIVFoudc8

10. Vertical Worship - Spirit of the Living God -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogGOlGswStA

11. Christy Nockels - A Mighty Fortress

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UUpeImcnqA

12. Christy Nockels - You Came to My Rescue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AjKkezp49o

13. Seeker & Servant - Here's My Hands, Here's My Heart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7Q6apBvlZI

14. Life Church Worship - Fully Devoted

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW3XPazLHg0

15. Christy Nockels - Praise To The Lord, The Almighty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL2C1bnAI1U

16. Christy Nockels - My Delight is in you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-J3zQAx2ak

17. Christy Nockels - Carry your name

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMcapl8tn9c

18. Kristene DiMarco - Eyes On You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwpn62sc1tI

19. Kari Jobe - Find You On My Knees

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGumE9nkP3o

20. Kari Jobe - Let The Heavens Open

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oip3vHbbsek

21. All Sons & Daughters - Great Are You Lord

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHz0w-HG4iU

22. Kari Jobe - I Am Not Alone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfveawSAHJA


Other amazing songs by Sovereign Grace Music https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcy8mj6bHi9Jef30VSddQxS7lEobB--7J

Other amazing songs by Keith & Kristyn Getty https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvekK3yrtWu9mwaEbkzhxhPXMejYscGIx

Other amazing songs by Christy Nockels https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvSkaQR5E5ZIQAMqwZwSoH6OUaMkWLc8W

Other amazing songs by Kari Jobe https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLahnpsLOIEJXLcUpXt2ehYqWbn2D-XMvz

.

I want to start by saying that the TOEFL is a very very very easy exam - especially for native English speakers. The average person here is done with secondary school, where we studied English as a subject for 6 years. We've spoken English for over 20 years (assuming no one here is below 20 and has been speaking English since birth).

So what is difficult in an exam that just wants to test our ability to use English? - The reason people fail or do below their expectations is: (1) Inadequate preparation (2) Inadequate practice

I have written TOEFL twice. I scored 100 the first time (R24 L25 S24 W27) with less than 1 week of preparation because of my very busy schedule at work. In fact, most of my preparation was done the night before my exam (you better don't try this), where I practiced only reading with the TOEFL software on ETS' website. I was very disappointed with my score as it didn't even meet the cut-off for the school I was applying to. I registered to take the exam for the second time and scored a 101 (R26 L25 S24 W26).

Coming from someone that has written the exam twice, I can tell you that if you practice very well - with the right materials, you'd score well. My score didn't improve because my preparation was very very terrible.

Based on my experience, I'd make recommendations based the little things I did that worked for me and also based on the things I wish I did that I didn't do.

1. Notefull videos: I watched all the free videos on their website here https://www.notefull.com/content.php?pgID=575 all you need to do is to complete all the video lessons there. It is very very short. you can actually finish it in 4 hours. just take note of all the tips and tricks and templates!!!!!!!!!!

2. After completing all the notefull videos, go straight to practicing. This was where I personally missed it. I did not practice at all - apart from the day before the exam, where I started noticing most of my mistakes and weaknesses. PRACTICE LIKE HELL! The software I used to practice was the Official Guide (Interactive Software) which you can find here http://www.gregmattoeflnigeria.com/resources/TOEFL_PC.exe and the TOEFL sampler which you can find here http://www.gregmattoeflnigeria.com/resources/TOEFL_Sampler.exe

3. Once you're done exhausting all those practice materials, you are good to go - trust me. MAKE SURE YOU PRACTICE SPEAKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND DONT FORGET THE SPEAKING TEMPLATES THAT YOU'D LEARN FROM NOTEFULL!

If you still have more time and you want to practice more, you can use this free TOEFL online course that you can find here https://www.edx.org/course/toeflr-test-preparation-insiders-guide-etsx-toeflx-4 (mind you, this course was put together by ETS - the makers of the TOEFL exam). You can also practice with some of these other Free Test Preparation Resources on the ETS website that you can find here https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare and you can also use Barron (I have heard good things about it)

I will leave with this final remark. "all know the way but few actually walk it". I wish everyone the best and I am open to questions.

I also have a ton of materials that I downloaded a while ago and have never opened if anyone sees anything specific they want, they can send me a PM or drop their emails asking for what they want in particular. I would make dropbox link to these materials soon.

.

Wait, i'm confused... 229 in GRE?

Samie1das:
I've been following this thread for a while and I went for my visa interview today. Was successful. Here is the interview transcript.

Me: Good morning sir
V.O: Blank face. Why are you travelling to the USA?
Me: To further my education. I'm applying for a masters program in BioMathematics at University of California.
V.O: Did you apply to other schools?
Me: Yes I did. (Mentioned the name of some other schools)
V.O: Why did you now decide to go with University of California?
Me: It has the area I needed and is consistent with my career choice.
V.O Does it mean that the other schools are not good enough for what you want to study?
Me: I feel University of California was the best choice for me because of the depth of their courses and the long standing experience they have. I discovered this in my interaction with the professors.
V.O: Who is sponsoring your education?
Me: I got funding from the school and my parents will also support me. (Brought out my financial statement)
V.O: Which standardized tests did you write?
Me: GRE and TOEFL. Brought out my test scores and showed him
V.O: Are you sure these are yours? 229 on the GRE (Kept his gaze on me).
Me: Yes I attended lectures at one of the best centres in Nigeria and I did a lot of personal practice
V.O: kept typing. Do you have travel experience?
Me: I have never had cause to travel out of the country. I'm travelling now just because my education requires it
V.O: How am I sure you would come back
Me: Smile. My future plans revolve around what I would do here. My course is alien in Nigeria and I believe there is more difference to make here.
V.O: kept on typing. Handed a white paper to me and told me where to pick up my passport.


I'm very grateful to every one who has encouraged and shared their experience here. This would not have been possible without you guys. Also thanks goes to B.Y Mafit for the free lectures and how much they contributed to my GRE scores. That really made a difference cos that was what caught the interest of the V.O and it was at that point I knew I don hammer.

May Visa Fall on everyone who requires it!

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