Got to the embassy. Went thru all the protocols. Then came the time for the real thing. The Consular officer at counter 6 at the Abuja was the only one available that afternoon. Of the five applicants interviewed before me, only one got the visa. The man was so meticulous- asking details of account and academic life. Had some tension building up on my inside but I calmed myself coz I had a conviction in my spirit that by God’s grace/ favour, I’ll get it anyway.
Then, the time came.(pls note, I have not written these interview in the exact order it transpired. Pardon me.)
I greeted him- not sure he responded. I passed my documents to him. He says I shud give himmy academic documents too(WAEC and degree certificate). I passed these docs to him and also brought out my test result forms (IELTS and GRE). He requests to see the test scores too. (all the while, he’s been typing things on his computer).
Vo: (Pointing at the percentile score on the quantitative analysis section) Do u know wat this means?
I: Yes
Vo: what does it mean?
I: it means dat percentage of test takers that day scored lower than me.
Vo: uhmm…it actually means the reverse.
I: oh yeah.dat’s rite.
Vo: (hands back my docs) Those are pretty good scores u av there.
I: yeah.
VO: (holding my degree certificate in hand and typin on his pc) So u graduated in 2008, so wat have u been doin since then?
I:Well, I’ve done the compulsory NYSC(not sure exactly the way I put it but at least dat was wat I meant to say), then I av done a certificate course in project management…
VO: (interrupts) project management?
I: yes (thot he’ll ask for the certificate but he didnt)
Vo: u did ur B.Sc in Engineering ****** so why are u doin ur M.Sc in general Physics
I: I presently work at a research center and I believe a M.Sc in physics and the international exposure will help me in my research work. (then I said sumtin like I’m really interested in condensed matter physics because it is related to my long term term career goals)
VO: can I see ur transcripts
I: yes (I gave him the students-copy of d document)
He scans thru it thoroughly. Nodding all the way. Then he asked a strange question…
Vo:…quantum physics…uhmmm…so wat is quantum physics?
I: told him some jargons about Q.P being the study of the statistical behavior of atoms and sub-atomic particles at the atomic level…bla bla bla bla… and some other jargons which probably didn’t make sense.
Vo:do u do some mathematical physics too?
I: yeah, I enjoy maths physics coz I av an analytical mind.
VO: do u know anytin abt strain theory?
I: yeah, I’ve heard of it b4 and I beliv a lot of research is goin on in that area at the moment. I’ve been focused on my research at the centre lately.
Vo: (takes an interested look at my I-20) so u got some funding from the school?
I: yeah
Vo: and the rest is coming from…uhmmm…
I:my work place (showed him some letters from my work place.)

Vo: (takes a cursory look at the documents) Yeah. (types on his PC again)
So why did u choose this university for ur M.Sc degree?
I: well, the low faculty-to-student ratio was of interest to me… (I wanted to say more coz I had a lot more to say but the man interrupted me again)
Vo: did u apply to MIT?
I: No. but I applied to Masdar at the UAE…
Vo: oh yeah.

Next I saw was, the man raised my I-20 to the glass and says “look at this (as if it had not been wit me all this while) it is your I-20, u’ll need it when you get off the plane”
I: ok.
Vo: (shows me another form) you’ll need this to pick up your passport on Monday or if u need anybody to pick it up for you, you use the reverse.
I: Thanks you.

The man didn’t even ask for proof that I’ll return to Nigeria like he did those b4 me. I guess he cud tell that I’m so comin back to our OBODO NAIJA. We need to make this place beta.

Here are my top tips for those still going.
1) Believe and trust in God. Obviously, He alone can make ur dreams come to pass.
2) Be confident and have a good attitude.
3) Have an answer to every question (Note: it doesn’t have to be the correct answer, but just say sumtin) Never look lost.
4) Don’t go there with multiple account statements. U’ll stutter while tryin to defend them. Go there wit one and be ready to defend it.
5) Keep it short and simple
6) No point trying to avoid any counter or consular officer, if you go there prepared and if u’re legit, u’ll get ur visa. So, PREPARE.
7) Dress well. Personally, no point wearing a suit…they were rejected. It’s the way u come across that matters. A shirt and trousers would do 4 both men and women.

I hope this helps someone.

Hey people, I had my interview at the Abuja consulate yesterday and was given my visa. ALL THE PRAISE GOES TO MY GOD.
I've been told to come back on Monday to collect my passport (my I-20 was returned to me, ) Can i go today Friday? Like late in the afternoon.??
I will post my experience soon and some top tips too. We serve a great God.

Pls post it soon oh. I'm scheduled to appear at the USA embassy in Abuja 2moro. Thanks alll.

I want to register for the GRE. I wish to write the exam in the next 3 weeks. Please where is the best place to go? Thanks for your kind and prompt response. morotioluwa@gmail.com