kfrosh:
Nice write up bro. Sorry for your delay. Though I'm not an expert, still a JJC, but without mincing word Your choice of school played a big role in your denial.

First, I could not get it's ranking on the first page of Google on Usnews. The "deadest" of schools will still give you a Usnews ranking link.

Second, the school was established in 2005.

These two reasons are enough to mar your chances. I might be wrong as I'm not the V.O.

I suggest try to get a better school before reapplying and you should be fine.

LagosismyHome:


What school is CMU?... Central Michigan University? Or Carnegie Mellon University ... although Carnegie ain't cheap so most likely not

My e-family,

I'll make this really long because I don't know when next I'll have the time to inspire and educate in this wise.

I had always waited for the day the turn will be mine to share my own interview experience, unfortunately I didn't know I'd be sharing a Delayed Transcript.

I have quite a decent academic profile and had never spared a thought to the incessant allures of US travel. But after enduring a protracted MS program here in Nigeria with it's attendant troubles, I finally yielded to the voice of reason, to go get a quality education in Yankee. Admittedly, I've been an oldie here on Nairaland, but I never knew about the educative section on US Student visa.

Somehow, I took off on a wrong note in April, this year, by contracting an Agent to facilitate the process on my behalf. An attitude of nonchalance on the part of the agent was the pep tonic I needed and prompted me into surfing the net for visa tips. In that process, I discovered this wonderful section. From then on, I took control of proceedings. The only reason I didn't severe relationship with the Agent who is US based, was to let him handle crucial payments and send me the necessary documents: this was a perfect game plan.

Since April until recently, I successfully saw off 5 Threads [Part 10-14], and I must say I've learnt a lot. Not only have I been familiarised with the Visa process, I've been able to glean information concerning life in the US, her stringent immigration policies, and survival tips. To the US hopefuls, I'd advice you to eschew laziness and pay due diligence by digesting info from this section. There is more than enough for you here.

Since April too, I've had to do one or two things to bolster my profile and visa approval chances and this include writing a standardized test (The TOEFL). I was able to convince myself that only a poor showing on the interview day could hamper my chances. This thought alone was enough morale booster during my prep and trust me, I was ready and raring to go for my interview.

My interview date was September 11th and the location was the Abuja US embassy. Things were very orderly there. For people like me who love proper organizational process, Abuja is your best bet. I left my phones in my hotel room. As such, I neither paid to have them stored for me at the venue, nor did I pay attention to those racketeers outside since my documents were complete (of course, coloured documents are not necessary).

My interview details:

What are you going to CMU for: I'm going for my Masters program in Computer Information System. It is for my academic and professional growth.
Why this school: They offer my course as an interdisciplinary program and I'll be able to do Business courses too. The fee was too good to overlook. It's affordable and the same for domestic and international students. Nothing about the student affairs is automated, as they have time to attend to students on a one-on-one basis.
Who is your sponsor: My Dad is my Sponsor. He's a Director of BPRS in the xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Do you have his statement: Yes (I gave her)
So what will you do with this course when you come back: It qualifies me for a promotion into the International Operations Department of my company.
Okay you're working? So are they going to secure your job: Yes, I have a leave permission from them.
Do you have your leave paper: (I checked my file) and then answered, I'm sorry I don't have it here.
How did you know about this school (she didn't wait for answer)...
When did you get your last degree: May 2013
Why is the tuition too low, I haven't seen an American University as low as this: (I wasn't expecting that kinda observation so I responded) It's one of those affordable Uni.
Do they have online courses: Yes they do. They have it Online, Hybrid and Classroom.
So which one are you going for: I went for the classroom option.

After typing a long time, came the pink letter.
Meanwhile, all the interview period, she kept typing away on her system and hardly looked at me. She particularly captured my sponsor account details too. Maybe she was typing the amount into the system. Just maybe...

Please, your inputs to this transcript would be appreciated.

cutelivia:
House please am in a mess, I need help urgently, my interview holds on the 4th of September and I filled in my dad as my sponsor now the money he is supposed to use in supposing me he has used it to buy goods(car spear parts), I don't know what to do, I definitely can't go to the embassy with an empty account, please I need advice urgently. Thanks to you all.

Flaame:
Hello NL family,I guess it is time to upload my transcript,my visa wasn't approved on aug 24th. It was my first trial,date was initially on aug 15,2018 but was rescheduled to aug 24th. It was a cold n rainy morning. All aug 14,15,16,17,18,20,23,and 24th applicants were scheduled together to 24th,all 7am,7:30am,and 8am applicants were joined together. Queue was like that of judgement day queue....the one we usually see on jehovah witness books of people going to hell. My time was 7am and I came before that(abuja).

Me:[still recovering from all the abrupt cut n join interview....the guy no d wait make u hit am] as an ..*ABET*( I corrected and expanded the meaning),the engineering curricula at st.Cloud is so standardized at bachelors level and it ensures students(he cut me short again saying ok)
Vo: thank you....u can have your passport,nice time(put the pink paper in my passport,kept a kind of sorry face...like u almost made it).
Me: but where did I go......
Vo: the paper will tell u....

Jiggsbaby:

After I was denied I applied to two other schools

Dolorsa:
You almost got approved bro. I feel you should show strong ties when next you appear by bringing your wife into the picture since you are married. Your delivery was on point. Try and be consistent when next you show up if you decide to refire. Don't forget God too. Best of luck.

bushman404:
Hello House
i am going for a second degree in industrial engineering/maintenance and operation my first degree was electrical engineering i just want you guys to help me thinks on befitting answer for the VO when ask 1) why this course 2)why a second Bsc or why change of course Thank you as you brainstorm with me

Ajibade105:
Hello,

Start with this thread with the link https://www.nairaland.com/1832477/how-achieve-high-scores-gre read from page 0 to the end of that thread. You can then begin to read this thread, I'll advise you read from part 1 to part 14. You'll be glad you read all the pages... All the best!

Differentials1:
You are silly. You and your kinds should learn to have facts before passing dis-reputing comments on people. So new member of a group can not offer to render a service? Do you think everyone out there is dishonest? Keep your mind open and allow good to florish. I understand what people do and I am not a party to your assumption. You should tender an apology. You are supposed to verify something before concluding.

fabyom:
hi bro, thanks. how can we discuss.

sureb0yy:
Told myself I wouldn't post anything on NL until something big changes for me.

July 2016: F1 visa approved.
July 2018: GC approved.
July 2018: Job offer accepted.

I'm now a legal permanent resident of this place... and I'm starting my job at progressive insurance on Monday 8/6 in the claims department. Not the best job in the world but I'd take $50k p.a. right now considering all I've been through lol. My second part-time job will earn me between $4h and $1k a month too so... not a bad start.

Now I can come back to NL and give advice like the old days to anyone who wants it. I don't remember the username of that guy who used to tackle me all the time with "body go tell you" posts. Baba, if you can read this, whether it's luck or not, I didn't encounter any of those scary things you predicted o.

Prospective NLers chasing the American dream, ask me whatever you need to know. Against all odds, I came here to study stupid course in a stupid school without any funding. 2 years later, it's all history. It took a bit of luck but who cares? I'm in a better place and that's what matters.

Don't let any keyboard warrior discourage you from chasing your dreams... keep sleeping! Lol.

Spotlighte:
Hello guys,

I'm new here. I've read so many of the messages and I like what I see.

I need your help though. I want to study Advertising and public relations in the USA, and I've done some research on schools over there that offer the course such as Alabama University, Michigan State University, Pennsylvania uni, University of Texas, Austin and a host of others. The problem is that I don't know how competitive these schools are. I also don't know how to go about the registrations and all of that.

I want to apply for next year, and would like to be put through with application for cost-effective schools that offer this course. Anybody? I have a lot to ask you.

If there's anybody studying Advertising in any US school, I'll be glad to talk to you.

I'm just so confused and worried. I was thinking getting an agent until I stumbled upon this thread.

Please help.

Teaser0904:
The email i used for this acct is not mine ma.You can ask me any question here.

mzomaks:
MY PROPOSED TRANSCRIPT PLEASE GO THROUGH AND CRITICISE WHERE NECESSARY I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND EVERYONE HAS A BUSY SCHEDULE BUT PLS PLS DO NOT READ AND SCROLL SAY SOMETHING!

Me: Good Morning Ma/Sir
Vo: Morning Pass me your I-20 and passport

Vo: Why are you going to the US:
Me: To do my Masters in Information Systems and Technology

Vo: What will you be specializing in ?
Me: I will be specializing in Information Management Application

Vo: Tell me about your Information Systems and Technology
Me: It’s a 30 credit hours degree program for computer scientists, Engineers, business people and other professionals who have the responsibilities of using, improving, installing, managing and evaluating integrated enterprise wide information systems. The program focuses on business process and ERP(enterprise resource planning) software to integrate the functional areas such as finance, sales, manufacturing, distribution e.tc
During the period of my degree I would be taking courses such as:
Database Management Systems
Enterprise Information Systems
User interface Design and analysis
Object oriented systems design
Data Structures and Algorithm and of some computer programming languages

Vo: Why the US?
Me: Universities in the US have an excellent teaching curriculum and the US is also known as the world renowned academia and a degree from the US has an excellent international reputation and is also well recognized and respected around the globe.
US universities are diverse in terms of age, religion and cultural background.
The US also provides excellent support for international students and academic flexibility as well.
Advanced use of technology

Vo: Why Masters in Information Systems and Technology or what will this degree do for you:
Me: Masters in Information Sys and Tech would help me achieve my future career goals which are Starting up an Information Management Consulting Team.

The degree would also give me access to the recent advances in information system, the necessary skills and techniques I need to integrate information Technology into enterprise systems.
With the skills and techniques obtained from this degree I would develop( write a proposal to the Nigerian Government Via the National Identity Management Commission and the Independent National Electoral Commission) a Centralized Information Management System for the nation Nigeria( the system would comprise of all the details (Name, Date of Birth, school and job history of citizens, medical history of citizens). The system would assist greatly in crimes and curbing corruption. Bank verification number would be used as unique entity in the process to reduce data duplication on the system.
I also chose this field because there is continual career progression if the individual is focused and determined.

Vo: How Many Schools did you apply to?
Me: 2 (University of Michigan-Dearborn and Western Michigan University)
(*** *** ****** * ******* ** **** ***)

Vo: How many accepted you:
Me: Both

Vo: Why University of Michigan-Dearborn
Me: Honestly the major reason I chose UMD is because of the Ford Motor Company as I have been working as ford service advisor for 3 years now and schooling at UMD would give me the opportunity to visit, experience and interact with individuals at FoMoCo( the thought of that excites me because I would get to see the first manufacturing assembly line and it would be really nice to have feel of the manufacturing process)
UMD has small class size of 17:1 (student:Teacher) which would give me the opportunity to interact easily with my faculty members and fellow students.
UMD has an engaged campus community and they offer several internships opportunities.

VO: After the degree what do you intend doing?
Me: I would come back home to start up an information Management Consulting Team.
I also plan to build a centralized Information Management System for Nigeria.
Then I would like to start up my own ice-cream shop more like a dream than a future career plan I know.

Vo: Who would be sponsoring you?
Me; My Dad and I also have savings for myself (tho I won’t be going with my bank statement)

Vo: what does he do?
Me: He is a Public relation manager at Daewoo Engineering and Construction Nigeria, and then he also has a business in which he sells Palm oil, Fishes and Chicken in bulk.


Omo I didnt know it would be this long , choi God help me

phemmisky:
Guys pls, the agent in US told my cousin not to open his i20 form that it is to be opened by the VO , pls how true is this ?

Furthermore , how true is the information that there is a new policy (created about a week ago ) that someone with a visitors VISA who applied for student VISA in country outside USA and got denied and proceed to USA on his visistors Visa and decided to applied for student VISA from USA and gets denial will be immediately deported because his intention of student visa has been created already when he first applied outside USA and thus, he’s not in US to visit but to apply for student visa

Samuel60:


Why do you guys try to create or blow issues out of proportion... Must u jump into issues without investigating properly??.. Can’t u see av edited my post long ago ?? Damn

PHUMEELAYO:
Hello good people.... The queen of silent followers association over here whup whup

July 21st, 7:30 I was interviewed by the beautiful black American Lady (the young light-skinned one), she was just so calm and focused and it really helped me regain my confidence. Whenever she asked a question I didn't have an immediate answer, I would say excuse me.... The time it takes for her to reply, I was already thinking up an answer. I did breathe-in-breathe-out exercise at the beginning.

She was just staring at me and smiling, not typing much.... I couldn't afford to fidget or flinch at any question.

I: Good morning ma'am

VO: Good morning, and how do you do?
I: I am great, thank you and you?

VO: good, good. pass me just your i20 and passport please. So what's your course of study?
I: Masters of social work at east Tennessee State University in Johnson city Tennessee

VO: what do you do now?
I: I am currently employed at xyz specialist center, a special needs school that caters to children with developmental disorders like autism, ADHD and Down's syndrome. As a program facilitator, my main duties are (she cuts me off, she was cross-checking with my DS160 throughout)

VO: so who would be sponsoring this trip?
I: I got a merit scholarship that covers 50% of my tuition, my great-uncle and sister would cover the rest of my expenses. Then she goes through my i20

VO: Why didn't you apply to more affordable programs?
I: well most of the other schools expect their MSW students to pick a concentration at the second year but since I don't have a BSW nor basic SW knowledge, I wanted programs that offer a generalist practice model where I would be able to experience every aspect of the profession

VO: any standardized tests
I: yes, I sat for the GRE with a score of 314 and IELTS with an overall band score of 8

VO: who would you be staying with? Do you know anyone that has applied to or attending this school?
I: I will be staying on campus at the Buccaneers ridge apartment and already made a deposit. No I don't know anyone at the school

VO: how then did you know about the school
I: I made use of the worksheet available on the EducationUSA website and was able to solidly define my priorities. Then I researched for schools using socialworkdegreeguide.com, usnews, mastersportal and gradcafe and I was able to shortlist the programs fitting my requirements.

VO: What other schools did you apply to and how many admits?
I: southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, University of Maine at Orono, Michigan State University at East Lansing, Ohio State University at Columbus and Georgia State at Atlanta. I was admitted by four of them.

VO: can I have bank statements to backup your claims (handed over my sis first, savings with over #11m) what does your sister do?
I: she is a level 13 civil servant with the Lagos State govt

VO: (just looks at front page of the statement), has she ever left the country?
I: No, she hasn't

VO: looks at my Uncle's (>$100k), where does he reside and what does he do?
I: He stays at Maryland and is a real estates agent

VO: how did he get to the US?
I: (laughing) he's my great-uncle and it would have been rude for me to ask him that, it was a long time ago even before my mum was born. From the stories passed down, I hear he was given a federal scholarship when he was in secondary school and later citizenship, I don't really know specifics, you know how stories can change when passed from generations to generations.

VO: (laughing along with me) congratulations, I would be approving your visa..... Blah blah DHL.... Blah blah i20.... POE
I: thank you ma'am, I do hope you enjoy the rest of your day.
VO: I hope so too, thank you

This is my second interview, was denied June 27th.... Will dig that up and post later.

It would be remiss of me not to thank the wonderful people of this thread especially Texrem (wonderful man with a beautiful soul), Sorelee, Walsprings, lagosismyhome, profojah, meritdee and sponge3.

Temitayo1949:
Hmmmm..You right bro...Now i know where the problem lies..So what can be done should i just get a new I-20 from a new school or make i just forget about US student visa in general ni?...

bee17:
hello my people in the house, got denied on 13th June 7am interview.
transcript goes thus;.
(tried to greet her first, but she did before I could do DAT)
VO: Good morning
me: Good morning ma(with a great smile)
VO: ur passport and i20 pls?
me: I gave it to her
VO: (typed for some minutes) why accounting?
me: accounting has been my dream course, and also d act of keeping record of transactions, with this I can work in any organizations profit or non profit making organization.
VO: why NAU?
me: i chose NAU because the school teaches more deeply in accounting and also its like a home for every international students because it offers some self support services like scholarship opportunities, sport facilities and also the climatic condition is good enough to adapt to the system easily.
VO: (typed for some minutes again, later handed the d blue paper) sorry, but you can reapply.

kindly point out my errors here, I need to know what went wrong in my transcript, cos I want to know if I should refire or not.(confused)

thanks and God bless you all.

Sirtenburg:


Me : Good morning
V.O: no response
V. O:why this course?
M.e:to have an indepeth knowledge of business principles and practices, also to acquire a managerial and leadership skills and to avail my self in international company and eventually to own my business
V. O:what will you do after your program?
M.e:I will come back home to take up a job because my degree will make me stand out and it will be easy for me to get a job
V.o: Are you married?
M.e: No sir
V. O: you got kids?
M.e: No sir
V. O:have you travelled outside Nigeria
M.e:No sir..
V. O:how would you find your trip?
M e:my sister is paying for it
V. O:what does she do for a living?
M.e: she's a business woman, a distributor of Nigeria bewery and Guinness product
V. O: sorry you are ineligible, this paper will explain more better.. I was given a blue paper section 214(b).

RearVoice:
Please Good people of this Wonderful thread,
Can my father's best friend be my Sponsor?

femi312:
You might be asked for SOA and you might not be asked. However,If you are planning to do what I am thinking, DONT!

LagosismyHome:


Congrats .......God bless your new journey

LagosismyHome:


you clearly were not prepared so start reading previous post here , even different parts as this is part 13......... and also find the link of previous transcripts go through it
Once you are done reading , you defintely learn a thing or two