Dmoney1992:
Good afternoon and Happy Easter everyone. I got admission for MSc in Civil Engineering to two schools with No FUNDING. Please which one can you recommend for me? Michigan Technological University and Cleveland state University. Thank you

MTU is a better choice - Based on school ranking. Ranking of schools is a very important factor in the visa process, it's easier to proof to the VO that you're a serious student by getting accepted to a ranked school. Some other factors you can look at is, cost of attendance. Which is cheaper to afford, in your case since you don't have funding, this should be momentous.

Schrodinger1:
Henceforth, nobody should drop WhatsApp link here. It automatically gets deactivated once it reaches this platform. You can't be stealing traffic from a site that needs one. Use the PM
button. More so, there's no need for the group you all are creating.

Yes, I believe anything people want to query, they can as well use this platform. If everyone used this platform to advertise a WhatsApp link, how many of us would get as such information as we have now.

If anyone has any WhatsApp link. You can dm whoever. But please stop spamming this forum with WhatsApp links. Thanks.

People have moved to the US from this forum since about 2009, so there's nothing new you want to know that someone doesn't have.
Please let's stick to this platform or if you have to move to WhatsApp do that by sending a DM. But the idea of dropping WhatsApp link isn't effective.

Happy Easter everyone

KvngSO1:
Hello everyone
Trust your night's peaceful.

When asked by a VO

VO: what's your major?

Do you state your program or the degree you'll be awarded?
Please,I need clarity on this.Gracias

What's your major? - what's your intended course of study. At this point, say all you know about your proposed course of study. If the VO feels that's not what he wants to hear, he/she will clarify. You can begin with "I am going for a PhD in Gynaecology science, in the dept of Bleep" I have been admitted for an MSc in urban studies"

Lewoo1212:
Hello, I got an admission with full funding last year fall 2020 which I deferred to fall 2021 because of COVID, just got my full funding again and I am married with 2 kids, does anyone have any news concerning F2 visas and is it advisable for me for me to opt for the f1-F2 visa.
NB: I think I meet the financial requirements for my dependent(8000$) according to the school. Please I need an advice.

Congratulations on your funding. If you meet the requirements then what's holding you back? It's just simple, if you're qualified - able to meet the requirements for the F2 Visa. You can apply with your dependents. Last time I checked, There is no ban or stall on the dependents visa. It just you being able to prove that you can cater for the dependents while pursuing your studies.

Hit the ball rolling.. you need your family with you while studying, your family also needs you.

I wish you well.

abdullahi45:


Thank you so much for your response. I really appreciate it.

Yes. I have secured a funded position.

If asked; why are you not applying from your home country. I intend to relay; I got admitted for the doctoral position and needed to apply for the F-1 visa whilst still busy with my MSc program (here in South Africa).

I would also like to know if I have a fully-funded position, will I still be required to provide the vo with a statement of account (to prove additional sources of funding for travels and miscellaneous). If the answer is in the affirmative, how much on average is expected in the bank account and am I allowed to use my personal statement or it must be that of a parent (or guardian)?

Thanks again.

Your answer is tenable. Sounds convincing.

Congratulations on your funding, you can also contribute your quota by sharing with the house, how you got your funding - this might help someone.

If you have a fully funded position. It's not compulsory to go ahead with any statement of account, as long as the scholarship covers the entirety of tuition and expenses without deficit. Then you're good to go.

If you're to go with a statement of account - in a case where you have deficits. The amount there should be sufficient enough to meet any deficits. It's could be from your Uncle, parents or yourself. Always preferable to get statement of account from someone directly related to you, as this is more convincing on why they will be willing to pay so much for you. Take for instance you go with soa from your boss or a complete stranger, the logical question going on in the mind of the VO will be, why would a stranger want to invest so much on you. That already strikes an immigrant intent.

I wish you well

obajoey:
I saw an opened graduate assistantship position, so I sent in my application (resume and just few lines of text in the body of the mail).
Then I got a response from the director of the unit where the position is opened asking for my intended course of study.
My intended course of study is among the eligible programs list.
Sharparly I sent it to her and she responded by acknowledging the receipt of the update.

Family, should I start dancing

I would advice you don't get carried away. Save the dancing for when it's official. For now, constantly follow up. And do it "kindly".

It will end in your favour.

I wish you well.

First of all, congratulations on your soon to be awarded master's degree. Proceeding, have you been granted admission/funding for your PhD program? Securing visa is a combination of a whole lot. The aim is trying to convince the VO you're a legitimate potential student for a PhD study. Completing your master's degree is already a good sign. Hence applying from SA or Nigeria might be a miniature consideration in your case. In most cases people would always advice that one applies from his/her home country. But this doesn't mean you can't be given a visa applying from another country - you are most likely going to be asked this question by the VO; "why arent you applying from your home country". There are a thousand and one tenable reasons you can give to justify this.

In answering your second question, it's always advisable to be sincere with your answers. Most certainly it will always make more sense to return to your home country to resume work. Thats more logical and plausible.

Anything else you need to know? Prepare, prepare, prepare. The odds favor those who are prepared.

I wish you well.

abdullahi45:
Good day, Fellow Nairalanders,

I have been passively following this trend.

I would be glad to receive your responses to the below questions regarding F-1 visa application.

I am nearing the completion of a master's degree at a University in South Africa and I intend to resume a doctoral position at an American University in the Fall. My question is, will applying and interviewing for my F-1 visa in South Africa (as opposed to Nigeria) reduce my chances of securing the visa?

Since all my family members are in Nigeria, how can I convince the VO of my home ties (if I am applying from South Africa)?

Also, is it okay to tell the VO that I will resume work in Nigeria or South Africa after my doctoral study?

Is there anything else I need to know?

Thank you for your time and invaluable responses.

@justwise @NigPatriot @Predstan @Malone122 @meritdee @fairheart @bukkymbo

iire:
Thanks guys for replying the last time. I need all the help I can help concerning embassy preparation, from transcript review (even though I don't have one) to mock interview please. Also could you guys help by referring me to people who can help here or anywhere or adding me to appropriate groups . Please, . Thank you

For your preparation, kindly go through this thread https://www.nairaland.com/5233208/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part

It contains past transcripts of many F1 applicants. Look at the approvals and learn from the denials too. Practice and gain confidence, but have it at the back of your mind that not everyone gets the visa at first trial, some finally do get it after their 4th attempt - knowing this will relieve tension and not make it look like a do or die affair for you.

tonero4urch:
Hello people,

I finished my master program on scholarship here in Turkey and i have just been accepted into the master program at Georgia State University for Fall 2021 with tuition waiver and graduate lab assistantship position but with a meagre stipend (not upto my expectation).

I have upto 1 month to decide to accept or not because I still have about 8 other pending decisions from other schools that I am waiting for.

I guess I should wait for a school with better offer. What do you guys think? Anybody with any idea about this school? Is it a school with good reputation?

That's a remarkable school bro. What's your definition of a meagre stipend? I think youre among the very fortunate ones who believe funding is their birthright.

The school is a good school. If you're waiting for other decisions then weigh your chances and decide quickly, some one else will so much appreciate this funding you call "meagre".

Be quick to reject admissions you won't be going to,so many people are on waitlist, have that at the back of your mind.

Bigsecret:
indecisiveness is killing me

Some key points that may guide your decision making;

Look out for;

The school with better opportunity after school work.

The location of your school - (safety/crime rate, urban/rural settlement - closeness to industries commercial activities).

Your potential supervisor - the research interest closely linked with yours, google about him/her if possible, ask alumni about this person. (Success in Grad school is almost directly proportional/linked with the quality of your supervisor -especially phD programs)

Lastly, if all your checklist has been ticked, this point should be the tie breaker - Go for the school with better funding �. Ego dikwa very important..

I wish you well.

ManLikeMosh:
Hello,
Good day to everyone,
Please, is there anyone going to UIUC for Fall2021?

That's a highly ranked school. Top choice anytime anyday... I have a friend who also got admission for his PhD program.

Diamondjuli:
I was denied visa in Thursday last week and I want to reapply, can I create a new visa application profile or I should use the old one?

Sorry for your denial. Please share your transcript. As for your question, you're definitely going to pay another visa fee and a new application.

lighkas:


Hello, thank you very much.
About recommenders, can you suggest who I may approach for that? I know a lecturer I can contact, and someone said I can't use just lecturers from one school.

The person was wrong! Your recommenders should be your academic instructors ( your supervisor, professors, lectures) basically faculty that are familiar with you - it can even be your VC.

Meet any of them you're conversant with and explain your plight. The higher the rank of the recommender the more weight it pulls on you profile positively. But importantly meet someone who would speak well of you and highlight your Starlight. You'll be asked for 3 recommenders but speak to at least 5. This will prevent delays.
I wish you well.

Bank450:
Don't wait for June, moreover June is for domestic students, May 1 is the ultimate deadline for 99% schools for international students.

You can do it in 3 days,

Day 1, shortlist 2-3 schools "by department, GRE and English Test Waiver, Ensure they accept unofficial transcripts for review and check that the deadline is at least April 1"
Day 2, fill the application, pay application fee and submit documents you have like unofficial transcripts etc.
Day 3, Contact your recommenders, write your SOP and furnish your Resume, then submit.

Start talking to your grad coordinator and other lecturers for possibilities of funding.

@lighkas kindly follow this advice, then also I'm presuming youve started contacting your recommenders. Providing Recommendations in this application process is what actually takes the time. So if you want to meet up, you should start hitting them up already, (make sure you explain your case, how you have insufficient time). Don't exceed the 2-3 school search.

Since you don't seek funding, if you're sure you have adequate sponsorship funds, and the evidence to show it, then shoot your shot. The onus is on you to convince the VO that you're a legitimate F1 applicant. We all stand a chance!

Ajibfo:
Good afternoon fellow nl. I got admission for masters in supply chain at coloroda with funding of 8k dol. The full fee is 78k dol. I have a sponsor which is my aunt. Am planing to pay sevis fee and apply for visa soon. Pls can I get mock questions to prepare for my interview?

The major debacle you might encounter might be the amount. The deficit which is close to 30 million naira. How do you convince the Visa officer that your aunt can pay this amount for you. It will be an uphill task. If this is not your only option ill suggest you alternate your plan.
Not to say it's impossible you get the visa but you need enough fortitude to be able to convince the VO.

V.O: why would your aunt want to pay such an amount for your education abroad?

Your response:

DemmyDD:
Hello everyone. Pls am new here. Is there any free application university in USA.

Secondly, I already have my MSc. Can I apply for another MSc as the prog is not competitive as PhD?

Please read back previous pages. Your questions have been answered. After reading and you have other questions, feel free to ask them.

FajAyobami:
Please who has gotten decision on admission for Fall at Michigan Tech...

I know their PhD decisions are out. It's on a FCFS basis. Check gradcafe, you'll see comments from hopefuls just like you.

Please guys don't patronize anyone asking you or soliciting that you pay an amount before he/she can do a mock interview for you. That's sheer exploitation, they're trying to pry from your desperation. He/She doesn't work a as VO, so what's the assurance you'll get the visa. Interview season is coming, we can review past transcripts and work from there.

obaxlove:
Please, anyone going to University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) for fall 2021 session?

Check you'll see a number.

kastgeraldino:
And pray that the interview eventually takes place

What do you mean by the above statement? Interview will eventually take place as long as one can secure a date. Are you trying to breed in fear?

area74:


Brother, any serious school will indicate there scholarship offer in the Admit Letter. It is obvious that none of the schools can be relied on for funding. Don't waste your money on any of the schools except you are certain that you have other means to finance the program.

Please note that I also have an MS Accounting admission offer at UIC.

Goodluck!

The bolded statement in your statement isn't true. There are many "serious" and highly ranked schools that won't give letter of funding until weeks later of giving admission letters. - many people here can testify to this.

Schools differ, and are unique in their modus operandi. Relate with your Graduate coordinator, they are the ones with the perfect information especially with regards funding.

MarketDispatch:


Are you going to write exam? what practice do you require? you don't need any practice. Just be straight forward honest and answer only the question you are asked ..don't ramble along with unnecessary reply.

EG:
Consular officer: Good morning

Your answer: Good morning ( Nothing like good morning Sir, or Good morning Ma)

Consular Officer: . Why are you going to study in USA?
Best answer: I was offered admission to study xyz course at XYZ university.

Unnecessary answer: I was offered admission to study at xyz university because i came out top in my class and got a scholarship to be at xyz due to my research work being accepted by Professor JJJ at www xyz bla bla bla.

I would assume you made a sarcastic statement or you were just plain ignorant. People practice what to say at interviews, because it's necessary. Considering the short duration given at the time of interview. It's normal for tension to set in. What practice does is relieve you off that momentum. If one practices long enough, the day of the interview looks like a routine. Past experience has shown that it helps to practice before the interview day (mock interview). The body has its way of responding to shock - which doesn't always end well. But with constant practice. The body adjusts as it can associate such scenario to something similar.

So please don't discourage people who would need the mock interviews to boost their confidence. What works for you might not work for others.

N.B the clause here is, cramming your answers - this is actually dangerous and suspicious too.

TJ0987:
4th rejection just dropped. No more pending decisions...

Sorry about this sir.

Firstly, let me start off by saying this; PhDs are far more competitive than Masters. With that established, I adviced you earlier, have a holistic review of your application details; starting from your statement of purpose, your Recommendations (this is very important especially for PhD applications). What I did during my application was to ask my references (if they can) to send me what they submitted. - most of them did.

What I'm trying to say is this, something might actually be "off" about your applications. Or maybe you have very ambitious schools - do you mind stating the entirety of schools you applied to?

Dont feel weary my friend? And as I said earlier, some schools still have their applications running. Aim at those.

The race isn't always to the fastest it's for those who won't give up!

I wish you well and hoping to hear some good news soon.

Kuwtify90:
Good morning Team,

Please I'm in a situation where getting letter of recommendation from my under grad is delaying/difficult.
Must the recommendation letter come from my under grad school only and must it be from my HOD.

What other options can I explore?

Please help!!!

Recommendations usually are academic or professional. Most schools specify on which they require. Logically, considering the intended use is for an academic position, it's advisable to get an academic recommendation.

My advice for your case is, possibly go to your undergraduate school and meet the lecturers one-on-one. This way, they have an inkling that you're in need for this.
In a case where the location might be too far, try calling them personally. Explain the exigency of it. If possible, suggest a draft/template for them. This makes it easier for them.

Its more like a thumb rule; if your school asks for three recommenders, reach out to at least five. So even if one or two disappoint, you'll be covered.

I wish you well.

obajoey:
Pls sir how can I get the list of "safe schools" in the US for masters program? What do I need to search for on google?

Check the schools ranking. On google check "acceptance rate" usually safe schools have higher percentage for acceptance rate. (60% and higher) - This is speculative.

Another clause you might want to note is; some schools have a high acceptance rate, but some departments in that school might be really competitive. So it's best to always communicate with the GC prior to application.

Novartis:
Sadly, there are no more early interview dates

And embassy is not approving emergency dates or interviews

All days from March-October are all booked up

The earliest date is November

Those going for Fall 2021 semester are not affected.

But those going for Spring and Summer semesters

Sorry guys

Contact your graduate school coordinator and defer your admission to Fall 2021 then quickly go and book your interview for November, because if care is not taken, November will be filled up too.

This is apocryphal. Totally fictitious!
Why would one book interview for Fall at November? Judging from Academic calendars, Fall begins much earlier than that stipulated date.... And who says dates aren't available.

Please always validate your deductions and assertions before declaring in a public forum. Your intent might have been to assist, but you did Just the opposite.
I'll still advice people to always look out for dates.

TJ0987:
I sent am email to the grad program coordinator, and he said the week of 15th (which was this past week), is the speculative time for admission decisions to be sent out, but as at friday, nothing. I will send another email by monday to know where I stand. God knows I've never felt this kind of heartbreak before. I feel so heavy. As per gradcafe, I've never seen anything on GSU's Urban Studies Program there. Maybe because its a relatively new program that was started 2 years ago. My profile: GRE q151, v157, a3.5, toefl slrw 29,29,29,28 (117), bsc 3.12/4, msc 3.5/4, work experience of 5 years in a federal parastatal.
Thank you for your kind words.

Good day sir,
I must say you have a relatively competitive profile. It's surprising to have 3 rejections already, May I ask, did you apply to "safe" schools?
Safe schools are schools that are less competitive, and one would most certainly get an admission if you meet their basic requirements.

In stating this, don't feel heartbroken, this journey is for the strong, and relentless. The deadline for applications of some schools still fall within March. What that means is that you have a chance to still filling applications. Review your statament of purpose, check wat might be your foibles and replace them with your idiosyncrasies. Confirm from your referrals are you sure they are providing spectacular recommendations? If you need to change some please do. In recapitulation, have a holistic review of your profile, and apply to more schools. Fall 2021 is still very attainable, and it's in your hands.

I wish you well.

Jolek15:
Hi guys, I was admitted for fall semester. Can I book for appointment now or I should wait till August

Congratulations,
According to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html, which is the official site of the US Consulate;
"Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date"[i][/i]

Thank God the numbers are decreasing.

Novartis:
Please which US schools accepts Cotonou graduates ?

One of the most humorous questions I have attempted to answer. Firstly, Why do you think US schools won't accept schools from Cotonou. The blatant truth is if a school is accredited; also if the program is accredited, then why not?

But sadly, I noticed most of these schools in Cotonou; Benin operate without modalities which is why foreign bodies don't recognize their degrees.

Not to break your heart, ill advise you to reach out to the schools in particular that you are applying to, mail the graduate Coordinator (GC), tell him/her your uncertainty about your school of graduation. You'll get the appropriate answer.

I wish you well.

Yagami:
Hi bosses good evening, am new here..just finished my msc in chemistry though still trying to get my paper published; and i want to further for my phd preferably in US. UG CGPA 3.49, msc 4.56.
1.Any suggestions on schools i can apply to both for funding and tuition waver?
2.i have concluded i will write GRE to improve my chance of admission..but i need help in the payment and registration for the exam...
And whats the modality of the exam now in Nigeria?
And wen soonest can i write the exam?

You have quite a good profile already and your field of study; Chemistry is heavily funded in the US. So that's already an advantage for you.

Texas Tech, University of iowa, Florida State University, University of Florida, Virginia State University, Georgia State University. Check these universities.

2. Yes you can write the GRE, there are people that can help you with the registration; I suggest you post on the GRE thread for credible registration centres or individuals who can assist you. For the dates, you can always select the date you feel prepared to write the exam. Dates are available on-the-go.

Check www.ets.org for more.

I also think some of your questions would have been easily answered with a quick Google search.

All the same, wish you the best.

LagosismyHome:


According to Wikipedia this school has
38,231 students ..... Texas State University is a public research university in San Marcos, Texas. Established in 1899

there is no way a school with this number of students and established for years can be a red flag

Good response.