₦airaland Forum

myaisha00:
Hello good evening. Been reading the thread for few days now. Just graduated university with a Bachelor in agriculture with a first class and I'm interested in plant and/or soil sciences. I am planning to write the GRE by September ending.

Schools I want to apply to:
UC, Davis - MSc Horticulture and Agronomy
University of Kentucky - MSc Integrated plant and soil sciences
TAMU, college station - MSc Agronomy
UBC - MSc plant science

Will add more schools as time goes on. Any piece of advice about my choice of schools, funding, suggestions will be appreciated.

Excited to start this journey

Immacharles:
Good day all, please I’m new here. I graduated with a second class upper in chemical engineering and I’m looking for a school outside Nigeria that will offer me scholarships to do my masters in Business Administration. I don’t know how to go about it. Please can someone assist me. Thank you

myaisha00:
Hello good evening. Been reading the thread for few days now. Just graduated university with a Bachelor in agriculture with a first class and I'm interested in plant and/or soil sciences. I am planning to write the GRE by September ending.

Schools I want to apply to:
UC, Davis - MSc Horticulture and Agronomy
University of Kentucky - MSc Integrated plant and soil sciences
TAMU, college station - MSc Agronomy
UBC - MSc plant science

Will add more schools as time goes on. Any piece of advice about my choice of schools, funding, suggestions will be appreciated.

Excited to start this journey

Futuragetty:
Hey Fam,
What would be the appropriate answer for "Passport type" when filing DS-160, Regular or Official? Just needs to be very sure before I shoot myself in the foot.

PS: I am an ordinary Nigerian citizen and was issued the usual passport by NIS.

HushTee:
Visa Transcript

F1, F2 (wife and baby)
Location: Lagos (initial date was Jan 2024, but we were able to reschedule to July 8 2021 - we didn't apply for EA, we just found that we can reschedule)
Time: 7.45am
Status: Approved
COA: $104k approx. Fully funded (no deficit)

God did it.

I was interviewed first..... Dude seemed nice, he also did our fingerprint.

VO: What are you going to the US for? (I requested he repeat the question again though cos my baby's cries didn't make me hear the first time)
Me: I'm going for my PhD degree in Evolutionary Biology at Yale University.

VO: Can you say the name of the school again?
Me: Yale University

VO: How many programs did you apply to?
Me: Seven (six admits)

VO: So, why Yale?
Me: I talked about how the professors research interests aligned with mine, with specific research topics. I also talked about the presence of a strong network of researchers in my field who produce some of the best research in that field in the US. I forgot my practise (but uncrammed) lines at some point but replaced them with whatever came to mind regarding my research interests - they kuku have almost no idea what my research is about,

VO: Have you been to other countries before?
Me: Yes, India.

VO: For what?
Me: A research fellowship. I got a research fellowship and I went to India for a year to carry out the research.

VO: That's great, excellent. So, I see you're fully funded, are you aware of the kind of apartments there for you?
Me: Yes, one bedroom flat... One bedroom apartment

VO: Has your school settled it?
Me: I was about saying "no, but I've paid for it," only for him to say "I'm sure they have." I kuku kept quiet.


All the while I was being interviewed, my baby was crying seriously. When I finished mine, I collected her from my wife so she too can be interviewed. She cried all through, we didn't stay in any of the queues cos of that.


Then he moved to my wife
VO: What do you do?
Her: I'm a fashion designer, I run a fashion business.

VO: What will happen to your business here? (this was a slippery slope question that we already prepped for)
Her: I've handed over to my second in command for the duration I'll be away

VO: What will you do when you get there?
Her: I'll spend time with my husband, I'll take care of my baby

VO: So you don't have any intention of working in US?
Her: No, not at all.


After she was interviewed, she was told our visas will be ready in a few days. I heard that and passed her our baby to collected the white paper containing the pickup address. We had a long day celebrating.

I have a fairly okay profile. I'm a 2:2 BSc grad, really good MSc, a few publications and conferences, a few years of research experience (about 5 years including and a research fellowship abroad), I did TOEFL and scored 101 but didn't need to use it cos I did it because of only one school - Cornell (that rejected me), and had solid references.

I've been a silent observer here, but I'll just share my 2 cents / tips on a few issues that I find worrying on this thread.
Firstly, I searched and searched and for transcript from someone going for a visa interview the same day with all family members (to predict my chances. cos I'd been told by some people that we have low chances of approval if we apply together - terrible information) and someone who's going to an ivy league (to know if I'll get any privileges). But, that was ineffective, I guess my research skills just got the better of me (not sure I was mistaken to do that though). When I didn't find specifics on nairaland or quora or reddit (and generally on the Internet), I decided to read all transcripts in this particular thread from beginning till the end. The few transcripts from one-traveling parent and their F2 child(ren), and every other transcript including unsuccessful and proposed ones were very helpful in many different ways.

I'm indifferent to not sharing/not-sharing programs and schools in transcripts, everyone has a reason for not wanting to share theirs - I particularly don't like being bugged with questions that a simple googling and DIY can fix. But IMHO, sharing helps a lot in linking possible questions with program, cost of attendance, work/research experience, exams done, and CV record - a DYOR person would easily be able to put 2 and 2 together from your transcript.

One other issue that got me worried initially was the DS-160 question of "who's funding your trip." I picked "self." Apparently, it wasn't something to worry about. Also, I changed my current work on the form from my paid jobs to my volunteer (unpaid) research assistant job, just to avoid questions that I may not be able to answer clearly. I updated my profile four days before interview and went with the updated confirmation page only (since it was over 72 hours).

My wife and I practiced every kind of question regularly including slippery slope questions, and had my sister do a final interview for us using almost 70 questions (of cos, she had no idea whether our responses were good, but we know when they're not good). Every question we were asked was practiced - not one wasn't practiced. I feel like it's just good to prepare for every kind of question and have very specific and clear (not vague) responses to them all - you'll know if your responses are vague. Also, don't lie!

I'll rest. I'm deeply sorry this was long.

I wish every other person going for an interview (whether F1 or F2) all the best. God's favor!

walepepe21:
You can apply to schools in USA as they offer funding , have good reputation & also Destination for most international students.

My advice is that Make sure you apply to what you actually read in your UG degree. You can easily change to what you actually yearn or aspired for when you touch the base but make sure you get it all right from the course down to other needed admit & funding requirements.

Let there be a course alignment all for the embassy sake and also there is glut of funding in chemical Engineering than MBA.

Success ahead!

123456789ww:
I haven’t got a date at the Lagos embassy too and school resume in next month. I was told if I cancel my appointment that is the last time and I haven’t canceled my appointment before. Any advise?

HushTee:
Visa Transcript

F1, F2 (wife and baby)
Location: Lagos (initial date was Jan 2024, but we were able to reschedule to July 8 2021 - we didn't apply for EA, we just found that we can reschedule)
Time: 7.45am
Status: Approved
COA: $104k approx. Fully funded (no deficit)

God did it.

I was interviewed first..... Dude seemed nice, he also did our fingerprint.

VO: What are you going to the US for? (I requested he repeat the question again though cos my baby's cries didn't make me hear the first time)
Me: I'm going for my PhD degree in Evolutionary Biology at Yale University.

VO: Can you say the name of the school again?
Me: Yale University

VO: How many programs did you apply to?
Me: Seven (six admits)

VO: So, why Yale?
Me: I talked about how the professors research interests aligned with mine, with specific research topics. I also talked about the presence of a strong network of researchers in my field who produce some of the best research in that field in the US. I forgot my practise (but uncrammed) lines at some point but replaced them with whatever came to mind regarding my research interests - they kuku have almost no idea what my research is about,

VO: Have you been to other countries before?
Me: Yes, India.

VO: For what?
Me: A research fellowship. I got a research fellowship and I went to India for a year to carry out the research.

VO: That's great, excellent. So, I see you're fully funded, are you aware of the kind of apartments there for you?
Me: Yes, one bedroom flat... One bedroom apartment

VO: Has your school settled it?
Me: I was about saying "no, but I've paid for it," only for him to say "I'm sure they have." I kuku kept quiet.


All the while I was being interviewed, my baby was crying seriously. When I finished mine, I collected her from my wife so she too can be interviewed. She cried all through, we didn't stay in any of the queues cos of that.


Then he moved to my wife
VO: What do you do?
Her: I'm a fashion designer, I run a fashion business.

VO: What will happen to your business here? (this was a slippery slope question that we already prepped for)
Her: I've handed over to my second in command for the duration I'll be away

VO: What will you do when you get there?
Her: I'll spend time with my husband, I'll take care of my baby

VO: So you don't have any intention of working in US?
Her: No, not at all.


After she was interviewed, she was told our visas will be ready in a few days. I heard that and passed her our baby to collected the white paper containing the pickup address. We had a long day celebrating.

I have a fairly okay profile. I'm a 2:2 BSc grad, really good MSc, a few publications and conferences, a few years of research experience (about 5 years including and a research fellowship abroad), I did TOEFL and scored 101 but didn't need to use it cos I did it because of only one school - Cornell (that rejected me), and had solid references.

I've been a silent observer here, but I'll just share my 2 cents / tips on a few issues that I find worrying on this thread.
Firstly, I searched and searched and for transcript from someone going for a visa interview the same day with all family members (to predict my chances. cos I'd been told by some people that we have low chances of approval if we apply together - terrible information) and someone who's going to an ivy league (to know if I'll get any privileges). But, that was ineffective, I guess my research skills just got the better of me (not sure I was mistaken to do that though). When I didn't find specifics on nairaland or quora or reddit (and generally on the Internet), I decided to read all transcripts in this particular thread from beginning till the end. The few transcripts from one-traveling parent and their F2 child(ren), and every other transcript including unsuccessful and proposed ones were very helpful in many different ways.

I'm indifferent to not sharing/not-sharing programs and schools in transcripts, everyone has a reason for not wanting to share theirs - I particularly don't like being bugged with questions that a simple googling and DIY can fix. But IMHO, sharing helps a lot in linking possible questions with program, cost of attendance, work/research experience, exams done, and CV record - a DYOR person would easily be able to put 2 and 2 together from your transcript.

One other issue that got me worried initially was the DS-160 question of "who's funding your trip." I picked "self." Apparently, it wasn't something to worry about. Also, I changed my current work on the form from my paid jobs to my volunteer (unpaid) research assistant job, just to avoid questions that I may not be able to answer clearly. I updated my profile four days before interview and went with the updated confirmation page only (since it was over 72 hours).

My wife and I practiced every kind of question regularly including slippery slope questions, and had my sister do a final interview for us using almost 70 questions (of cos, she had no idea whether our responses were good, but we know when they're not good). Every question we were asked was practiced - not one wasn't practiced. I feel like it's just good to prepare for every kind of question and have very specific and clear (not vague) responses to them all - you'll know if your responses are vague. Also, don't lie!

I'll rest. I'm deeply sorry this was long.

I wish every other person going for an interview (whether F1 or F2) all the best. God's favor!

walepepe21:
You can apply to schools in USA as they offer funding , have good reputation & also Destination for most international students.

My advice is that Make sure you apply to what you actually read in your UG degree. You can easily change to what you actually yearn or aspired for when you touch the base but make sure you get it all right from the course down to other needed admit & funding requirements.

Let there be a course alignment all for the embassy sake and also there is glut of funding in chemical Engineering than MBA.

Success ahead!

chuksmanred:
I'm going for a second bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering. My first bachelor's course is civil engineering but in a Polytechnic.

Please, I need help on what more to say to defend my intent on why I switched.

And also, in my I-20 it doesn't show second bachelor's, only bachelor's. How would I defend this?

My I-20 again doesn't show the name of my course of study. It only shows the faculty name which is Engineering technologies/technicians.

Please, help me on how to go about all these in my interview.
Thank you all.

chuksmanred:
I'm going for a second bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering. My first bachelor's course is civil engineering but in a Polytechnic.

Please, I need help on what more to say to defend my intent on why I switched.

And also, in my I-20 it doesn't show second bachelor's, only bachelor's. How would I defend this?

My I-20 again doesn't show the name of my course of study. It only shows the faculty name which is Engineering technologies/technicians.

Please, help me on how to go about all these in my interview.
Thank you all.

walepepe21:
Look at your degrees can’t you see it aligns with one another at all ? Why don’t you go for that Forestry (Agriculture Science ) now for your PhD degree then since you had URP in your first degree & CVE in your Second Degree. Ask yourself that question at first. Can you see that both your degrees fall under Engineering. & Environmental Sciences?

Check past transcripts and tell me how many that went to the embassy without have an aligned degree with what they studied in their UG or PG studies. Have you yourself see someone who studied chemistry talking Mathematics to the embassy? This is about morality and how well you’re informed.

However, It is better to take a wise counsel than to give a vague response or guess if you don’t have an idea about how it works. What most people are goofed about is that schools in USA can offer someone who had his UG degree in chemical Engineering an admit to come and study in Agricultural Science.

Finally, Sample many approval Transcripts here and look at both their 1st degree & 2nd degree is there is no alignment at all. This is one of the mistake many of you runs into as I do warn my students about this a lot every time.

Who told you course alignment has nothing to do with VISA Approval? Where did you listened/read about to that ? Chief get it right , admission requirements is TOTALLY different from Embassy requirements okay !

Thank you and take care!

HushTee:
Visa Transcript

F1, F2 (wife and baby)
Location: Lagos (initial date was Jan 2024, but we were able to reschedule to July 8 2021 - we didn't apply for EA, we just found that we can reschedule)
Time: 7.45am
Status: Approved
COA: $104k approx. Fully funded (no deficit)

God did it.

I was interviewed first..... Dude seemed nice, he also did our fingerprint.

VO: What are you going to the US for? (I requested he repeat the question again though cos my baby's cries didn't make me hear the first time)
Me: I'm going for my PhD degree in Evolutionary Biology at Yale University.

VO: Can you say the name of the school again?
Me: Yale University

VO: How many programs did you apply to?
Me: Seven (six admits)

VO: So, why Yale?
Me: I talked about how the professors research interests aligned with mine, with specific research topics. I also talked about the presence of a strong network of researchers in my field who produce some of the best research in that field in the US. I forgot my practise (but uncrammed) lines at some point but replaced them with whatever came to mind regarding my research interests - they kuku have almost no idea what my research is about,

I have a fairly okay profile. I'm a 2:2 BSc grad, really good MSc, a few publications and conferences, a few years of research experience (about 5 years including and a research fellowship abroad), I did TOEFL and scored 101 but didn't need to use it cos I did it because of only one school - Cornell (that rejected me), and had solid references.


I wish every other person going for an interview (whether F1 or F2) all the best. God's favor!

ayotunde005:
I'm in the same dilemma, I also applied since 28th of June and haven't heard back. I wanted to cancel and move appointment to Abuja but it says I will have to pay another MRV fee and I have never cancelled or rescheduled before.. I'm confused.

shams040:
To correct you. On the outside you view it like Civil relates to URP and I'm telling you a No as far as Nig is concern, this is my domain. While I agree with you that visa and admission are diff games, I will like you to know that Interest has a lot to play in the two. For Example, I applied but urban planning schools that was my under grad but was rejected bec currently only few in that school handles advance GIS as I have proposed to work on.

As far as forestry admission is concern I reserve my comment on why I made my choice. But let me hint you, the research interest of d advisor aligned with mine and no 1 get admitted to that dept except a professor got a grant to fund him for the whole study duration. This prof advertised and I applied as I was sure other candidates too must have applied (bec he wrote on his twitter page that he has received 00's email) and he selected me after two interviews. Not to blow my trumpet I need to let u know I got Australia scholarship at UNSW in Environmental sci and another in Univetsity of guelph canada Geography all because of research interest.

In conclusion research interest is number 1 in respective of visa or admission application. When I processed my US visa the VO only asked me a question "what is ur study plan?" before completing he already approved my visa with good comments from him. URP to Civil is not a possible transition in Nig. So you should know US isnt my first country.

Thanks

sslooss:
You won't have to pay another MRV fee if you only booked one interview date so far and have not rescheduled. I was also in the same situation; I had booked emergency appointment in Lagos but received no response even after 2 weeks. I was able to switch to Abuja with the same MRV fee and still book for emergency appointment. We get two bookings with each MRV fee.

Timgreat31:
Visa approved
Date: Tuesday 6th July
Location: Lagos
1st Attempt
Full Funding
Program: Msc Sociology

I give glory to the Almighty God for the grace and favour I received.
The questions were few. I believe it God's grace. And I really appreciate everyone who has dropped transcripts as well as one info or the the other that guided my preparation.
Thank you all
My appointment was for 11:15am. But I got to the embassy by 8am. Many things happened but no time to explain all that now.

My transcript below


VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning ma'am
VO: Where are you going
Me: I'm going to Mississippi State University. (She started typing for about 30seconds or more)
VO: What are going to do?
Me: I'm going for my masters degree in Sociology.
VO: What was your undergraduate course?
Me: Sociology and Anthropology at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife.
VO: What's your intent?
Me: (I became fussy a bit, so I answered poorly) My intent, I want to study sociology at the masters level because I believe it will make a me better sociologist. (I knew that wasn't even to my taste). Then she cut in.
VO: Wait, where do you work?
Me: I work as a data analyst at xyz. (I thought I'd lost it that point, but I still kept my eye contact firm with much less tensed facial expression)
VO: What's your intent? She repeated
Me: My intent is to go for my PhD in sociology after this course so that I can pick up teaching appointment at my alma mater.
VO: What was your undergraduate degree? She asked again
Me: Sociology and Anthropology at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife.
VO: Ok, congratulations, I will be issuing your visa. She reached for the white paper, circled the pick up location and passed my documents to me. Your issued visa will be ready in five business days... I didn't hear the remaining part again jare.

I packed my things and left. Meanwhile she mistakenly dropped my passport together with documents, but excitement didn't let it occur to me that I should call her attention to that. I sha packed everything and left. It was the security man I greeted well on my way out that called my attention to the error. He guided me back inside and another guard led me back to the window where I was attended to. Then I explained to the VO that she mistakenly returned my passport, I had to show her my white paper for her to believe. She oh thank you, took my passport and dropped into the trail.

The joy that flooded my heart was like the deep water that surrounds the embassy.

I wish you all well I'm your interviews.

HushTee:
Visa Transcript

F1, F2 (wife and baby)
Location: Lagos (initial date was Jan 2024, but we were able to reschedule to July 8 2021 - we didn't apply for EA, we just found that we can reschedule)
Time: 7.45am
Status: Approved
COA: $104k approx. Fully funded (no deficit)

God did it.

I was interviewed first..... Dude seemed nice, he also did our fingerprint.

VO: What are you going to the US for? (I requested he repeat the question again though cos my baby's cries didn't make me hear the first time)
Me: I'm going for my PhD degree in Evolutionary Biology at Yale University.

VO: Can you say the name of the school again?
Me: Yale University

VO: How many programs did you apply to?
Me: Seven (six admits)

VO: So, why Yale?
Me: I talked about how the professors research interests aligned with mine, with specific research topics. I also talked about the presence of a strong network of researchers in my field who produce some of the best research in that field in the US. I forgot my practise (but uncrammed) lines at some point but replaced them with whatever came to mind regarding my research interests - they kuku have almost no idea what my research is about,

VO: Have you been to other countries before?
Me: Yes, India.

VO: For what?
Me: A research fellowship. I got a research fellowship and I went to India for a year to carry out the research.

VO: That's great, excellent. So, I see you're fully funded, are you aware of the kind of apartments there for you?
Me: Yes, one bedroom flat... One bedroom apartment

VO: Has your school settled it?
Me: I was about saying "no, but I've paid for it," only for him to say "I'm sure they have." I kuku kept quiet.


All the while I was being interviewed, my baby was crying seriously. When I finished mine, I collected her from my wife so she too can be interviewed. She cried all through, we didn't stay in any of the queues cos of that.


Then he moved to my wife
VO: What do you do?
Her: I'm a fashion designer, I run a fashion business.

VO: What will happen to your business here? (this was a slippery slope question that we already prepped for)
Her: I've handed over to my second in command for the duration I'll be away

VO: What will you do when you get there?
Her: I'll spend time with my husband, I'll take care of my baby

VO: So you don't have any intention of working in US?
Her: No, not at all.


After she was interviewed, she was told our visas will be ready in a few days. I heard that and passed her our baby to collected the white paper containing the pickup address. We had a long day celebrating.

I have a fairly okay profile. I'm a 2:2 BSc grad, really good MSc, a few publications and conferences, a few years of research experience (about 5 years including and a research fellowship abroad), I did TOEFL and scored 101 but didn't need to use it cos I did it because of only one school - Cornell (that rejected me), and had solid references.

I've been a silent observer here, but I'll just share my 2 cents / tips on a few issues that I find worrying on this thread.
Firstly, I searched and searched and for transcript from someone going for a visa interview the same day with all family members (to predict my chances. cos I'd been told by some people that we have low chances of approval if we apply together - terrible information) and someone who's going to an ivy league (to know if I'll get any privileges). But, that was ineffective, I guess my research skills just got the better of me (not sure I was mistaken to do that though). When I didn't find specifics on nairaland or quora or reddit (and generally on the Internet), I decided to read all transcripts in this particular thread from beginning till the end. The few transcripts from one-traveling parent and their F2 child(ren), and every other transcript including unsuccessful and proposed ones were very helpful in many different ways.

I'm indifferent to not sharing/not-sharing programs and schools in transcripts, everyone has a reason for not wanting to share theirs - I particularly don't like being bugged with questions that a simple googling and DIY can fix. But IMHO, sharing helps a lot in linking possible questions with program, cost of attendance, work/research experience, exams done, and CV record - a DYOR person would easily be able to put 2 and 2 together from your transcript.

One other issue that got me worried initially was the DS-160 question of "who's funding your trip." I picked "self." Apparently, it wasn't something to worry about. Also, I changed my current work on the form from my paid jobs to my volunteer (unpaid) research assistant job, just to avoid questions that I may not be able to answer clearly. I updated my profile four days before interview and went with the updated confirmation page only (since it was over 72 hours).

My wife and I practiced every kind of question regularly including slippery slope questions, and had my sister do a final interview for us using almost 70 questions (of cos, she had no idea whether our responses were good, but we know when they're not good). Every question we were asked was practiced - not one wasn't practiced. I feel like it's just good to prepare for every kind of question and have very specific and clear (not vague) responses to them all - you'll know if your responses are vague. Also, don't lie!

I'll rest. I'm deeply sorry this was long.

I wish every other person going for an interview (whether F1 or F2) all the best. God's favor!

HushTee:
Visa Transcript

F1, F2 (wife and baby)
Location: Lagos (initial date was Jan 2024, but we were able to reschedule to July 8 2021 - we didn't apply for EA, we just found that we can reschedule)
Time: 7.45am
Status: Approved
COA: $104k approx. Fully funded (no deficit)

God did it.

I was interviewed first..... Dude seemed nice, he also did our fingerprint.

VO: What are you going to the US for? (I requested he repeat the question again though cos my baby's cries didn't make me hear the first time)
Me: I'm going for my PhD degree in Evolutionary Biology at Yale University.

VO: Can you say the name of the school again?
Me: Yale University

VO: How many programs did you apply to?
Me: Seven (six admits)

VO: So, why Yale?
Me: I talked about how the professors research interests aligned with mine, with specific research topics. I also talked about the presence of a strong network of researchers in my field who produce some of the best research in that field in the US. I forgot my practise (but uncrammed) lines at some point but replaced them with whatever came to mind regarding my research interests - they kuku have almost no idea what my research is about,

VO: Have you been to other countries before?
Me: Yes, India.

VO: For what?
Me: A research fellowship. I got a research fellowship and I went to India for a year to carry out the research.

VO: That's great, excellent. So, I see you're fully funded, are you aware of the kind of apartments there for you?
Me: Yes, one bedroom flat... One bedroom apartment

VO: Has your school settled it?
Me: I was about saying "no, but I've paid for it," only for him to say "I'm sure they have." I kuku kept quiet.


All the while I was being interviewed, my baby was crying seriously. When I finished mine, I collected her from my wife so she too can be interviewed. She cried all through, we didn't stay in any of the queues cos of that.


Then he moved to my wife
VO: What do you do?
Her: I'm a fashion designer, I run a fashion business.

VO: What will happen to your business here? (this was a slippery slope question that we already prepped for)
Her: I've handed over to my second in command for the duration I'll be away

VO: What will you do when you get there?
Her: I'll spend time with my husband, I'll take care of my baby

VO: So you don't have any intention of working in US?
Her: No, not at all.


After she was interviewed, she was told our visas will be ready in a few days. I heard that and passed her our baby to collected the white paper containing the pickup address. We had a long day celebrating.

I have a fairly okay profile. I'm a 2:2 BSc grad, really good MSc, a few publications and conferences, a few years of research experience (about 5 years including and a research fellowship abroad), I did TOEFL and scored 101 but didn't need to use it cos I did it because of only one school - Cornell (that rejected me), and had solid references.

I've been a silent observer here, but I'll just share my 2 cents / tips on a few issues that I find worrying on this thread.
Firstly, I searched and searched and for transcript from someone going for a visa interview the same day with all family members (to predict my chances. cos I'd been told by some people that we have low chances of approval if we apply together - terrible information) and someone who's going to an ivy league (to know if I'll get any privileges). But, that was ineffective, I guess my research skills just got the better of me (not sure I was mistaken to do that though). When I didn't find specifics on nairaland or quora or reddit (and generally on the Internet), I decided to read all transcripts in this particular thread from beginning till the end. The few transcripts from one-traveling parent and their F2 child(ren), and every other transcript including unsuccessful and proposed ones were very helpful in many different ways.

I'm indifferent to not sharing/not-sharing programs and schools in transcripts, everyone has a reason for not wanting to share theirs - I particularly don't like being bugged with questions that a simple googling and DIY can fix. But IMHO, sharing helps a lot in linking possible questions with program, cost of attendance, work/research experience, exams done, and CV record - a DYOR person would easily be able to put 2 and 2 together from your transcript.

One other issue that got me worried initially was the DS-160 question of "who's funding your trip." I picked "self." Apparently, it wasn't something to worry about. Also, I changed my current work on the form from my paid jobs to my volunteer (unpaid) research assistant job, just to avoid questions that I may not be able to answer clearly. I updated my profile four days before interview and went with the updated confirmation page only (since it was over 72 hours).

My wife and I practiced every kind of question regularly including slippery slope questions, and had my sister do a final interview for us using almost 70 questions (of cos, she had no idea whether our responses were good, but we know when they're not good). Every question we were asked was practiced - not one wasn't practiced. I feel like it's just good to prepare for every kind of question and have very specific and clear (not vague) responses to them all - you'll know if your responses are vague. Also, don't lie!

I'll rest. I'm deeply sorry this was long.

I wish every other person going for an interview (whether F1 or F2) all the best. God's favor!

walepepe21:
Chief, you have a lot to do I must be sincere with you. First of all, your chance is very low to secure that VISA by going for another Bsc rather than progressing by doing Msc instead. Why can’t you do WES Evaluation of your HND and use it to apply to CVE instead rather than another Bsc in Biomedical Science which is totally different.

Secondly, Your age too is another factor to be look into for you to have decided to go for another Bsc which will serve as a ploy to escape Nigeria as I’m sure you will be above 23-years old if you are to be honest about your profile.

Thirdly, You will use a lie to cover you many lies in which it will not help you at all as you are switching from Engineering to Biomedical Science. Also, the issue

Fourthly, Do you have financial support at all for that your second degree?

NB: I am not discouraging you rather than been factual with you and I don’t RULE OUT GRACE that may work for YOU!

godguy:
Congratulations, i shall share my testimony next week Tuesday by Gods grace.

HushTee:
Visa Transcript

F1, F2 (wife and baby)
Location: Lagos (initial date was Jan 2024, but we were able to reschedule to July 8 2021 - we didn't apply for EA, we just found that we can reschedule)
Time: 7.45am
Status: Approved
COA: $104k approx. Fully funded (no deficit)

God did it.

I was interviewed first..... Dude seemed nice, he also did our fingerprint.

VO: What are you going to the US for? (I requested he repeat the question again though cos my baby's cries didn't make me hear the first time)
Me: I'm going for my PhD degree in Evolutionary Biology at Yale University.

VO: Can you say the name of the school again?
Me: Yale University

VO: How many programs did you apply to?
Me: Seven (six admits)

VO: So, why Yale?
Me: I talked about how the professors research interests aligned with mine, with specific research topics. I also talked about the presence of a strong network of researchers in my field who produce some of the best research in that field in the US. I forgot my practise (but uncrammed) lines at some point but replaced them with whatever came to mind regarding my research interests - they kuku have almost no idea what my research is about,

VO: Have you been to other countries before?
Me: Yes, India.

VO: For what?
Me: A research fellowship. I got a research fellowship and I went to India for a year to carry out the research.

VO: That's great, excellent. So, I see you're fully funded, are you aware of the kind of apartments there for you?
Me: Yes, one bedroom flat... One bedroom apartment

VO: Has your school settled it?
Me: I was about saying "no, but I've paid for it," only for him to say "I'm sure they have." I kuku kept quiet.


All the while I was being interviewed, my baby was crying seriously. When I finished mine, I collected her from my wife so she too can be interviewed. She cried all through, we didn't stay in any of the queues cos of that.


Then he moved to my wife
VO: What do you do?
Her: I'm a fashion designer, I run a fashion business.

VO: What will happen to your business here? (this was a slippery slope question that we already prepped for)
Her: I've handed over to my second in command for the duration I'll be away

VO: What will you do when you get there?
Her: I'll spend time with my husband, I'll take care of my baby

VO: So you don't have any intention of working in US?
Her: No, not at all.


After she was interviewed, she was told our visas will be ready in a few days. I heard that and passed her our baby to collected the white paper containing the pickup address. We had a long day celebrating.

I have a fairly okay profile. I'm a 2:2 BSc grad, really good MSc, a few publications and conferences, a few years of research experience (about 5 years including and a research fellowship abroad), I did TOEFL and scored 101 but didn't need to use it cos I did it because of only one school - Cornell (that rejected me), and had solid references.

I've been a silent observer here, but I'll just share my 2 cents / tips on a few issues that I find worrying on this thread.
Firstly, I searched and searched and for transcript from someone going for a visa interview the same day with all family members (to predict my chances. cos I'd been told by some people that we have low chances of approval if we apply together - terrible information) and someone who's going to an ivy league (to know if I'll get any privileges). But, that was ineffective, I guess my research skills just got the better of me (not sure I was mistaken to do that though). When I didn't find specifics on nairaland or quora or reddit (and generally on the Internet), I decided to read all transcripts in this particular thread from beginning till the end. The few transcripts from one-traveling parent and their F2 child(ren), and every other transcript including unsuccessful and proposed ones were very helpful in many different ways.

I'm indifferent to not sharing/not-sharing programs and schools in transcripts, everyone has a reason for not wanting to share theirs - I particularly don't like being bugged with questions that a simple googling and DIY can fix. But IMHO, sharing helps a lot in linking possible questions with program, cost of attendance, work/research experience, exams done, and CV record - a DYOR person would easily be able to put 2 and 2 together from your transcript.

One other issue that got me worried initially was the DS-160 question of "who's funding your trip." I picked "self." Apparently, it wasn't something to worry about. Also, I changed my current work on the form from my paid jobs to my volunteer (unpaid) research assistant job, just to avoid questions that I may not be able to answer clearly. I updated my profile four days before interview and went with the updated confirmation page only (since it was over 72 hours).

My wife and I practiced every kind of question regularly including slippery slope questions, and had my sister do a final interview for us using almost 70 questions (of cos, she had no idea whether our responses were good, but we know when they're not good). Every question we were asked was practiced - not one wasn't practiced. I feel like it's just good to prepare for every kind of question and have very specific and clear (not vague) responses to them all - you'll know if your responses are vague. Also, don't lie!

I'll rest. I'm deeply sorry this was long.

I wish every other person going for an interview (whether F1 or F2) all the best. God's favor!

shams040:
Sorry No,Course alignment has nothing to do with admission and visa. I studied urban planning in undergrad, civil engineering in masters and now going for PhD in geography. As a matter of fact I got offer in Forestry department in MTU. What matter most is ur interest, work domain or research experience.

To date, I don't know much areas in civil but my research interest in GIS took me there. So research interest and career path is the main thing.

gozmoc8167:
Hello guys, sorry to deviate from the focal point of this thread.

I wrote GRE yesterday and got the following scores:

Quant-149
Verbal - 153

Any hope for funding with such score?

My intended program is MS/PhD in electrical engineering. My CGPA is 4.32/5.0

Thanks in anticipation of your responses.

Tomsss:
Good morning guys, I finished with a second class upper (3.84) and I plan on applying for fall 2022 before the ending of this year with the hope of getting fully funded. My target is research assistantship but I do not have any publication yet although my undergraduate project is in the process of getting published but I fear it might not be ready before I start my application. I have experience teaching Spss, very proficient in excel and word. I also plan on writing the GRE by September.Please what are my chances of getting a research assistantship without a publication?