₦airaland Forum

irepodun:
Good day everyone. I’m a pharmacy graduate planning to do my Masters in the US, UK, or Canada. I’m planning to apply for full international scholarship this year to further my study. I’m hoping my first-class degree will land me a scholarship or some sort of free tuitions and other benefits.

Presently, I have gotten my transcript and certificates (university, secondary school). I also have my international passport though I will need to renew it as I just noticed it will expire this month.

My area of interest for the Masters program can be summarized as “Drug discovery for diseases caused by pathogenic organisms.”

Right now, I’m very confused about the whole process. Parts of my confusions are as follow:

- Which schools do you think I should focus on applying to base on my area of research interest? I have been checking different schools online. This website (https://www.findamasters.com/masters-degrees/?Keywords=drug+discovery) provided some list but most of the schools are in the UK. I would prefer US because I saw that there are more pharmaceutical industries in the US that are into drug discovery.

- What are the preparations I need to make? Someone told me I need to write GRE/TOEFL, Statement of Purpose, etc.

- How does the scholarship works? Must I gain admission before scholarship or apply to scholarship before school? Is there any other way to get tuition-free admission as well as other benefits such as accommodation, stipends, health insurance, etc.?

If there is a specific nairaland thread that can help, I will appreciate if you can link me to it.
Thanks.

irepodun:
Good day everyone. I’m a pharmacy graduate planning to do my Masters in the US, UK, or Canada. I’m planning to apply for full international scholarship this year to further my study. I’m hoping my first-class degree will land me a scholarship or some sort of free tuitions and other benefits.

Presently, I have gotten my transcript and certificates (university, secondary school). I also have my international passport though I will need to renew it as I just noticed it will expire this month.

My area of interest for the Masters program can be summarized as “Drug discovery for diseases caused by pathogenic organisms.”

Right now, I’m very confused about the whole process. Parts of my confusions are as follow:

- Which schools do you think I should focus on applying to base on my area of research interest? I have been checking different schools online. This website (https://www.findamasters.com/masters-degrees/?Keywords=drug+discovery) provided some list but most of the schools are in the UK. I would prefer US because I saw that there are more pharmaceutical industries in the US that are into drug discovery.

- What are the preparations I need to make? Someone told me I need to write GRE/TOEFL, Statement of Purpose, etc.

- How does the scholarship works? Must I gain admission before scholarship or apply to scholarship before school? Is there any other way to get tuition-free admission as well as other benefits such as accommodation, stipends, health insurance, etc.?

If there is a specific nairaland thread that can help, I will appreciate if you can link me to it.
Thanks.

irepodun:
Good day everyone. I’m a pharmacy graduate planning to do my Masters in the US, UK, or Canada. I’m planning to apply for full international scholarship this year to further my study. I’m hoping my first-class degree will land me a scholarship or some sort of free tuitions and other benefits.

Presently, I have gotten my transcript and certificates (university, secondary school). I also have my international passport though I will need to renew it as I just noticed it will expire this month.

My area of interest for the Masters program can be summarized as “Drug discovery for diseases caused by pathogenic organisms.”

Right now, I’m very confused about the whole process. Parts of my confusions are as follow:

- Which schools do you think I should focus on applying to base on my area of research interest? I have been checking different schools online. This website (https://www.findamasters.com/masters-degrees/?Keywords=drug+discovery) provided some list but most of the schools are in the UK. I would prefer US because I saw that there are more pharmaceutical industries in the US that are into drug discovery.

- What are the preparations I need to make? Someone told me I need to write GRE/TOEFL, Statement of Purpose, etc.

- How does the scholarship works? Must I gain admission before scholarship or apply to scholarship before school? Is there any other way to get tuition-free admission as well as other benefits such as accommodation, stipends, health insurance, etc.?

If there is a specific nairaland thread that can help, I will appreciate if you can link me to it.
Thanks.

MrSoftlife:
You are in the right place.
I think you should try and apply to Georgia State University. You need a good SOP and reference letters in addition to your first class.

Remember funding is limited and it is first come, first served.

Shalom!

Somatohadidas:
Please, read this carefully.

To apply to graduate schools in the US, you need to decide on the course you want to study. To save you some stress start from this website http://graddecision.org/ to know the application process, So step
1) Decide on the course you want to study
2) Search for schools using a)www.msinus.com (open this website with a laptop, you should see a list of school and ranking for some of the most common courses, you can start from there b)www.gradschools.com c)www.google.com(you can just type 'msc in bla bla in the us in google' d) www.usnews.com e) www.4icu.org .
3) check up the website of the schools you find, to see the requirements. You want to check the grad school website and the department website. Note that there are department specific requirements which may differ from grad school requirements. Most schools will require GRE and some will require both GRE and TOEFL .
4) Register for standardize exam and take it. You can register for GRE as soon as you are ready and prepared to take the exam. It is done online at www.ets.org. You can also get all the information you need about the exam on the website. There are GRE materials on online or under ‘files’ on this group. As for the Tuition, if you have good results (GRE, GPA, Toefl), SOP and LOR (letter of recommendation); US schools do offer assistanship to graduate students. This can either be Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant or Administrative Assistant. Depending on the school, if you get an assistantship, your Tuition will be waived and you will also be paid a monthly stipend that can take care of your living expenses. One advice, once you shortlist schools, send emails to the graduate coordinator of the schools and ask specific questions relating to that course and funding opportunities, be very explicit.

Lastly, there are basically 2 admission session in the US, Spring (Jan) and Fall (August). Schools admit more students in Fall, so Its advisable you plan towards Fall 202*. If you plan to resume in fall 202*, make sure you submit all your application documents before ending of Dec 202*. You can still shoot for spring admission but you stand a better chance if you apply for fall.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

*copied*

MrSoftlife:
Don’t cancel the current date.
Keep checking to see if a closer date is available from the reschedule button.

What do you mean by getting another invite? Are you a potential student or you're going for the B1/B2 visa?

Shalom!

Somatohadidas:
This assertion is wrong. I have seen folks with Master´s and Bachelor's Degrees from Nigeria getting into Biological Sciences and Biomedical PhD programs in the US.

I agree that the competition for places in these programs is becoming very fierce year after year. However, saying that folks "should leave the programs for Americans" is not right—it might even sound demoralising to some people.

Subsequently, I´d like to reiterate that having a first-class is not enough for this. It is important to have rudimentary (even intermediate) knowledge of the current software and tools used in the field. Particularly, for folks looking at the aforementioned programs, it is essential to have a working knowledge of R, Python, Basic Linux and related programs. Furthermore, basic knowledge of bioinformatics and wet lab experience (through internships). Trying your hands (analysis) on various biological data (related to your research area) in various public repositories to test your knowledge would be very beneficial too. It could even help you buttress your points about your passion and zeal for the field in your letter of motivation, statement of purpose or personal statement.

Also, improving knowledge by enrolling in several Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and attending related (in-person/virtual) conferences and workshops (there are many available now—thanks to COVID-19). Having membership in National and International Professional Associations in your field should also be considered.

The bitter truth is those you are competing with from the global north have robust opportunities to gain many experiences (wet and dry lab/conferences/posters presentations) before they finish their undergraduate studies. Therefore, you cannot come and tell them (the admission committee) to pick you ahead of them by having a first-class. So, it is not really about luck; check the profiles of those that got into these programs from Nigeria—you will understand what I am trying to say.

I hope this helps someone.

lasisig5:
Hi everyone, regarding the GRE exam, is there any specific one to be taken, all I can see in the website is *General Test for admission to thousands of graduate, business and law school programs worldwide* I’m not sure if this is right one..

hellopoza:
You are in the right place.
I think you should try and apply to Georgia State University. You need a good SOP and reference letters in addition to your first class.

Remember funding is limited and it is first come, first served.

Shalom!
[/hey mrsoftlife, what do you mean by funding is first come first served, is it like that for GSU or does it work like that generally ]

Somatohadidas:
Please, read this carefully.

To apply to graduate schools in the US, you need to decide on the course you want to study. To save you some stress start from this website http://graddecision.org/ to know the application process, So step
1) Decide on the course you want to study
2) Search for schools using a)www.msinus.com (open this website with a laptop, you should see a list of school and ranking for some of the most common courses, you can start from there b)www.gradschools.com c)www.google.com(you can just type 'msc in bla bla in the us in google' d) www.usnews.com e) www.4icu.org .
3) check up the website of the schools you find, to see the requirements. You want to check the grad school website and the department website. Note that there are department specific requirements which may differ from grad school requirements. Most schools will require GRE and some will require both GRE and TOEFL .
4) Register for standardize exam and take it. You can register for GRE as soon as you are ready and prepared to take the exam. It is done online at www.ets.org. You can also get all the information you need about the exam on the website. There are GRE materials on online or under ‘files’ on this group. As for the Tuition, if you have good results (GRE, GPA, Toefl), SOP and LOR (letter of recommendation); US schools do offer assistanship to graduate students. This can either be Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant or Administrative Assistant. Depending on the school, if you get an assistantship, your Tuition will be waived and you will also be paid a monthly stipend that can take care of your living expenses. One advice, once you shortlist schools, send emails to the graduate coordinator of the schools and ask specific questions relating to that course and funding opportunities, be very explicit.

Lastly, there are basically 2 admission session in the US, Spring (Jan) and Fall (August). Schools admit more students in Fall, so Its advisable you plan towards Fall 202*. If you plan to resume in fall 202*, make sure you submit all your application documents before ending of Dec 202*. You can still shoot for spring admission but you stand a better chance if you apply for fall.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

*copied*

Somatohadidas:
After admission (and funding for those who need it), and you've decided where you want to go:

✅ Request for your i-20 from your school. Some give one or both of soft/hard copy, and you might pay shipping fee for hardcopy in some schools ($50 - $100). You'll usually supply details of passport page, ability to cover cost like funding letter or bank statement, etc. for this.

✅ Get the i-20. I'll suggest you request the e-copy even if the school wants to send hardcopy, so that you can use the details to book your visa interview while awaiting the hard copy. A4 printed of i-20 is acceptable at embassy. After i-20, the next 3 items can be in any order.

✅ Start filling your DS-160 form online at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ . You can use this video as a guide when filling it: https://www.facebook.com/287980197932222/videos/318718789713853

✅ Create a CGI profile at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-appointmentschedule.asp and pay for your visa fee, costs #67,200 with GT Bank, and book your date at your desired location if an available one shows.

✅ Pay Sevis fee. You can create a coupon at fmjfee.com but someone in the US has to pay it for you. It costs $350, but there might be a $10 processing fee and people's dollar rates differ. So expect a wide range when converted. To be safe, the payment must be confirmed at least 72 hours prior to your interview.

✅ Prepare for your interview and ace it.✌�

✅ Book your flight, typical ranges can cost from 250k - 400k for cheapest ones depending on location, or go for the more expensive and comfortable ones.

Good luck.�

*Copied*.

henzolucci:
For clarification sake. Pls, what documents are to be taken for the visa interview for F1- Visa?

hellopoza:
Hey Mrsoftlife, thank you for the clarity but what about the case of someone who got admission to GSU for spring and didn’t get GA? Even though he has already deferred to Fall for a better GA opportunity, what are his chances and what does he have to do to get a GA for Fall?


All schools.
The available slots are limited (remember funding usually comes in the form of GA, RA, and TA) which is why it's good to apply to these schools as early as possible.

PS: GA (Graduate assistantship), Research/Resident Assistantship, Teaching Assistantship.

Ensure your CV, SOP, and Reference letter are well-written to market your skills. No free lunch!

Shalom!

Pamfresh:
Please, is there a WhatsApp group here one can join to get more information regarding USA PhD fully funded scholarship? I ve applied to some schools already and still applying but I would like to belong to a group where I could get some updates and information.

08130545073

Thank you!

Viccy99:
Good evening, please can someone help me with the application fee waiver code for University of Maryland?.

I have started the application and gotten to where I was asked to prove my attendance for eligibility program that will make me qualified for the application fee waiver.

Please kindly help me with the waiver code, thank you.

Tkulthenoble:
Admin Kindly approve.

Visa got denied.

Location: Abu Dhabi

I have B1/B2 Visa

Intervew: F1 Visa,

Course: MS in Marketing

School: Depaul University

Me: Good Morning with Big Smile
VO: Good Morning pass me your document
Me: Here you go
VO: Wow Congratulations you have Scholarshp
Me: Thank you Sir
VO: You are going to Depaul University, Program 2 years. Lets go through your application.
Me: As VO was going through application, statrted explaining to Him about My program. it is 2 years program with 7 core course e.g Marketing Management, Market Research, Aanlytical for marting and this program and course will help me to grab a position at my present job as a commercial manager, we focusing specifically on Africa, Nigeria to be precise, I will managing the Sales team for contract negotiation and contract Renewal.
VO: How long you have been working with your company
Me: 8 years and I have a confirmation of employment letter right here.
VO: Can I see? then He looked at it
VO: Why Depaul University
Me: Because one of Depaul University Core Value is Integrity and My company number one Core Value is integrity and this speaks alot to me, Because I believe so much in this Value, I believe in Honesty, Trust Worthy and as a leader I work the talk and the Depaul Univerisy is known for several volunteer activities on US News website and this is also inline with me as I have organised several CSR with my company.
VO: Did your company have any confirmation you getting a job when you return.

Me: No, But in our Vendor Management meeting, I have had several discussion and training with the sales department.

VO: Are you single?

Me: Yes

VO: Do you have any relative in the US.

Me: No

VO: How are you going to cover your deficit.

Me: I am covering my Deficit through my 8 years working here in UAE and I have my Bank statement here with me.

VO: checked bank statement and typing for few minutes and why typing I told Him that I have visited the US on tourist and spent 11 nights.

VO: dropped the bad news I am sorry for the Bad news cant see you have intent to study in the US, and He said something about other VOs which I did not understand and hands me the 214B flyer.

what went wrong here? Cuz I have analysed it, is my job not enough as socio economy tie? Must I say that I will be heading back to my Home country instead my job after my study?

Or Did I talk too much? Cuz I see other guys with F1 that got interviewd with other VOs hardly say anything but got approved.

Tkulthenoble:
Admin Kindly approve.

Visa got denied.

Location: Abu Dhabi

I have B1/B2 Visa

Intervew: F1 Visa,

Course: MS in Marketing

School: Depaul University

Me: Good Morning with Big Smile
VO: Good Morning pass me your document
Me: Here you go
VO: Wow Congratulations you have Scholarshp
Me: Thank you Sir
VO: You are going to Depaul University, Program 2 years. Lets go through your application.
Me: As VO was going through application, statrted explaining to Him about My program. it is 2 years program with 7 core course e.g Marketing Management, Market Research, Aanlytical for marting and this program and course will help me to grab a position at my present job as a commercial manager, we focusing specifically on Africa, Nigeria to be precise, I will managing the Sales team for contract negotiation and contract Renewal.
VO: How long you have been working with your company
Me: 8 years and I have a confirmation of employment letter right here.
VO: Can I see? then He looked at it
VO: Why Depaul University
Me: Because one of Depaul University Core Value is Integrity and My company number one Core Value is integrity and this speaks alot to me, Because I believe so much in this Value, I believe in Honesty, Trust Worthy and as a leader I work the talk and the Depaul Univerisy is known for several volunteer activities on US News website and this is also inline with me as I have organised several CSR with my company.
VO: Did your company have any confirmation you getting a job when you return.

Me: No, But in our Vendor Management meeting, I have had several discussion and training with the sales department.

VO: Are you single?

Me: Yes

VO: Do you have any relative in the US.

Me: No

VO: How are you going to cover your deficit.

Me: I am covering my Deficit through my 8 years working here in UAE and I have my Bank statement here with me.

VO: checked bank statement and typing for few minutes and why typing I told Him that I have visited the US on tourist and spent 11 nights.

VO: dropped the bad news I am sorry for the Bad news cant see you have intent to study in the US, and He said something about other VOs which I did not understand and hands me the 214B flyer.

what went wrong here? Cuz I have analysed it, is my job not enough as socio economy tie? Must I say that I will be heading back to my Home country instead my job after my study?

Or Did I talk too much? Cuz I see other guys with F1 that got interviewd with other VOs hardly say anything but got approved.

Tkulthenoble:
Admin Kindly approve.

Visa got denied.

Location: Abu Dhabi

I have B1/B2 Visa

Intervew: F1 Visa,

Course: MS in Marketing

School: Depaul University

Me: Good Morning with Big Smile
VO: Good Morning pass me your document
Me: Here you go
VO: Wow Congratulations you have Scholarshp
Me: Thank you Sir
VO: You are going to Depaul University, Program 2 years. Lets go through your application.
Me: As VO was going through application, statrted explaining to Him about My program. it is 2 years program with 7 core course e.g Marketing Management, Market Research, Aanlytical for marting and this program and course will help me to grab a position at my present job as a commercial manager, we focusing specifically on Africa, Nigeria to be precise, I will managing the Sales team for contract negotiation and contract Renewal.
VO: How long you have been working with your company
Me: 8 years and I have a confirmation of employment letter right here.
VO: Can I see? then He looked at it
VO: Why Depaul University
Me: Because one of Depaul University Core Value is Integrity and My company number one Core Value is integrity and this speaks alot to me, Because I believe so much in this Value, I believe in Honesty, Trust Worthy and as a leader I work the talk and the Depaul Univerisy is known for several volunteer activities on US News website and this is also inline with me as I have organised several CSR with my company.
VO: Did your company have any confirmation you getting a job when you return.

Me: No, But in our Vendor Management meeting, I have had several discussion and training with the sales department.

VO: Are you single?

Me: Yes

VO: Do you have any relative in the US.

Me: No

VO: How are you going to cover your deficit.

Me: I am covering my Deficit through my 8 years working here in UAE and I have my Bank statement here with me.

VO: checked bank statement and typing for few minutes and why typing I told Him that I have visited the US on tourist and spent 11 nights.

VO: dropped the bad news I am sorry for the Bad news cant see you have intent to study in the US, and He said something about other VOs which I did not understand and hands me the 214B flyer.

what went wrong here? Cuz I have analysed it, is my job not enough as socio economy tie? Must I say that I will be heading back to my Home country instead my job after my study?

Or Did I talk too much? Cuz I see other guys with F1 that got interviewd with other VOs hardly say anything but got approved.

welf99:
Your transcript is not bad at all, I think you should reapply immediately. Work on this question

VO: Did your company have any confirmation you getting a job when you return.
Me: No, But in our Vendor Management meeting, I have had several discussion and training with the sales department.

Get a confirmation from your company in the form of a letter of return to back up your claim. I like the fact that your responses demanded the VO to have a look at your documents (this is key).
Do you have a temporary residence in Abu Dhabi and what is the duration left on it?

Somatohadidas:
After admission (and funding for those who need it), and you've decided where you want to go:

✅ Request for your i-20 from your school. Some give one or both of soft/hard copy, and you might pay shipping fee for hardcopy in some schools ($50 - $100). You'll usually supply details of passport page, ability to cover cost like funding letter or bank statement, etc. for this.

✅ Get the i-20. I'll suggest you request the e-copy even if the school wants to send hardcopy, so that you can use the details to book your visa interview while awaiting the hard copy. A4 printed of i-20 is acceptable at embassy. After i-20, the next 3 items can be in any order.

✅ Start filling your DS-160 form online at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ . You can use this video as a guide when filling it: https://www.facebook.com/287980197932222/videos/318718789713853

✅ Create a CGI profile at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-appointmentschedule.asp and pay for your visa fee, costs #67,200 with GT Bank, and book your date at your desired location if an available one shows.

✅ Pay Sevis fee. You can create a coupon at fmjfee.com but someone in the US has to pay it for you. It costs $350, but there might be a $10 processing fee and people's dollar rates differ. So expect a wide range when converted. To be safe, the payment must be confirmed at least 72 hours prior to your interview.

✅ Prepare for your interview and ace it.✌�

✅ Book your flight, typical ranges can cost from 250k - 400k for cheapest ones depending on location, or go for the more expensive and comfortable ones.

Good luck.�

*Copied*.