Choose your field wisely, IT, health and pharma are the big areas in the US. You need to be in stem field to get a better chance of even jobs. It's not just about school. The arts and social sciences are not hot. You may have to change fields. Even pure sciences like physics, chemistry have dour career prospects when compared to computer science, engineering, pharmaceuticals, nursing, medicine.
Choosing your field wisely will help a lot.

@bbdd. Its not just easy for someone that has say a degree in Mass Communication, just change automatically to a Computer science degree or any related science degree just like that. Is admission even guaranteed? How can someone who has never Don physics or Chemistry subjects just switch, don't you hink, even if admitted, the person will struggle?

Mayflowa:


Brandeis is a US top 50 school. They give an average of $30,000 all admitted student to defray their tuition of about $46,000. Besides the $16,000 you need to cover up for tuition, you will need an additional $15000 to survive in Boston. Please plan carefully when you do accept this offer. What course did you apply to? The Heller School should be your best choice otherwise you have to think if it is worth it?

Thank you. Yes, its the Heller School. Sustainable International Development. Though still waiting for other decisions, before I make a choice. Brandeis i heard is very strict with paying tuition, they don't condone delays.I Don't won't to put myself into unnecessary pressure mbok!

bbdd:



Also, funding DEPENDS ON AVAILABILITY . I know someone who got funding, came here and his department got broke and he's back in naija now looking for jobs. He was funded for a year and then his department told him they can't afford him anymore. It's not a guarantee even if you get it in year one. We're international students. The only reason we're getting assistantships in the first place is because a lot of Americans don't apply to grad school and these programs have to run and do research. That costs money and it is not guaranteed that you'll get funding throughout your stay in grad school..

Geography matters! If you want to follow people that want to live in California. You can, but be wise. You are from Nigeria, our economy is bad. Go to a cheap state with a low profile, go to school, get your degree and figure out the next step. Looking for schools in expensive places makes the search for funding all the more difficult.

Choose your field wisely, IT, health and pharma are the big areas in the US. You need to be in stem field to get a better chance of even jobs. It's not just about school. The arts and social sciences are not hot. You may have to change fields. Even pure sciences like physics, chemistry have dour career prospects when compared to computer science, engineering, pharmaceuticals, nursing, medicine.
Choosing your field wisely will help a lot.

Once again, I have to reiterate that nothing is guaranteed. Pray to God for favor and do your best in your standardized test. Consult others for help with SOPs, rec letters etc. CHOOSE YOUR SCHOOLS WISELY
Hopefully this post helps someone.

Alright, that's a lovely write up. I like the part about the big areas to focus on. My relatives in the U.S. have said i'll be silly to spend $40k on a course outside those three areas. I'm actually seeking to change career direction to one of those three areas you mentioned. And thank God, these schools make it easy unlike even here in Nigeria.
I don't mind going to a small school if the course is just right!

malory84:

Choose your field wisely, IT, health and pharma are the big areas in the US. You need to be in stem field to get a better chance of even jobs. It's not just about school. The arts and social sciences are not hot. You may have to change fields. Even pure sciences like physics, chemistry have dour career prospects when compared to computer science, engineering, pharmaceuticals, nursing, medicine.
Choosing your field wisely will help a lot.

@bbdd. Its not just easy for someone that has say a degree in Mass Communication, just change automatically to a Computer science degree or any related science degree just like that. Is admission even guaranteed? How can someone who has never Don physics or Chemistry subjects just switch, don't you hink, even if admitted, the person will struggle?

It's just the reality on ground bro.
Of course, there's no absolute statement but STEM fields find it easier. The OPT extension is also a testament to the fact.

The deal about changing your course to a more "marketable" one which is totally out of your field is quite challenging. Some schools usually accept students who intend changing to these fields on the basis of you doing some certain prerequisite courses which are kind of many; 7 or 8 to be precise. It cost more and well, it depends on your determination to scale through.

Fortissimo:


Thanks man. Hope your plans are shaping up.

Yep, so far so good. I know yours are too even with those funding offers.

malory84:

Choose your field wisely, IT, health and pharma are the big areas in the US. You need to be in stem field to get a better chance of even jobs. It's not just about school. The arts and social sciences are not hot. You may have to change fields. Even pure sciences like physics, chemistry have dour career prospects when compared to computer science, engineering, pharmaceuticals, nursing, medicine.
Choosing your field wisely will help a lot.

@bbdd. Its not just easy for someone that has say a degree in Mass Communication, just change automatically to a Computer science degree or any related science degree just like that. Is admission even guaranteed? How can someone who has never Don physics or Chemistry subjects just switch, don't you hink, even if admitted, the person will struggle?

What about their oil sector,? Example for someone that read geology, what's your best advice, to change course entirely to these three you mentioned or to continue in his field, also what about teaching, starting from the elementary to secondary to college, teaching in any of these levels is also one of the big areas in US. Thanks.

Mekurexx:
OK I miscalculated the tuition for UCM. thought it was 28k. yeah its quite affordable. I used IERF evaluation so I felt no need to use WES. You are right about the references & acceptance rate! Good school!. But you think nigerians/africans go dey the school?

Ah! I learnt of the school from Nigerians who've gained admission there. But mehn, I joined one the Fall 2016 admits whatsapp group recently. 95% are Indians. Have exited it tho.

dramaka:


Yep, so far so good. I know yours are too even with those funding offers.

that's great. Just waiting for the I-20 now. Have u decided on which school you'll be heading to?

dramaka:



Alright, that's a lovely write up. I like the part about the big areas to focus on. My relatives in the U.S. have said i'll be silly to spend $40k on a course outside those three areas. I'm actually seeking to change career direction to one of those three areas you mentioned. And thank God, these schools make it easy unlike even here in Nigeria.
I don't mind going to a small school if the course is just right!

I see no reason why anyone should switch careers because of return on investment . I studied engineering but waz the big deal about STEM that everyone seem to trumpeting. Life is not 1+1=2, n people should do things for love n passion. Everyone can't be rich, to me, money is just a means to end. Everybody has their place in the society n u can choose to study ur stem while I choose to go to a school of theology, become a pastor n kwollekt 10 phacent oph ya anual incomf.

I go to gradcafe n see people who study history, international relations, political science, child disorder...(forgot d course), astrology and the likes n they get funded but over here it seems ur life is doomed if u don't study stem.

youngmoney416:
I have approximately N10m equivalent to $50k for the first year tuition

what happens after 1st year?

AgreatMan:


I see no reason why anyone should switch careers because of return on investment . I studied engineering but waz the big deal about STEM that everyone seem to trumpeting. Life is not 1+1=2, n people should do things for love n passion. Everyone can't be rich, to me, money is just a means to end. Everybody has their place in the society n u can choose to study ur stem while I choose to go to a school of theology, become a pastor n kwollekt 10 phacent oph ya anual incomf.

ROI is the main thing. After graduation how do you get work visa to remain here? Funny guy

Engineering Technology at ETSU is a stem program and it has two good concentration. Entrepreneurial leadership and Digital Media. Its housed under college of business and tech and courses taken are super easy and they admit from all background.

Fortissimo:


that's great. Just waiting for the I-20 now. Have u decided on which school you'll be heading to?

Guy, do I have a choice. I have to go with what I can pay for. It would be UCM, but if I see some miraculous funding at last minute, then it's IIT.

I respect you sha....Chemistry at masters level

Adazlolly:
What about their oil sector,? Example for someone that read geology, what's your best advice, to change course entirely to these three you mentioned or to continue in his field, also what about teaching, starting from the elementary to secondary to college, teaching in any of these levels is also one of the big areas in US. Thanks.

High school teachers are also earning same amount with guys flipping burger at burger king

dramaka:


Guy, do I have a choice. I have to go with what I can pay for. It would be UCM, but if I see some miraculous funding at last minute, then it's IIT.

I respect you sha....Chemistry at masters level

engineering hard pass chemistry na.

slimmy2005:
High school teachers are also earning same amount with guys flipping burger at burger king

Lol. This unceremonious point-blank slimmy2005 sef!

Fortissimo:


engineering hard pass chemistry na.

Nor mind the oga jare. Engineering na baba naa(coming from a chemist).

dramaka:


Lol. This unceremonious point-blank slimmy2005 sef!

when I worked did under some staffing agency, the pay was $13/hr. So why would I have a GC and still earn same

AgreatMan:


I see no reason why anyone should switch careers because of return on investment . I studied engineering but waz the big deal about STEM that everyone seem to trumpeting. Life is not 1+1=2, n people should do things for love n passion. Everyone can't be rich, to me, money is just a means to end. Everybody has their place in the society n u can choose to study ur stem while I choose to go to a school of theology, become a pastor n kwollekt 10 phacent oph ya anual incomf.

I go to gradcafe n see people who study history, international relations, political science, child disorder...(forgot d course), astrology and the likes n they get funded but over here it seems ur life is doomed if u don't study stem.

Guy, it's all my savings for the last four years of toiling I'm investing in this and so it shouldn't come off as strange or illogical when you see I'm ensuring that I'm positioning myself for the best chances of recouping my investment, and not just that, but within a shorter time frame. I studied engineering which is STEM so don't think I'm making a significant leap in another direction.

Thanks to you, I've just learnt about gradcafe. Glanced thru it a moment ago. Well, I'm not gonna dispute the fact that funding is what it is....sweet! I just don't believe that I'll have to stick to a course because I'm likely to receive funding.
And finally, I've always had an interest in one of those areas, it's just that the opportunity exists now stronger than ever.

bbdd:
You may have to change fields. Even pure sciences like physics, chemistry have dour career prospects when compared to computer science, engineering, pharmaceuticals, nursing, medicine.
Choosing your field wisely will help a lot.

Not if you're studying Medical Physics (MSc) to advance to Nuclear Medicine(PhD)

slimmy2005:
when I worked did under some staffing agency, the pay was $13/hr. So why would I have a GC and still earn same

The point is made. Please say no more.

cutemorgan:

Nor mind the oga jare. Engineering na baba naa(coming from a chemist).

Morgan!
4.55
304
3.5

Impressive.
Congrats

lillaowow:


Not if you're studying Medical Physics (MSc) to advance to Nuclear Medicine(PhD)

Hmmm.....nice one.
Okay guys, I'm just wondering aloud, can someone switch from Yoruba education to Nuclear and Astronomical Physics PhD

dramaka:


Hmmm.....nice one.
Okay guys, I'm just wondering aloud, can someone switch from Yoruba education to Nuclear and Astronomical Physics PhD

It nor go bad oo... As long as lectures will be delivered in yoruba *funny you though*

dramaka:


Morgan!
4.55
304
3.5

Impressive.
Congrats

Thanks boss mi... I still be learner sha oo.

Don't take me seriously.

I feel I should add this: Don’t just change your major because it seems like the ‘right’ thing to do.
Yes, folks are telling you how great life could be being a STEM student in the US; trust me, they are right. STEM courses will most likely open doors for you, but NOT like they will give you all you want on a platter.

If you are seriously considering changing (like from Yoruba to Chemistry), I am not writing this to tell you not to, just wanted you to ask yourself some of the important life questions:
1. What do I really want in life?
2. How do I want to fund my education?
3. Why did I study **insert your current major**?
4. Is America the solution or means to my life aspirations?
5. Where do I see myself in, say 20 or 30 years (if He tarries), from now?
6. What are the things that give me peace? Money?

If you feel (1.) all that matters is going to college, getting a job, and starting a family ASAP, (2.) you are going to be self-funded, (3.) you just studied your course because you had no choice, (4.) America is a means or solution to your aspirations; and (5.) money is one main factor – which should be – of course, I will be the first to tell you to change your major. STEM will take you closer to those aspirations.

However, if you are passionate about what you do, please, DO NOT change your major because you want to be ‘well-suited’ for life in America. Don’t come to America thinking once you bag an MSc in a STEM course, you start living the American dream. It goes beyond that, long is the road to fulfillment. If STEM was all that matters, why do you think folks are still grinding-on towards PhD in their chosen STEM majors? Nothing is guaranteed anywhere. Just do want you like, be exceptionally good at it, and watch how life events will unfold. #CaseClosed




Baba imperiouxx, please sah, I dey wait the soccer link.

Adazlolly:
What about their oil sector,? Example for someone that read geology, what's your best advice, to change course entirely to these three you mentioned or to continue in his field, also what about teaching, starting from the elementary to secondary to college, teaching in any of these levels is also one of the big areas in US. Thanks.

there are hundreds of program under STEM but the issue here is what are your chances of landing a job that would file for your work visa incase marriage is not your route? those STEM jobs pay well with good benefit.

godG:
Don't take me seriously.

I feel I should add this: Don’t just change your major because it seems like the ‘right’ thing to do.
Yes, folks are telling you how great life could be being a STEM student in the US; trust me, they are right. STEM courses will most likely open doors for you, but NOT like they will give you all you want on a platter.

If you are seriously considering changing (like from Yoruba to Chemistry), I am not writing this to tell you not to, just wanted you to ask yourself some of the important life questions:
1. What do I really want in life?
2. How do I want to fund my education?
3. Why did I study **insert your current major**?
4. Is America the solution or means to my life aspirations?
5. Where do I see myself in, say 20 or 30 years (if He tarries), from now?
6. What are the things that give me peace? Money?

If you feel (1.) all that matters is going to college, getting a job, and starting a family ASAP, (2.) you are going to be self-funded, (3.) you just studied your course because you had no choice, (4.) America is a means or solution to your aspirations; and (5.) money is one main factor – which should be – of course, I will be the first to tell you to change your major. STEM will take you closer to those aspirations.
However, if you are passionate about what you do, please, DO NOT change your major because you want to be ‘well-suited’ for life in America. Don’t come to America thinking once you bag an MSc in a STEM course, you start living the American dream. It goes beyond that, long is the road to fulfillment. If STEM was all that matters, why do you think folks are still grinding-on towards PhD in their chosen STEM majors? Nothing is guaranteed anywhere. Just do want you like, be exceptionally good at it, and watch how life events will unfold. #CaseClosed




Baba imperiouxx, please sah, I dey wait the soccer link.

You are absolutely correct. It's a choice and it depends on individual aspiration or reason for coming here.

godG:
Don't take me seriously.

I feel I should add this: Don’t just change your major because it seems like the ‘right’ thing to do.
Yes, folks are telling you how great life could be being a STEM student in the US; trust me, they are right. STEM courses will most likely open doors for you, but NOT like they will give you all you want on a platter.
.[/size]

You're right. I didn't advocate change of major because of course that's not possible for a lot of people. With hard work and dedication, anyone can make it.
That information could help undergrads who want to come to the US to follow a path that could be more favorable- career and job wise.

purplesummer:
I got partial scholarships in 3 of the 4 schools I applied to. No GA though, just awards. How can I possibly apply to other departments for a GA position while I'm still in Nigeria?

cc: GboyegaD, bigfrancis21, imperiouxx et al

Sorry, I'm just responding now. You can also email professors with similar research areas as yours directly indicating interest in joining him/her as part of their research team i.e. as a research assistant.

Another possibility is landing a GA after you land in the US and just before school starts.

You could also get administrative (non-academic) GA positions outside your department. There is often a central GA posting website for open GA vacancies though many GAs are filled by word of mouth and such vacancies never get posted online - this is where you would need to be present in the US to get something like this. Basically, it entails going from office to office and it works. Some people I know have gotten their GAs this way after arriving the US and before school starts.

sirRiddy:
Hello guys. Please I may have a little problem with my nysc certificate. I am a corps member presently and would be leaving for graduate studies next fall. If I leave nysc half way or fail to obtain the certificate, what do I do when I return? Can I get an exemption letter or I have to do nysc all over again?
Bigfrancis21 biikeys slimmy2005 Msnas zeezahbee horayce imperiouxx mystiqme GboyegaD and everyone else

You have to work with your corpers liaison person (not sure exactly what it is called again) and work out something with him/her to cover you for the remaining period that you would be gone. You may have to give up all your monthly allowances or part of it as this involves also covering you at your CDS.