₦airaland Forum

This will help you, pricelessjosy

Quoran:
That's something positive. For the Zoom/Skype interview, check the Professor's recent research papers and his or her profile on either his/her past school's website or Linkedlin. He or she won't ask anything extremely technical. Just check out the methods and research tools he has used to conduct research. He or she will most likely be asking you questions to see if you are a conversant with all you will need to work with him/her. You should be fine. Put in your best in the interview as he/she will also be interviewing others and trying to pick the very best. He or she will be keen to find out if you're a good fit for his/her research group.
Possible questions

1) Introduce yourself. (You should speak more of your academic and related work experiences. Don't start singing about which school you attended and why you choose that school. Professors don't have time for that. Go straight to the point.)
2) What are your research experiences? (Talk about your lab experiences , thesis etc. Even your practicals in university counts. Study them and make out something from it.
3) Have you done any work on _______ ? ( He is already asking you something on his research interest. Go through his or her recent papers. Check the keywords , Study the abstract and conclusion. Then look at the methodology briefly. You should be fine.
4) Check out specific methods. It is very important.
5) He will ask questions based on your SOP and CV as I presume he already has your application. Study what you have written there.
6) Any questions? Ask questions at the end of the interview. For example, Ask him or her , the projects he would soon start to work on.Don't jump the gun and ask about funding. Ask about the direction of his research and so on.

From the e-mail, he is likely an assistant Professor , who just got a faculty position. Sometimes they are more difficult to please as they are just starting and they need to recruit the best to have a good start. I assume if he was an associate or full time Professor, he will most likely have moved his students from his former school or continue to supervisor them by proxy. Reply him ASAP and pick a time slot for the interview. I hope this helps. Cheers.
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Abacino007:
Good day Nairaland,
I was offered admission into MA Economics program at Wichita state university. My appointment has been scheduled for 28th of May for 7. A. M.
Here is my proposed transcript. I want corrections and additions from you guys.

Vo: Good morning
Me: Good morning. How was your night?
Vo: Pass me your i20 and passport
Me: Passes
Vo: Where are you going to in the US?
Me: Wichita State University 1845, Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260.
Vo: why are you going to Wichita state university?
Me: for my master degree in Economics
Vo: how many schools did you apply to?
Me: 3, namely, Wichita state university, Murray state University and Western Illinois University.
Vo: So why WSU?
Me: Apart from the fact that the state where the school is located is economically conducive and my mentor being an alumni of the school, the school offers excellent education to it students through high quality teaching and a well structured research activities. WSU MA Economics gives room for flexibility because they offer three different tracks which are Financial Economics, Economics analysis and international Economics. All the three tracks seek to provide students with analytical skills useful in decision making and a broader understanding of the overall economic environment. The financial track is my main area of interest because I have found a career in the financial sector. The school curriculum is compatible with my academic background and career interest. The program has good professors and also give a lot of time for business projects that mirror real work environment conditions. This is called Analysis of business condition and forecasting (Econ 803) in the department curriculum. This particular course is rare in other schools curriculum.
Lastly, I contacted Dr Philip Persh prior to applying, I told him about my research plans towards the proposed program and he was impressed by the research plans. We will be working on a thesis with the topic Nexus between Inflation and unemployment from (1990 - 2017)using Nigeria and United state as a case study .
Vo: What are your core courses?
Me: Math. Method in Economics Econ 701. Applied Econometrics Econ 731. Macro & Micro Analysis Econ 801 & 802. Analysis of Business forecasting Econ 803. Applied Econometrics II Econ 831.

Vo: What will the course do for you?
Me: I already work in the financial sector, masters will make me more competitive for promotion to higher position and accord me the opportunity to edge closer to the highest cadre in the financial sector by working directly with the Apex Bank of Nigeria where I can be able to advice Nigerian Government and non governmental parastatal on the best Economic practices and suitable policy. This is my long term dream.
Vo: who is sponsoring you?
Me: my dad and my aunty
Vo: what does your dad and your aunty do?
Me: my dad is a mechanical engineer who works with Federal Government and also own a private workshop. My aunt is chief account at ABC company.

This is the little work I have done with guide from Nairaland. I need you guys to give comments. Thank you all as I await your contributions

Thank you for your contributions @ariesben5 and @theamerican.

Pls house, I still need more opinions on this transcript. Thanks

My husband lives and work in kuwiat for over 10years. If I apply from Nigeria, I don't have any strong ties there since my husband is still in Kuwait.

TWoods:
Try applying from Nigeria. You can’t convince anyone you intend to leave the US to return to Kuwait after your studies. It’s obvious you are using this as a means to emigrate to the US.

Yes my husband has been here for over 10years. I have no strong ties in Nigeria.

adedams:
Her ties are stronger in Kuwait. She works there and her husband lives there. If she tries in Nigeria she won't be able to prove strong ties to Nigeria.

Wrong thread quoran... I believe you wanted posting this on the GRE thread

Quoran:
This will help you, pricelessjosy

Yes my husband is a chartered accountant in a reputable comoany for the past 10years and I also work is a good company. I just need to get my b.sc so I can have a better chance in my company or elsewhere. I'm an OND holder.

adedams:
The consular officers at the Lagos consulate categorically said if you work and live somewhere else (the lady in question is evn married and her husband works there too) you should apply from there cos your ties are stronger there...go to USA embassy on Facebook and watch for yourself. Maybe it's the consular officers that are lying then.
@madam in question if you and your husband work legitimately there, you have a better chance there , if it's otherwise then I cannot advise o.

nwendujudy:
Dear all,

Please I want to know. Between Oregon and Florida where would you advice someone seeking for admission to go to for studies. University of Oregon and Florida State university particularly? Anybody studying there or have attempted to study there? I have looked through the net but I need opinion of people who have been to the USA/ have first hand experience. Am considering two schools there and the tuition are reasonably okay. Looking at cost of living and where I can find a lot of people sharing my colour �. Thanks everyone

If you're concern about skin color, you should stay with Florida but the most important for an international student is tuition and living expenses... (I will go with the cheap and ok one). Oregon may be cheaper than Florida depending on where you're going for studies. Regards job prospects after school, your course of studies will determine which state will be best for you..... you can always move (I've moved from my original state to where I'm now). Regards weather, Florida is warm and calm with no snow.

PweetieBimbola:
Yes my husband has been here for over 10years. I have no strong ties in Nigeria.

Check any loopholes in your application and try addressing it. Applying from Kuwait is your best bet. You are going for a bachelors or a masters?

PweetieBimbola:
Yes my husband is a chartered accountant in a reputable comoany for the past 10years and I also work is a good company. I just need to get my b.sc so I can have a better chance in my company or elsewhere. I'm an OND holder.

I just saw this before my post, did you try explaining this way to the v.o. Ordinarily this is a good explanation for wanting your bsc. How old are you ? If you can't say it you can say the range maybe they have a problem with it. Overall getting a visa is really a subjective thing, we can't pen a refusal on something because we are not ye visa officer for sure

lasthero:
Runs as in?

You mean an agent provided the soa? Or?

Bro they still verify the statement of account?, the name is valid and the account is valid, but i only need a legitimate business name to back it up on my DS160 form...

Ubah1:
Last year december. Not up to 6months yet

Where did you verify this news How did you know that was why you couldn't book an appointment.. Any reliable verification

imperiouxx:
If you're concern about skin color, you should stay with Florida but the most important for an international student is tuition and living expenses... (I will go with the cheap and ok one). Oregon may be cheaper than Florida depending on where you're going for studies. Regards job prospects after school, your course of studies will determine which state will be best for you..... you can always move (I've moved from my original state to where I'm now). Regards weather, Florida is warm and calm with no snow.

Thanks for being so helpful. Course of study is environmental law. LLM

GraceofGodfollo:
Where did you verify this news How did you know that was why you couldn't book an appointment.. Any reliable verification

Cos am not the only one experiencing this issue. Go to the site, you will encounter same if you have been denied within the last 6 months

Good evening house, I have a question o. Is Northern Illinois University a red flag school? Thanks

adedams:
This your fourth lesson is for you, even you can't handle criticism and you run into your shell if 3/4 known people on this thread tackle your response. But we know the person that is making you feel like you are very important.

I would feel sorry for you if you require validation on a faceless forum to feel important. That’s something you should get from those around you.

Eh I read criticism from people here all the time. I’ve learned to take the serious ones and ignore the trolls.

whyqueu:
Theamerican please say something !!!
My proposed Transcript !
Please I seriously need your views about this and I will appreciate if you can look deep into this Transcript .
VO : Why did you choose Tarleton state university
Me : I choose Tarleton state university because of two professors , Professor Bradt Poe and Professor Ted ford. Professor Bradt Poe does research on Plant Breeding and Seed Technology for vast 25 years and he has worked on various crops like Vigna uniguiculata, seseme seed, weed seed , chocorus olitorus, amaratus and many others corps and Professor Ted ford reaserch on seed cytogenesis, Agricultural Extension, Heterosis ,plant tissue culture and many more and I was fastinated about there works and they offered me a research work on a particular project which is "Variability and use of multiple seed viqour indices to predict field emergency and potential longevity in crops like seseme, vigna ungiculata and zea mays . which is value for money .
VO :Why do you want masters degree/why this course / why Agricultural science and extension education ?
Me : Its inline with my career goals which has always been to do research, write journal and to become a university professor and a masters in Agricultural science and extension education with a concentration in Plant Breeding is a requirement to pick up a lecturing job at my alma mata and also give me the opportunity to become a consultant where I can give extensional services to agricultural company .
Vo:How did you hear about Tarleton state university?
Me: I knew about Tarleton state university when I attended our annual international agricultural conference at Zanzibar in Tanzania last June , where professor Bradt Poe from Tarleton state university was our guest speaker and he spoke about Plant breeding and seed technology and I was really fascinated about it and how huge it will benefit my career. Professor Bradt Poe has massive experience in Plant breeding for good 25 years and still counting and I knew its worth spending millions of naira to study .
Vo:How many school did I apply to ?
Me : I apply to 5 and I got admission in all
Tarleton state university
Murray state university
Southern Illinois university
University of Liverpool
University of hoheheim
Vo :What do you do ?
Me : I work with International institute of Tropical Agriculture. IITA as an assistant plant and soil scientists
Describe your Job :
I evaluate and interpret plans and soil for agricultural production, environmental quality, food security and many others . which is done on the field and in the lab ..where we collect soil/plant sample ,analyse, record to agricultural consultant etc.
kindly help me
proof read the amazing analyst here
cc
theamerican
our mummy lagosismyhome
twoods
walspring
any other guys are all welcome ..
God bless you all...one love

Nice transcript. There's a chance your interviewer is going to know nothing about your course/interest/speciality and this could give you the chance to take the stage and hit some points home. Once you notice this in the VO, smile and let your confidence shoot to the sky!

In such a case, don't get overconfident and veer off track. This is one of the best transcripts from pre-visa interview members. Your answers are unique, seem well thought and really good. You just need to know how to keep it shorter and present the best arguments for your case. For example, why did you choose Tarleton Uni? From your answer:

A. Because of Prof. Poe and Ford (they inspire you)
B. Because of Prof Poe's research (you liked their work)
C. Because of Prof Ford's research (you liked their work)
D. Because you were offered to work on a particular research topic
E. Your interest in the crops you mentioned (Irrespective of Prof Poe's research, these interest you)
F. Cytogenesis, Agric Extensions (irrespective of Prof. Ford, you like these).

If you understand what I'm trying to say, arrange these in the order of most important to least important. Form short sentences to explain these and hit the best points home first. In the event that you're cut short or VO loses interest, you'd have hit the bull's eye with your answers.

My style is different, I really like answering ONLY the question being asked. I always feel like more info that's not asked could open cans of worms. I saw a case of this in the "how did you hear about Tarleton Uni?" Question. There's absolutely nothing wrong with your answer. You heard about the school from one of their professors on one of your trips to Tanzania (This is awesome!). The last line about your studies being worth spending millions could make the VO look at the cost of your studies. God forbid he sees "$65k+" or something higher then they start getting ideas with next question: who's sponsoring, what do they do? Why are they sponsoring (what's in it for them?", etc.

All in all, your transcript is very good and refreshing to read. Even without any alterations/modifications, you're good to go. If I were the VO, I'd take you away from your comfort zone (you won't scatter my brain with botanical names I have no clue about) and shake you up with one or two questions since I know absolutely nothing about Agric. :p just kidding.

Niv25:
HELLO Boss, I have been sending you PMS with no reply. you stopped replying me when I needed your attention most. Am still looking forward to your reply sir.

I was away for the past 2 weeks. I just got back today. In my last email to you I told you to be patient that I would get back to you. You need to understand that things get very busy in this country. Like I promised, I will get back to you.