₦airaland Forum

Dopekidd:
Hello everyone. I didn't upload passport for my
DS 160 application form, i hope I'm safe if i just go to the embassy with two passport photos?

Dopekidd:
Hello everyone. I didn't upload passport for my
DS 160 application form, i hope I'm safe if i just go to the embassy with two passport photos?

abid4akin:
There are now surfeit vacancies on Saturday 21st July- Lagos embassy, I think this is specially designed for those that will be applying towards this coming fall... This would be good news to many people, especially for those that are hoping to reapply.

Tunmise100:
Do this to avoid unnessary cost and "STORIES THAT TOUCH" :
Once it is submitted, it is submitted and it cannot be retrieved. I don't understand the rush many potential applicants have in submitting their DS160s too early when it cannot be retrieved after submission. For reasons like this I always recommend that people do not submit their DS160s too quickly until a few days to their interview to ensure that any mistakes made are corrected and all required information is entered to
avoid having to submit, retrieve and update new ones several times. You can't retrieve your submitted DS160 form but you can duplicate it and a new DS160 number will be assigned to you which you would need to update on your visa profile page. Visit the DS160 website, select Lagos or Abuja accordingly, enter the captcha code, click on retrieve application, enter your current DS160 number, enter your security questions. It would come up with 2 options: view submission page or so, or load a new application or so. Choose the second option, it would duplicate your current/submitted DS160 for you with all the info in it but with a new DS160 number. Now you can make necessary corrections to your new DS160. Do not forget to update the new DS160 number on your visa profile and reprint your interview appointment page bearing your new DS160 number or else you would be turned back at the embassy for the new DS160 number not matching with the old DS160 number on your initial visa appointment printout.Be
sure to update your new DS160 number on your visa appointment profile at least 2 to 3 days in advance to your interview date.

MrCuteking:
Hello room, I love this forum with passion. Please I have a question.
A school asked me to send them including others

"A complete graduate school application with a statement of purpose"

I don't know what it means.

babisho:
Dear Chidinho10,

First, I commend you for the many good works you are doing on this thread. You take time to answer questions and clarify issues. Well done.

I would suggest however that you be a little more weary before you make assertions as they may sometimes be misleading.

Let us look at the case in question. How can u confidently tell the poster not to reapply to schools that rejected him as some schools view rejected applicants somehow. How can you have that information? Are you privy to the admission process of the schools that he applied to? Do you categorically know why he was rejected? (Perhaps they thought his GRE quants score wasn't competitive enough? Or his PhD proposal wasn't good/clear enough? Or his letters of recommendation weren't glowing enough? Or maybe they couldn't find any faculty with interest in his proposed area of research? Or they were looking for someone with a bit more research experience? Or maybe this year was just particularly competitive and in other years he would have gotten in but the competition was just stiff for limited spaces available? Or any other reason you can come up with). If he finds out why they rejected him and he is able to improve his profile, isn't it possible that he may get in if he reapplies ?

I know you have also said in the past that admissions may not be as holistic as schools say. Again, one would wonder how you came about that? How can you have that information?

My advise to prospective students is that they should contact schools on school-specific questions. Each school has an admission office willing to answer questions. The same breath it takes to post such questions here on nairaland is what it takes to mail the schools. Of course, you may find answers here but you won't really know if it is information you can bank on. If you get answers from the school you're applying to however, at least, you know you can take the info as legit.

Oh. By the way, I applied to Harvard for my masters last year and was rejected (strangely I was surprised). So I sent a mail to the admission office to thank them for considering my application and to say that I was dissapointed because I was very keen on the program. Then I said I thought my application was good and I wondered if they could tell me how I could have had a more competitive application. Well, the office scheduled me for an interview with the director of admissions who made me realize that my statement of purpose wasn't as "bad ass" as I thought and that my letters of recommendation could have been stronger. I worked on these and reapplied and prayed some more, and hoped some more and to cut the long story short, I got admitted in this cycle and now I am on my way.

Still, kudos to you for your responses. Just remember to always separate opinions from facts.

Cheers man!

GraceofGodfollo:
Thursday July 5 , 2018.

Congratulations!.

Please the sticker pasted on your passport the first time you went for interview,did you remove it or you left it same way when you went back for your second interview?

I left my hotel (same room i stayed for my last interview) at obalende to the embassy at around 5:30.. Got there around 5:45.. I walked confidently to the crowd.. I am sure they will think dis girl na jjc.. She doesnt know things are tough here, but I actually came to mark my third attendance within the past 7months, my first was Dec 5 then Dec 27.. Those are the days I was carrying Cleveland state university's i20 upandown. .
To kill my moral one girl was asking me some kinda questions like she already knew I be "Customer da da ni".. All my answers were I donno. (someone cannot come and give me bad memories)

By 6am we were asked to come for the security check, I moved quickly to start the line .. After then, they called for 6:30 then I started the line also, cos that is how my spirit leads me.

Got in for biometics was the first and I did it like 5times before it worked. Then I went the start the interview queue waited for like 10mins.. Then the black American lady that did biometrics said somethings.. The CGI girl.. Said I should go and meet her, I was like asking her is it interview.. She was like "yes na what did u come here for " congrats in advance.

She greeted me
My head no quickly booth to reply, so decided not to cos the pace was much already I need to be Real.

Vo: Who is sponsoring you

Me: I got a full tuition waiver with monthly stipends and my mum pays for the rest

Vo: what kinda waiver are u just doing an on-campus job or what

Me : I got a graduate assistantship with tuition waiver (she looked at my i20)

Vo: What does she do

Me: She is a lecturer in the University of ******

Vo: you came here with civil engineering why geoscience now??

Me: I work in the technical department of a road construction company n with my observation, road dont last due to lack of proper soil investigation, this is important to me because i want to consult for the state and federal government projects..

Vo: (look convinced) any test?

Me : yes gre

Vo: let me see

Me i gave her.

Vo: av u travelled out before

No: i had no reason to

She said some things and said congratulations you have been approved with a big smile... I smiled back,I collected my 2 White papers and left like a robot..

(note: it was more like a conversation compared to my previous two experiences...)

Dre are some part I didnt hear her well i asked her politely. like 3-4 times

It was a short conversation but she stood up twice that made it a lil longer than how it looks in the write-up.

GraceofGodfollo:
Thursday July 5 , 2018.

I left my hotel (same room i stayed for my last interview) at obalende to the embassy at around 5:30.. Got there around 5:45.. I walked confidently to the crowd.. I am sure they will think dis girl na jjc.. She doesnt know things are tough here, but I actually came to mark my third attendance within the past 7months, my first was Dec 5 then Dec 27.. Those are the days I was carrying Cleveland state university's i20 upandown. .
To kill my moral one girl was asking me some kinda questions like she already knew I be "Customer da da ni".. All my answers were I donno. (someone cannot come and give me bad memories)

By 6am we were asked to come for the security check, I moved quickly to start the line .. After then, they called for 6:30 then I started the line also, cos that is how my spirit leads me.

Got in for biometics was the first and I did it like 5times before it worked. Then I went the start the interview queue waited for like 10mins.. Then the black American lady that did biometrics said somethings.. The CGI girl.. Said I should go and meet her, I was like asking her is it interview.. She was like "yes na what did u come here for " congrats in advance.

She greeted me
My head no quickly booth to reply, so decided not to cos the pace was much already I need to be Real.

Vo: Who is sponsoring you

Me: I got a full tuition waiver with monthly stipends and my mum pays for the rest

Vo: what kinda waiver are u just doing an on-campus job or what

Me : I got a graduate assistantship with tuition waiver (she looked at my i20)

Vo: What does she do

Me: She is a lecturer in the University of ******

Vo: you came here with civil engineering why geoscience now??

Me: I work in the technical department of a road construction company n with my observation, road dont last due to lack of proper soil investigation, this is important to me because i want to consult for the state and federal government projects..

Vo: (look convinced) any test?

Me : yes gre

Vo: let me see

Me i gave her.

Vo: av u travelled out before

No: i had no reason to

She said some things and said congratulations you have been approved with a big smile... I smiled back,I collected my 2 White papers and left like a robot..

(note: it was more like a conversation compared to my previous two experiences...)

Dre are some part I didnt hear her well i asked her politely. like 3-4 times

It was a short conversation but she stood up twice that made it a lil longer than how it looks in the write-up.

Nahum777:
A big congratulations to you. Please which hotel did you lodge, what's their price per night and how far is the hotel from the embassy? Thank you.

Predstan:
Plagiarism. I think I have seen this post before... Please give the credit to whom it is due....

Tunmise100:
How is this plagiarism. @bigfrancis helped with the info on this same thread. All i did was to copy nd paste for the individual who needs it.

Going through your posts since you registered your moniker on Nairaland, you seem to be a cool guy.
I mean no disrespect but i would simply advice you think very critically before typing......

PrincessUy:
Microbiology is related to nursing, there are Courses I can take in msc program that would help me achieve an MSC in nursing from microbiology. She mentioned it that day, that promted my response.

jandedfelloh:
No he just attended a wedding with the wife last year. he came back immediately after the wedding.

LagosismyHome:
In America.... nope . This is not possible. To have MSC in nursing from microbiology bsc

I doubt that very much

Omonoba1981:
When attending an US student visa interview. will it be an issue when you say, you have aunt in the same city you will be attending college and perhaps will be staying with her while studying.

Omonoba1981:
its a 3 months program and your status is not needed to be admitted for a GED program. I just got a letter of invitation to attend the GED graduation.

I started from stage 5 of GED for the 4 subject I sat for

And i also got a F-I 20 into associate program for the school.

Or can I tell VO I was only there to write the exams

I had the opportunity to change status, instead I came back to apply from Nigeria. Should that not be a plus?

Omonoba1981:
I applied and got admitted for the summer, I didn't make that now I requested for new F-I 20. And they are preparing it right now as I type.

Will it be a good idea to say, I attended GED class in US while of visitor visa.

Omonoba1981:
its a 3 months program and your status is not needed to be admitted for a GED program. I just got a letter of invitation to attend the GED graduation.

I started from stage 5 of GED for the 4 subject I sat for

And i also got a F-I 20 into associate program for the school.

Or can I tell VO I was only there to write the exams

I had the opportunity to change status, instead I came back to apply from Nigeria. Should that not be a plus?

Omonoba1981:
When attending an US student visa interview. will it be an issue when you say, you have aunt in the same city you will be attending college and perhaps will be staying with her while studying.

bee17:
please I need a mock interview as my interview is fast approaching... God bless you!

Tunmise100:
Do this to avoid unnessary cost and "STORIES THAT TOUCH" :
Once it is submitted, it is submitted and it cannot be retrieved. I don't understand the rush many potential applicants have in submitting their DS160s too early when it cannot be retrieved after submission. For reasons like this I always recommend that people do not submit their DS160s too quickly until a few days to their interview to ensure that any mistakes made are corrected and all required information is entered to
avoid having to submit, retrieve and update new ones several times. You can't retrieve your submitted DS160 form but you can duplicate it and a new DS160 number will be assigned to you which you would need to update on your visa profile page. Visit the DS160 website, select Lagos or Abuja accordingly, enter the captcha code, click on retrieve application, enter your current DS160 number, enter your security questions. It would come up with 2 options: view submission page or so, or load a new application or so. Choose the second option, it would duplicate your current/submitted DS160 for you with all the info in it but with a new DS160 number. Now you can make necessary corrections to your new DS160. Do not forget to update the new DS160 number on your visa profile and reprint your interview appointment page bearing your new DS160 number or else you would be turned back at the embassy for the new DS160 number not matching with the old DS160 number on your initial visa appointment printout.Be
sure to update your new DS160 number on your visa appointment profile at least 2 to 3 days in advance to your interview date.

sirborjnr:
Aww Congratulations! Berea college is highly competitive. #Jisike

Epithet:
I had my interview at the USA Embassy at Abuja.
A few(or a lot) of check in procedures were the most tasking activities that day.

The Conversation;

VO: Why did you pick this school?

Me: Aligned Faculty interest in Biofuel and sustainable energy Research, I worked on a design project that entailed pyrolysis of agricultural waste to produce Biogas, and also it allows...(VO cuts in)

VO: You have a degree from what university?

Me: Federal University of Technology Minna. My Bachelor's degree is in Chemical Engineering and my Doctorate program is also in Chemical Engineering

VO: You are going for a doctorate program do you have a Masters degree?

Me: Just my Bachelors Degree. The PhD affords me the opportunity to carry out research at the highest academic level. Moreso, I get to apply for a senior lecturing position....

VO: What would you be doing with this degree?

Me: Thats what i just said. I would have the opportunity to apply for a senior lecturing position in my alma matter.. With the recent expansion of the engineering faculty...


VO: What are the major problems facing Biofuel?
Me: Lower Energy Content as compared to fossil fuel, high proportion of glycerol, high water consumption, poor cold properties... And also there's the food vs fuel debate

VO: So I would be approving your Visa, I'm keeping your passport, here's your I20

Me : Thank You

She gave me a Red Paper, with a smaller white slip specifically for F1 Visa Applicants, just reiterating the program start date rule and the 30days mandate, also stated was the fact that I would need my I20 and passport at the point of entry.

The only distinct thing was that she was also standing at her window (Window 9).

femi312:
Simply fill the application form on the graduate school website. Attach all necessary documents (Lor,Sop,test scores if applicable etc). Statement of purpose is a coincise summary about yourself, motivation for graduate school, experience, research interest and long term goals.

estelle6763:
Hello Everyone!

This is my first time commenting on this forum, I'd been observing for a while before my interview. Finally went for it yesterday...I was hesitant about sharing my transcript since I wasn't here all along but I remembered that when I was searching for transcripts and advice, I wanted to see something similar to my own case of pre-professional/pre-vet/pre-med as it isn't your regular bachelor.
I decided that I would share because someone else may need this too.
I really thank God for the success of my interview. It was all Him. I was looking at the V.Os while they interviewed people and I was trying to read them and when I noticed the guy (no 2) I wanted to interview me, I told God while I was on the queue that this was who I wanted. He seemed natural and relaxed and that would also help me stay relaxed and converse naturally. Immediately the lady directing the queue pointed me to "number 2", I just started smiling to myself saying thank God!

Long story don't mind me... anyways, I'm not sure of the exact words used but these were the questions:

V.O: Good morning
Me: Good morning sir (with a little smile)
V.O: Can I have your passport?
(Looks through it, then asks for I-20 I think).
Then says, what are you going to study?
Me: I'm going for my pre-veterinary studies at Berea College, Kentucky.
V.O: What is this programme about?
Me: This programme will help me fulfil all forms of requirements for veterinary school; practical, theoretical...and animal experience (Just tipped in this animal experience part randomly)
V.O: Why are you interested in this field of study?
Me: Ever since I was a kid, I discovered my love for animals and this was not just about loving them, I wanted to treat them, take care of them, give them another chance at life when they're sick. However, here in Nigeria, people don't really care about animals, most think they're just for food, or shouldn't be taken care of, but I think differently. I believe that animals are more than that and are important to us and the environment. I know that if I go to study in the US, I will be exposed to ideas and learning opportunities that I can apply here in Nigeria to make changes. I believe that people do what they do because they're not educated about that area, so as a veterinarian, I'll be able to help animals and create awareness about their importance, work with NGOs like the Nigerian Conservation Foundation etc... (I can't remember all I said but he just kept nodding and seemed to be following my point, so I just finished up.)
V.O: How many schools did you apply to?
Me: 3 schools
V.O: Did you take any test?
Me: I took the IELTS. (Nodded as in okay)
V.O: When did you graduate?
Me: I graduated high school in 2013
V.O: What have you been doing since then?
Me: I didn't go to the university immediately after high school because my father passed away in 2011 when I was still in high school (Here he cut in and said "Oh I'm sorry about your loss", I smiled and said "aw thank you " ).
So that left my mum as the only one to take care of me and my siblings' education. My immediate elder sister just got into uni as at that time so my mum told me to wait until she graduates before I can proceed with uni. My sister graduated last year and I started applying to schools.
Between that time and now, I've been doing things to develop myself. (I already wrote all of these in my DS-160 so I assumed he was going through it as I spoke ).
I volunteered at a veterinary clinic as an assistant, I learnt basic French language, I did an intensive fashion design training and I did a foundation programme in Zoology at the University of Lagos to get familiar with my future course of study.
(He paid attention, listening to me)
V.O: Oh okay I'll be approving your visa.
(I didn't hear anything again )
Take your.....come back on.....
He passed me the paper and I-20.
Me: (I gave a bigg smile ) Thank you so much!!
V.O: (Smiling back) You're welcome!


This V.O was literally my dream interviewer, thank God!!
Apparently I didn't even see nor notice the collection paper with my I-20 until I was on my way home looking through my documents. I only collected them when he gave me, I was too excited to notice them � >_< People kept saying congrats congrats on my way out�

NeverSayNever11:
Hello Fam, I just noticed 21st date is now available, Is it possible for someone to use his/her GTB account(I don't have one) to pay visa fee for me online and use it to book an appointment immediately