solihp:
Hello, so my visa was delayed at the Lagos consulate today , my appointment time was 6:30, I was interviewed by a white guy in his 30s or 40s at window 3.


VO: Why are you going to the US
Me: I am going for my Masters in Mathematics with concentration in Biostatistics at Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.

VO:Why this course
Me: This course would equip me with the necessary skills in tackling some public health challenges, such as the investigation of food borne disease, establishing the causes of illness outbreak and it would enable me to take on job when I come back.

VO:What's your highest qualification
ME: I have a Bachelor of Technology in Statistics

VO:What is Biostatistics
Me: Biostatistics is the application of Statistical methodologies to the field of forensic Medicine, medical practices, public health and other health related fields

VO: How did you hear about the school
Me: I did an extensive research on usnews to know the schools that offer Statistics with Concentration in Biostatistics and I came across GSU

VO: How did you get this huge scholarship
Me: I believe the admission committee were impressed with my CGPA, the fact that I graduated at the top 7 of my class, my statement of purpose, the recommendation my lecturers sent across.

VO: You have an oncampus employment, what will you be doing
Me: I have not been assigned my duties..... A pause, it's a graduate teaching assistantship position

VO: who's your sponsor
Me: My uncle, Mr...

V.O : How many children does he have
Me: 2

VO: Where does he live
Me: Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State

VO: Why will he want to sponsor you
Me: My parents were one of his educational sponsor and he has been part of my success story since my mom died and he promised to sponsor me when I graduated with a strong CGPA

VO:Have you travelled before
ME: No I have not had reasons to

What I noticed during the interview, he emphasised on the huge scholarship as if he was impressed, but I feel he was disappointed with the fact that I said I haven't been assigned my duties, he said again that but you have a campus employment, that was when I mentioned that it is a graduate teaching assistantship position.

Also, how I got my scholarship, I should have mentioned my GRE scores, also although he didn't ask what I would do after my course, when he asked why this course, at the end, I should have mentioned a specific position, I had an answer for that. Please help me figure out what went wrong and how I can improve my responses, I want to reapply immediately.

No document was asked except passport, Sevis fee, and i20

My profile: 3.47/4.00 WES unofficial evaluation
GRE score:314, 161Q, 153V
My tuition was waived(30k)+ 10k stipends, total cost of attendance is roughly 49k, so deficit of less than 9k.

Sorry about your delay. Please reapply ASAP.

Good morning ☺
my visa was denied today at 6.30Am in Lagos.
I was interviewed by the old white man at window 1.
me: Good morning
VO: pass me your passport and i20.
passed
VO: when did you graduate high school?
Me: 2017.
VO: Are you in any school here?
Me: No
VO: Why? What have you been doing since
Me: I applied to schools here after I graduated in 2017 but I didn't get in and then I started SAT and Toefl tutorials in 2019.
VO: why didn't you get in
Me: um (I said something like) universities in Nigeria have a set quota of people that they admit per year and unfortunately I didn't get in. ( it was along the line of this)
VO: so you took SAT the whole year
Me: Trying to explain the duration for which I attended SAT and Toefl lessons when he cut me off and said " your visa has been denied"
I was really upset, the whole thing happened really really fast.
I'm scared of getting rejected again ☺ and dates are far gone.
I picked McNeese state university.
Had a waiver and scholarship of $11902 Deficit of $15k
SAT 1330 Toefl 109

vo:good morning
me good morning
vo pass me ur document
me pass it
vo why united states?
me united states is incomparable to any other country in terms of research,facility and expertise therefore learning there will be a good idea.
vo why are you going to the US
me going for my masters degree in electrical engineering with specialization in power system and control at prairie view a & m university.
vo how do you hear about prairie view
me i came across of an article online of an ongoing research at Prairie view a & m uni. which caught my interest.
vo what your research interest
me smart grid innovations
vo why smart grid innovations
me modernaization of nigeria's power grids is the key solution to our power instability which is an uncreated power advancement nigeria will definately fall
back to,more also i see smart grid innovations has a way to trade in power into national grid there by solving the problem of generation,transmission and
distribution.
vo why power system and control specialization
me power system and control specialization is the rudiment knowledge i need in exploring smart grid innovations and more also it related to my work experience.
vo why electrical engineering
me i choose electrical engineering because nigeria's power sector needs transformation,energy utilization is a major problem in the sector which can be solved
through incooperating smart technologies by engineers having a world class training in this engineering field
me SDM&T & UNH
vo why PVAMU
me because its electrical & computer engineering department specializes in smart grid research and the program offer familiar courses related to my work experience
which will be an added advantage for me.
vo when do u graduate
me 2016
vo what av u been doing since den
me after my graduation i went for my NYSC in NOV 2016 where i worked as a trainee with xxxx ( a generator manufacturer) and after my service year i was offered a
permanent position as a field service engineer with the company.
Vo what are your duties
me my job roles include troubleshooting and repairing of generator control panels,software update on controllers,testing and replacement of generator electrical
part.
vo who is ur sponsor
me my uncle
vo what does he do
me he owns a construction company that into building and road construction for lagos state goverment
vo can i have his SOA
me pass it
vo why will he be sponsoring u
me he has been responsible for studies since my undergraduate days and willing to support this time around.
vo what will this program do for u
me it will give me the oppurtunity to take up jobs in energy multinational firm to contribute to my country's power sector.
vo why are u going for ur masters nw
me there is a need to advance my career and get deeper knowledge due to the problem of power instability in nigeria.

Walspring:


Let’s give all the thanks to God

Hi Walspring, I sent a pm. Its in regards to sevis payment. Kindly reply when you can.

Thanks a lot.

solihp:
Hello, so my visa was delayed at the Lagos consulate today , my appointment time was 6:30, I was interviewed by a white guy in his 30s or 40s at window 3.


VO: Why are you going to the US
Me: I am going for my Masters in Mathematics with concentration in Biostatistics at Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.

VO:Why this course
Me: This course would equip me with the necessary skills in tackling some public health challenges, such as the investigation of food borne disease, establishing the causes of illness outbreak and it would enable me to take on job when I come back.

VO:What's your highest qualification
ME: I have a Bachelor of Technology in Statistics

VO:What is Biostatistics
Me: Biostatistics is the application of Statistical methodologies to the field of forensic Medicine, medical practices, public health and other health related fields

VO: How did you hear about the school
Me: I did an extensive research on usnews to know the schools that offer Statistics with Concentration in Biostatistics and I came across GSU

VO: How did you get this huge scholarship
Me: I believe the admission committee were impressed with my CGPA, the fact that I graduated at the top 7 of my class, my statement of purpose, the recommendation my lecturers sent across.

VO: You have an oncampus employment, what will you be doing
Me: I have not been assigned my duties..... A pause, it's a graduate teaching assistantship position

VO: who's your sponsor
Me: My uncle, Mr...

V.O : How many children does he have
Me: 2

VO: Where does he live
Me: Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State

VO: Why will he want to sponsor you
Me: My parents were one of his educational sponsor and he has been part of my success story since my mom died and he promised to sponsor me when I graduated with a strong CGPA

VO:Have you travelled before
ME: No I have not had reasons to

What I noticed during the interview, he emphasised on the huge scholarship as if he was impressed, but I feel he was disappointed with the fact that I said I haven't been assigned my duties, he said again that but you have a campus employment, that was when I mentioned that it is a graduate teaching assistantship position.

Also, how I got my scholarship, I should have mentioned my GRE scores, also although he didn't ask what I would do after my course, when he asked why this course, at the end, I should have mentioned a specific position, I had an answer for that. Please help me figure out what went wrong and how I can improve my responses, I want to reapply immediately.

No document was asked except passport, Sevis fee, and i20

My profile: 3.47/4.00 WES unofficial evaluation
GRE score:314, 161Q, 153V
My tuition was waived(30k)+ 10k stipends, total cost of attendance is roughly 49k, so deficit of less than 9k.

My sweetheart and princess..
Never feel bad . I am sorry about this.

Please here's my take..

In why this course?

You started very well . . but how about mentioning the likely positions you will function in and likely organizations you will work. I did say anything without such addition is not a personalized response.


You studied Statistics and are going for Biostatistics..
The VO wanted to be sure you know your onions and I think you had a chance to prove it in what you'll be doing as a Graduate Assistant. There are generic responses that you should say ... Marking scripts, going to the lab to collect samples, etc.

You have a perfect understanding of what went wrong Angel.

Deefav:
Good morning ☺
my visa was denied today at 6.30Am in Lagos.
I was interviewed by the old white man at window 1.
me: Good morning
VO: pass me your passport and i20.
passed
VO: when did you graduate high school?
Me: 2017.
VO: Are you in any school here?
Me: No
VO: Why? What have you been doing since
Me: I applied to schools here after I graduated in 2017 but I didn't get in and then I started SAT and Toefl tutorials in 2019.
VO: why didn't you get in
Me: um (I said something like) universities in Nigeria have a set quota of people that they admit per year and unfortunately I didn't get in. ( it was along the line of this)
VO: so you took SAT the whole year
Me: Trying to explain the duration for which I attended SAT and Toefl lessons when he cut me off and said " your visa has been denied"
I was really upset, the whole thing happened really really fast.
I'm scared of getting rejected again ☺ and dates are far gone.
I picked McNeese state university.
Had a waiver and scholarship of $11902 Deficit of $15k
SAT 1330 Toefl 109

The VO just attacked you man .
It takes a lot of preparation to escape this kind of attack.

This should have led to an approval. But I am impressed by your assessment of what could have gone wrong. You should have mentioned the GRE score as one of the academic credentials used to offer the GA. Also, the fact that "On-Campus Employment" was stated on your i-20 (I assume that is what is actually stated) might have made the VO think something is not right. It should have been "Graduate Assistantship", or something closely related. The word employment does not look good. More so, while I expect your next interview will not go the way this went, hammer on the Graduate Teaching Assistantship and quickly link the duties therein and attached with your academic goals. So, you may need to work on your transcript again. I am sorry your visa was refused. Meanwhile, I have a student who got his without GA at Lagos this morning.

Please get another visa fee and go back. God is your strength!

solihp:
Hello, so my visa was delayed at the Lagos consulate today , my appointment time was 6:30, I was interviewed by a white guy in his 30s or 40s at window 3.


VO: Why are you going to the US
Me: I am going for my Masters in Mathematics with concentration in Biostatistics at Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.

VO:Why this course
Me: This course would equip me with the necessary skills in tackling some public health challenges, such as the investigation of food borne disease, establishing the causes of illness outbreak and it would enable me to take on job when I come back.

VO:What's your highest qualification
ME: I have a Bachelor of Technology in Statistics

VO:What is Biostatistics
Me: Biostatistics is the application of Statistical methodologies to the field of forensic Medicine, medical practices, public health and other health related fields

VO: How did you hear about the school
Me: I did an extensive research on usnews to know the schools that offer Statistics with Concentration in Biostatistics and I came across GSU

VO: How did you get this huge scholarship
Me: I believe the admission committee were impressed with my CGPA, the fact that I graduated at the top 7 of my class, my statement of purpose, the recommendation my lecturers sent across.

VO: You have an oncampus employment, what will you be doing
Me: I have not been assigned my duties..... A pause, it's a graduate teaching assistantship position

VO: who's your sponsor
Me: My uncle, Mr...

V.O : How many children does he have
Me: 2

VO: Where does he live
Me: Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State

VO: Why will he want to sponsor you
Me: My parents were one of his educational sponsor and he has been part of my success story since my mom died and he promised to sponsor me when I graduated with a strong CGPA

VO:Have you travelled before
ME: No I have not had reasons to

What I noticed during the interview, he emphasised on the huge scholarship as if he was impressed, but I feel he was disappointed with the fact that I said I haven't been assigned my duties, he said again that but you have a campus employment, that was when I mentioned that it is a graduate teaching assistantship position.

Also, how I got my scholarship, I should have mentioned my GRE scores, also although he didn't ask what I would do after my course, when he asked why this course, at the end, I should have mentioned a specific position, I had an answer for that. Please help me figure out what went wrong and how I can improve my responses, I want to reapply immediately.

No document was asked except passport, Sevis fee, and i20

My profile: 3.47/4.00 WES unofficial evaluation
GRE score:314, 161Q, 153V
My tuition was waived(30k)+ 10k stipends, total cost of attendance is roughly 49k, so deficit of less than 9k.

fairheart:
This should have led to an approval. But I am impressed by your assessment of what could have gone wrong. You should have mentioned the GRE score as one of the academic credentials used to offer the GA. Also, the fact that "On-Campus Employment" was stated on your i-20 (I assume that is what is actually stated) might have made the VO think something is not right. It should have been "Graduate Assistantship", or something closely related. The word employment does not look good. More so, while I expect your next interview will not go the way this went, hammer on the Graduate Teaching Assistantship and quickly link the duties therein and attached with your academic goals. So, you may need to work on your transcript again. I am sorry your visa was refused. Meanwhile, I have a student who got his without GA at Lagos this morning.

Please get another visa fee and go back. God is your strength!

Graduate assistant is a type of Oncampus Employment ................. All GA are employed oncampus basically

A score you should have gotten a full-ride scholarship for. Have we chatted privately before? How old are you? Please how old are you?
You shot yourself in the leg. This is painful!

Deefav:
Good morning ☺
my visa was denied today at 6.30Am in Lagos.
I was interviewed by the old white man at window 1.
me: Good morning
VO: pass me your passport and i20.
passed
VO: when did you graduate high school?
Me: 2017.
VO: Are you in any school here?
Me: No
VO: Why? What have you been doing since
Me: I applied to schools here after I graduated in 2017 but I didn't get in and then I started SAT and Toefl tutorials in 2019.
VO: why didn't you get in
Me: um (I said something like) universities in Nigeria have a set quota of people that they admit per year and unfortunately I didn't get in. ( it was along the line of this)
VO: so you took SAT the whole year
Me: Trying to explain the duration for which I attended SAT and Toefl lessons when he cut me off and said " your visa has been denied"
I was really upset, the whole thing happened really really fast.
I'm scared of getting rejected again ☺ and dates are far gone.
I picked McNeese state university.
Had a waiver and scholarship of $11902 Deficit of $15k
SAT 1330 Toefl 109

Thank you everyone for your inputs, they were duly noted. I have paid another visa fee and I would reapply immediately. Thanks alot

I never said it is not campus employment o. Haba, are you saying I did not know it is a form of employment? I know, sister.
What I am saying is that, hardly do I see "employment" written in the place of "Graduate Assistantships", or "Tuition Waiver Scholarship", which would have been better. I am still not sure if employment is actually stated. But if that word is stated, the consular might been thinking differently, and in my opinion, this is what I see as a major reason for the refusal.

LagosismyHome:


Graduate assistant is a type of Oncampus Employment ................. All GA are employed oncampus basically

solihp:
Thank you everyone for your inputs, they were duly noted. I have paid another visa fee and I would reapply immediately. Thanks alot

You will get it this time around.

fairheart:
A score you should have gotten a full-ride scholarship for. Have we chatted privately before? How old are you? Please how old are you?
You shot yourself in the leg. This is painful!

Yes we have, I turned 18 this year!!
What should I have done?

fairheart:
I never said it is not campus employment o. Haba, are you saying I did not know it is a form of employment? I know, sister.
What I am saying is that, hardly do I see "employment" written in the place of "Graduate Assistantships", or "Tuition Waiver Scholarship", which would have been better. I am still not sure if employment is actually stated. But if that word is stated, the consular might been thinking differently, and in my opinion, this is what I see as a major reason for the refusal.

Some schools write it as on campus employment. All students are allowed to do on campus work. So that can never be an issue

Brown2Green:



The VO just attacked you man .
It takes a lot of preparation to escape this kind of attack.

I don't even know what to do, what should I have said?

fairheart:
I never said it is not campus employment o. Haba, are you saying I did not know it is a form of employment? I know, sister.
What I am saying is that, hardly do I see "employment" written in the place of "Graduate Assistantships", or "Tuition Waiver Scholarship", which would have been better. I am still not sure if employment is actually stated. But if that word is stated, the consular might been thinking differently, and in my opinion, this is what I see as a major reason for the refusal.

Can we just agree that sometimes, these refusals has nothing to do with the applicants, their profile or information on the I-20 or DS 160?

The process is not fair, luck is a huge factor (Even though most people will not agree to this).

Did you get a full scholarship?

Deefav:




Yes we have, I turned 18 this year!!
What should I have done?

Deefav:
Good morning ☺
my visa was denied today at 6.30Am in Lagos.
I was interviewed by the old white man at window 1.
me: Good morning
VO: pass me your passport and i20.
passed
VO: when did you graduate high school?
Me: 2017.
VO: Are you in any school here?
Me: No
VO: Why? What have you been doing since
Me: I applied to schools here after I graduated in 2017 but I didn't get in and then I started SAT and Toefl tutorials in 2019.
VO: why didn't you get in
Me: um (I said something like) universities in Nigeria have a set quota of people that they admit per year and unfortunately I didn't get in. ( it was along the line of this)
VO: so you took SAT the whole year
Me: Trying to explain the duration for which I attended SAT and Toefl lessons when he cut me off and said " your visa has been denied"
I was really upset, the whole thing happened really really fast.
I'm scared of getting rejected again ☺ and dates are far gone.
I picked McNeese state university.
Had a waiver and scholarship of $11902 Deficit of $15k
SAT 1330 Toefl 109

You need to be careful when you respond back or tell a lie .......... There no point lying for the sake of lying . The VO stays in Nigeria , do you know if he is very knowledgeable about Nigerian Education system to enable him or her do their job well. To get into Nigeria universities there is no quota system as such . You either score well and enter or you dont. also there are so many options ranging from Federal, state to private Universities . ...

Its fine not to have entered since 2017 because of X and Y reason but that reason you gave . Would ring a wrong bell to a Vo who is familiar with Nigeria education system ......... Anyway take a deep breath , it will be fine . you are still young and its your first experience . So just review that the school is best for you and apply again . Also have a plan B in life , its always good practice not to put all eggs in one basket in everything you do

You're right. All these VOs don't think the same way. Her performance during the interview was not bad at all. Well, God knows. But she should get the visa when she reappear.

Time2win:


Some schools write it as on campus employment. All students are allowed to do on campus work. So that can never be an issue

Deefav:



I don't even know what to do, what should I have said?

Every single question asked was to measure your level of interest for study or perhaps your immigration intent.

You must be able to account for the gaps in order to convince the VO.

Online courses
Vocational training
Programming

Saying you didn't meet the quota of people admitted in Nigerian University is a big shot to your foot.

Did you miss your way? [quote author=Tundevictor71 post=79474788][/quote]

fairheart:
Did you get a full scholarship?

No I had a waiver of 11k left with 15k

fairheart:
I never said it is not campus employment o. Haba, are you saying I did not know it is a form of employment? I know, sister.
What I am saying is that, hardly do I see "employment" written in the place of "Graduate Assistantships", or "Tuition Waiver Scholarship", which would have been better. I am still not sure if employment is actually stated. But if that word is stated, the consular might been thinking differently, and in my opinion, this is what I see as a major reason for the refusal.

How body ..........why are you awake. Go sleep

What is your problem jobless hypocrite [quote author=Tundevictor71 post=79474788][/quote]

I am thinking in that direction too, even as I still ponder as to what could have gone wrong or led to the refusal. In my mind, it is not the student, but the type of CONSULAR she met.

AspiringPHD:


Can we just agree that sometimes, these refusals has nothing to do with the applicants, their profile or information on the I-20 or DS 160?

The process is not fair, luck is a huge factor (Even though most people will not agree to this).

[quote author=Brown2Green post=79474769]

Every single question asked was to measure your level of interest for study or perhaps your immigration intent.

You must be able to account for the gaps in order to convince the VO.

Online courses
Vocational training
Programming




Saying you didn't meet the quota of people admitted in Nigerian University is a big shot to your foot. [/quote


Oh, wow. Well I didn't want to say anything that would require proof. In trying to avoid shooting myself I guess I unknowingly fired the bullet.]

solihp:
Hello, so my visa was delayed at the Lagos consulate today , my appointment time was 6:30, I was interviewed by a white guy in his 30s or 40s at window 3.


VO: Why are you going to the US
Me: I am going for my Masters in Mathematics with concentration in Biostatistics at Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.

VO:Why this course
Me: This course would equip me with the necessary skills in tackling some public health challenges, such as the investigation of food borne disease, establishing the causes of illness outbreak and it would enable me to take on job when I come back.

VO:What's your highest qualification
ME: I have a Bachelor of Technology in Statistics

VO:What is Biostatistics
Me: Biostatistics is the application of Statistical methodologies to the field of forensic Medicine, medical practices, public health and other health related fields

VO: How did you hear about the school
Me: I did an extensive research on usnews to know the schools that offer Statistics with Concentration in Biostatistics and I came across GSU

VO: How did you get this huge scholarship
Me: I believe the admission committee were impressed with my CGPA, the fact that I graduated at the top 7 of my class, my statement of purpose, the recommendation my lecturers sent across.

VO: You have an oncampus employment, what will you be doing
Me: I have not been assigned my duties..... A pause, it's a graduate teaching assistantship position

VO: who's your sponsor
Me: My uncle, Mr...

V.O : How many children does he have
Me: 2

VO: Where does he live
Me: Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State

VO: Why will he want to sponsor you
Me: My parents were one of his educational sponsor and he has been part of my success story since my mom died and he promised to sponsor me when I graduated with a strong CGPA

VO:Have you travelled before
ME: No I have not had reasons to

What I noticed during the interview, he emphasised on the huge scholarship as if he was impressed, but I feel he was disappointed with the fact that I said I haven't been assigned my duties, he said again that but you have a campus employment, that was when I mentioned that it is a graduate teaching assistantship position.

Also, how I got my scholarship, I should have mentioned my GRE scores, also although he didn't ask what I would do after my course, when he asked why this course, at the end, I should have mentioned a specific position, I had an answer for that. Please help me figure out what went wrong and how I can improve my responses, I want to reapply immediately.

No document was asked except passport, Sevis fee, and i20

My profile: 3.47/4.00 WES unofficial evaluation
GRE score:314, 161Q, 153V
My tuition was waived(30k)+ 10k stipends, total cost of attendance is roughly 49k, so deficit of less than 9k.

It is likely the v.o wasn't impressed that you didn't know your duties. Just prepare well and extensively you will surely get the visa.

You shelve the other school with full scholarship? You did not share the new transcript too? Then you went there to create this. En! Time2Win, abeg send this boy a better slap!

Deefav:



No I had a waiver of 11k left with 15k

You surely need a slap. Chill off. You will be fine. First refusal is not the end; even second, third is not. But know what you're doing. because you messed up. And you know. [quote author=Deefav post=79474988][/quote]

Hello folks,

I'm on the lookout for 'affordable' flight prices from Lagos to New York towards the end of July to around August 2. I'll appreciate any information on good deals available.

Brown2Green:


Every single question asked was to measure your level of interest for study or perhaps your immigration intent.

You must be able to account for the gaps in order to convince the VO.

Online courses
Vocational training
Programming

Saying you didn't meet the quota of people admitted in Nigerian University is a big shot to your foot.

If I reapply and I'm asked what changed or I'm asked this question again, will I be affected if I change my answers? Goodness I didn't even get to talk about any other thing. I was expecting more questions. As he just passed my passport back to me I spaced out, I literally walked out like a zombie.