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).

The process is highly subjective. No one really knows exactly what is needed.

LagosismyHome:


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

fairheart:
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!

Lol, I'm a girl. I didn't get any full scholarship!! I've repeated this a lot� if I did why would I go through the stress of bank statements and all that.

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).

We all know that 3 mins is not sufficient to make a perfect analysis.

Some VO just want to hear what they need to hear before they are convinced.

But it is mostly not fair.

Why we still have to put the God factor.

fairheart:
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:


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.

You need proper drilling.

PM me.

Cross checking our chats now. Sorry, the slap part is a joke . You wanted to share your transcript and I was waiting, then you disappeared.

Deefav:



Lol, I'm a girl. I didn't get any full scholarship!! I've repeated this a lot� if I did why would I go through the stress of bank statements and all that.

LagosismyHome:


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

Thank you very much. What I was trying to explain was that schools here have a low number of student intake if I'm not wrong� most times they reveal the number of people they're taking in for specific courses. And I honestly wasn't trying to lie or anything I applied to unilag in my first year, had 296 and I was so close to the cut off but I wasn't given. A lot of people with lesser scores were offered alternatives, I was not. Perhaps I should have told the VO that I just didn't meet requirements. I was on the spot and I just said what I thought was best tbh

fairheart:
Cross checking our chats now. Sorry, the slap part is a joke . You wanted to share your transcript and I was waiting, then you disappeared.

� I'm sorry. I said I was going to share it. I went offline and forgot. You know you didn't reply to my first one.

Deefav:


Thank you very much. What I was trying to explain was that schools here have a low number of student intake if I'm not wrong� most times they reveal the number of people they're taking in for specific courses. And I honestly wasn't trying to lie or anything I applied to unilag in my first year, had 296 and I was so close to the cut off but I wasn't given. A lot of people with lesser scores were offered alternatives, I was not. Perhaps I should have told the VO that I just didn't meet requirements. I was on the spot and I just said what I thought was best tbh

Hope you know that the money you want to spend in USA can get into many private schools here and you will have enough balance left. Saying there is quota doesn't make sense.

Time2win:


Hope you know that the money you want to spend in USA can get into many private schools here and you will have enough balance left. Saying there is quota doesn't make sense.

I know. Well, I've learnt the hard way now☺

No need to be sorry. There is a way you get a hold of a very busy person. With a long list of persons from here, you did not push well enough. You don't say because someone was slow in answering your message that you will stop knocking the door. I give attention to people who knock harder and stay. It's a way to they show they mean what they are asking for. Please learn this.

My apologies if I did not pay enough attention to you. I waited for the new transcript you said you have. I hope that you will make the best plan for yourself. You have my contact and you can always reach out.

Deefav:



� I'm sorry. I said I was going to share it. I went offline and forgot. You know you didn't reply to my first one.

Brown2Green:


You need proper drilling.

PM me.

Done!

fairheart:
No need to be sorry. There is a way you get a hold of a very busy person. With a long list of persons from here, you did not push well enough. You don't say because someone was slow in answering your message that you will stop knocking the door. I give attention to people who knock harder and stay. It's a way to they show they mean what they are asking for. Please learn this.

My apologies if I did not pay enough attention to you. I waited for the new transcript you said you have. I hope that you will make the best plan for yourself. You have my contact and you can always reach out.

Thank you. I should have pushed harder, I'm grateful for the little you did/ are still doing and will still do, lol. I'll definitely reach out more.

Lagos Consulate 6:30...Wednesday Morning (19/06)
V. O: What's your highest degree
Me: I have a bachelor of Pharmacy degree
V. O: When did you complete this
Me: 2016
V. O: What have you been doing since then
Me: I worked for a couple of months as a locum pharmacist before I went for my one year internship program to become a licensed pharmacist, then I went for my compulsory one year National Youth service, which I completed in April, I was retained where I served and I work there till now.
V. O: Did you apply to any other school
Me: Yes I did
V. O: Name them
Me: SDSU, OUHSC, WSU
V.O: Were u admitted in any other school
Me: No, I was rejected at wsu and ouhsc and waitlisted at sdsu
V.O: What will you be doing as a research assistant
Me: I would be working in the laboratory of Dr Wood, who I would be assisting in setting up of laboratories ans working on his current work in d development of immunotherapeutic for the treatment of cancer
V. O: Thank you, what would you do after your program
Me: I would return back to nigeria to work as a research scientist and academic at my undergraduate university, where I would promote the local production of pharmaceuticals in Nigeria
V. O: Are u married
Me: No
V. O: Do you have any kids.
Me: No
V. O: your passport would be available for pickup in d next three days, seems your pick up location is isolo? Have a nice day
Me: Kukuma Catwalk out with grace

Thank y'all for being a part of this Journey.

pronto543:
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.

check skyscanner first

omofola93:
Lagos Consulate 6:30...Wednesday Morning (19/06)
V. O: What's your highest degree
Me: I have a bachelor of Pharmacy degree
V. O: When did you complete this
Me: 2016
V. O: What have you been doing since then
Me: I worked for a couple of months as a locum pharmacist before I went for my one year internship program to become a licensed pharmacist, then I went for my compulsory one year National Youth service, which I completed in April, I was retained where I served and I work there till now.
V. O: Did you apply to any other school
Me: Yes I did
V. O: Name them
Me: SDSU, OUHSC, WSU
V.O: Were u admitted in any other school
Me: No, I was rejected at wsu and ouhsc and waitlisted at sdsu
V.O: What will you be doing as a research assistant
Me: I would be working in the laboratory of Dr Wood, who I would be assisting in setting up of laboratories ans working on his current work in d development of immunotherapeutic for the treatment of cancer
V. O: Thank you, what would you do after your program
Me: I would return back to nigeria to work as a research scientist and academic at my undergraduate university, where I would promote the local production of pharmaceuticals in Nigeria
V. O: Are u married
Me: No
V. O: Do you have any kids.
Me: No
V. O: your passport would be available for pickup in d next three days, seems your pick up location is isolo? Have a nice day
Me: Kukuma Catwalk out with grace

Thank y'all for being a part of this Journey.

Congratulations Fola!!

LagosismyHome:


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

His answer was not farfetched or an outright lie. there is a quota system where indigenes from say northern nigeria get into public schools with relatively abysmal performance at jamb. You see Hausa kids been enrolled into mbbs programmes with jamb score of 150. Coupled with other nonsense corruption that goes on at the helm of affairs in these schools.

Same thing too happens at common entrance examinations to gain entrance into federal government colleges(secondary schools) in northern Nigeria.

Students from the south or west hoping to read medicine are at the mercy of the same corrupt system even if dey score 270 at jamb.

The VO may not have known about the bullshiit practices in the educational sector but his actions to not hear him out and cut him short with a visa denial was inhumane.

If I was in the guy's shoes I'll lick my wounds and apply elsewhere cos this is just brazen wickedness

Walspring Pls check you mail

Deefav:


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.

Show that you accept responsibility for your shortcomings, even though many times the decisions are largely subjective. When asked say: "I am better prepared to present my case as I was unconvincing the last time" (Yes, take the blame like Akon and don't say it's the VO who didn't give you a chance)

In my opinion , you didn't own up with your response about admission into a university in Nigeria. You should've been upfront saying "I was slightly below the cut-off for admission and didn't qualify for an admission ..." Saying quotas, although true, appears to absolve yourself from your responsibility in the outcome. Don't blame JAMB or the system or anyone at interviews.

At interviews, you turn negatives to positives in interviews, so to follow up a response like that above, say something like: "... so it made me doubly determined to secure a scholarship at a much better and equipped university in the US" (which you did btw)

You should anticipate such questions when there are gaps in education and employment history. A typical question is "What have you been doing since xxxx?" Also, let what you say be consistent with what was filled on the DS form. I noticed after submitting, you no longer have access to the information on the form, so print the review before submitting and practice answers for specific questions.

There are general questions and there are specific questions tailored to each individual according to your profile. Use yours to raise questions and provide answers that you'll be confident about. For example, if you responded on the form that you have family or relative in the US, anticipate questions such as: "how long have they been in US?"... etc for something like this you shoud have at least 5 possible questions

It's never easy being on the spot but the good thing is that the more you practice the more confident you become.

Best of luck with your next interview

Thegamingorca:

His answer was not farfetched or an outright lie. there is a quota system where indigenes from say northern nigeria get into public schools with relatively abysmal performance at jamb. You see Hausa kids been enrolled into mbbs programmes with jamb score of 150. Coupled with other nonsense corruption that goes on at the helm of affairs in these schools.

Same thing too happens at common entrance examinations to gain entrance into federal government colleges(secondary schools) in northern Nigeria.

Students from the south or west hoping to read medicine are at the mercy of the same corrupt system even if dey score 270 at jamb.

The VO may not have known about the bullshiit practices in the educational sector but his actions to not hear him out and cut him short with a visa denial was inhumane.

If I was in the guy's shoes I'll lick my wounds and apply elsewhere cos this is just brazen wickedness

In my time maybe a little bit , as there was not a single private uni then. In 2019 no, that not an excuse for someone who has money to travel abroad of bsc. There are private uni if someone score was not high enough for federal or state . Also that you didnt score high is the reason why quota or quota comes in , so the reason is the score not quota

Common entrance you mentioned , does who go to private secondary , quota doesn't affect them so it doesn't stop anybody who has money to school

6:30am
Visa delayed.
Good morning pass your I-20 and passport.


Q. How many other schools did you apply to?

Three

Q. Name them.

UCR, USF, LSU.
Q. How did you hear about the schools?

Last year at the annual conference of the Nigerian chapter of the American Chemical society, I networked with a few colleagues who recommended the schools I applied to.

Q. How many gave you admits?
I was rejected two and one waitlist for one.


Q. What kind of work will you be doing?

I will be working as a graduate assistant.

Q. Did you write the GRE?

Yes.

Q. What was your score?
301.

Q. What will you be doing when you return?
I will be returning to conduct research in organic medicinal chemistry. Will be using knowledge of chemistry for organic synthesis of new drugs that can be of medicinal use.

Q. Who is paying for the remaining 12k?

My Uncle.

Q. What does he do?

He imports and distributes building materials.

Can you pass his statement?

Q. Why is this statement not in your sponsor's name?
(froze, in my mind I think I said)
A.. It is a corporate business account owned by my sponsor.....( attempts to flip through the SOA)

Q. What is the name of your sponsor.
Told her.

Game over.
Pink.

Deficit of 12k after Tuition waiver and Assistantship. Sponsor's SOA was his business account.

CptCharlesVane:


Show that you accept responsibility for your shortcomings, even though many times the decisions are largely subjective. When asked say: "I am better prepared to present my case as I was unconvincing the last time" (Yes, take the blame like Akon and don't say it's the VO who didn't give you a chance)

In my opinion , you didn't own up with your response about admission into a university in Nigeria. You should've been upfront saying "I was slightly below the cut-off for admission and didn't qualify for an admission ..." Saying quotas, although true, appears to absolve yourself from your responsibility in the outcome. Don't blame JAMB or the system or anyone at interviews.

At interviews, you turn negatives to positives in interviews, so to follow up a response like that above, say something like: "... so it made me doubly determined to secure a scholarship at a much better and equipped university in the US" (which you did btw)

You should anticipate such questions when there are gaps in education and employment history. A typical question is "What have you been doing since xxxx?" Also, let what you say be consistent with what was filled on the DS form. I noticed after submitting, you no longer have access to the information on the form, so print the review before submitting and practice answers for specific questions.

There are general questions and there are specific questions tailored to each individual according to your profile. Use yours to raise questions and provide answers that you'll be confident about. For example, if you responded on the form that you have family or relative in the US, anticipate questions such as: "how long have they been in US?"... etc for something like this you shoud have at least 5 possible questions

It's never easy being on the spot but the good thing is that the more you practice the more confident you become.

Best of luck with your next interview

This is so helpful! Thank you so much. I'll note these down.

Congratulations sis

omofola93:
Lagos Consulate 6:30...Wednesday Morning (19/06)
V. O: What's your highest degree
Me: I have a bachelor of Pharmacy degree
V. O: When did you complete this
Me: 2016
V. O: What have you been doing since then
Me: I worked for a couple of months as a locum pharmacist before I went for my one year internship program to become a licensed pharmacist, then I went for my compulsory one year National Youth service, which I completed in April, I was retained where I served and I work there till now.
V. O: Did you apply to any other school
Me: Yes I did
V. O: Name them
Me: SDSU, OUHSC, WSU
V.O: Were u admitted in any other school
Me: No, I was rejected at wsu and ouhsc and waitlisted at sdsu
V.O: What will you be doing as a research assistant
Me: I would be working in the laboratory of Dr Wood, who I would be assisting in setting up of laboratories ans working on his current work in d development of immunotherapeutic for the treatment of cancer
V. O: Thank you, what would you do after your program
Me: I would return back to nigeria to work as a research scientist and academic at my undergraduate university, where I would promote the local production of pharmaceuticals in Nigeria
V. O: Are u married
Me: No
V. O: Do you have any kids.
Me: No
V. O: your passport would be available for pickup in d next three days, seems your pick up location is isolo? Have a nice day
Me: Kukuma Catwalk out with grace

Thank y'all for being a part of this Journey.

Tomiwaa:
6:30am
Visa delayed.
Good morning pass your I-20 and passport.


Q. How many other schools did you apply to?

Three

Q. Name them.

UCR, USF, LSU.
Q. How did you hear about the schools?

Last year at the annual conference of the Nigerian chapter of the American Chemical society, I networked with a few colleagues who recommended the schools I applied to.

Q. How many gave you admits?
I was rejected two and one waitlist for one.


Q. What kind of work will you be doing?

I will be working as a graduate assistant.

Q. Did you write the GRE?

Yes.

Q. What was your score?
301.

Q. What will you be doing when you return?
I will be returning to conduct research in organic medicinal chemistry. Will be using knowledge of chemistry for organic synthesis of new drugs that can be of medicinal use.

Q. Who is paying for the remaining 12k?

My Uncle.

Q. What does he do?

He imports and distributes building materials.

Can you pass his statement?

Q. Why is this statement not in your sponsor's name?
(froze, in my mind I think I said)
A.. It is a corporate business account owned by my sponsor.....( attempts to flip through the SOA)

Q. What is the name of your sponsor.
Told her.

Game over.
Pink.

Deficit of 12k after Tuition waiver and Assistantship. Sponsor's SOA was his business account.

We keep hammering this, go with a personal statement. Business accounts are not advisable, it only work in few cases. I guess you presented personal account to get your i20, now you are going with a business account.

Time2win:


We keep hammering this, go with a personal statement. Business accounts are not advisable, it only work in few cases. I guess you presented personal account to get your i20, now you are going with a business account.

Thank you. I agree with you.

Passion2009:



When I visited the U.S last summer, I stayed for about 3months and that did not stop me from getting my F1 visa some days ago. I think she needs to be prepd more and try to reapply - don't give up on schooling in the US, it will be more convenient for the two of you.

Hi,

I have sent you a mail. please let's talk

It depends on what she wants, if she really wants education in the US, by all means she should go for it. It's ridiculous in my book for anyone to change their aspirations merely because of a VO that didn't even give up to 5 minutes of his time.

Also, it's one thing complaining and blaming all failures on the cesspit of a system we have in Nigeria with our peers and on nairaland. For the most part, it's true but taking the blaming to any interview is silly and would only lead to a certain outcome. Interviews are about fronting and making oneself look better than they really are and at the same time not coming off as being 'too great for your own skin'

** By the way, discrimination isn't a northerners' thing, it's a Nigerian thing practiced by individuals of all major ethnic groups in the country, including religious groups. Wouldn't know about the minorities because they've rarely been given a chance but I wouldn't raise my hopes.

Thegamingorca:




His answer was not farfetched or an outright lie. there is a quota system where indigenes from say northern nigeria get into public schools with relatively abysmal performance at jamb. You see Hausa kids been enrolled into mbbs programmes with jamb score of 150. Coupled with other nonsense corruption that goes on at the helm of affairs in these schools.

Same thing too happens at common entrance examinations to gain entrance into federal government colleges(secondary schools) in northern Nigeria.

Students from the south or west hoping to read medicine are at the mercy of the same corrupt system even if dey score 270 at jamb.

The VO may not have known about the bullshiit practices in the educational sector but his actions to not hear him out and cut him short with a visa denial was inhumane.

If I was in the guy's girl's shoes I'll lick my wounds and apply elsewhere cos this is just brazen wickedness

nelem:


check skyscanner first

Thank you so much. It's a wonderful app!

I understand. I hope you have gotten a date?

MrCuteking:


I saw one website that looks like phishing that was why I asked.

scammers have duplicate website for newbies.

Pls, can someone help with gre past questions Nd answer. Thanks and God bless u. My mail is omhonriakelvin@gmail.com.