gaeul:
Thanks for your response. My CGPA BSc was 4.13/5 in Nigeria while MSc was UK with 70%. I have not done any GRE. Is it prerequisite for a PhD application...

Which course did u study in UG and PG

slimmy2005:
His best bet is to find a good University apply for your undergrad studies there. Secure I-20, apply to Community Colleges and secure I-20 as well. Go to the embassy with the University I-20, when you get your visa and move to the US you can transfer to the community college. There are community colleges here that charge as low as $150 per credit.

Thanks...
This was very helpful...

kastgeraldino:
Don't take it personal. Colleges in the US are ridiculously expensive. You would have to really search hard for something within that budget. The last time I checked, my undergrad was equivalent to over 30m per year. How the hell would I have afforded that without funding? If you have 3m and can't get funding, then there is nothing wrong with attending the good private universities in Naija. Do well there and the sky will be your limit.

Thanks bro...

drDoom3:


Try community college?

Seems community college is not favorable..
Will follow slimmy advice..

Thanks tho

sheke01:
Slimmy2005, Pjomo, AfonjaBoston abeg make una take am easy with peeps for here o, 2020 has been hard enough on them. Abi una want make i phone Houston make SteveCrun and all those 2013-2014 session craze come change am for una

Make una no dey bully this kiddos, una suppose do giveaway for this thread make dem take do covid19 palatives

Kiddos?
Some are older than you you know? Just because you're in the US already doesn't give you the "Elder Brother" position. Majority have come this far without any help from anyone (except genuine helpers here e.g fairheart and Lagosismyhome) on this thread. Aced their tests, waited throughout the application review period. So I believe if anyone thinks he can dampen their enthusiasm, kindly reevaluate.

fairheart:

I saw drDoom3 comment, and that was really nice.
There is a young man here called Daniel. I can't remember his username, but I will ask him. He was a member of EducationUSA and one of the ambassadors before he traveled last fall; still have connection with EAC though (they even paid his flight ticket to the US). Will try to link you with him. Send me a DM.
Once you hit a high SAT score, you will get full ride scholarship, and your age is really nice for this mission you are about to pursue. I suggest that you don't worry about your WAEC, but instead invest your energy on destroying SAT. Try to score 1450-1500 if possible. Even 1400 will get you full ride with some schools in the US. Focus on the SAT and follow the instruction the other guy has given. Extra coaching will help, but the exam can be prepared for if you focus on reading textbooks, practice, etc without tutoring. Most of the students who reached out to me from here didn't use tutoring, but they studied very, very hard. When you get the SAT right, please mention me. I will share list of schools I have you can pick from.

Really inspired by what you hope to achieve at this age. Best of luck dear!

Hi pls can I send u a DM? So u can also link me with Daniel

Thanks ❣️

My WASSCE grades

Mathematics B2
Physics B3
Chemistry B3
Biology B3
Dyeing and bleaching B2
Further mathematics B3
Agricultural science B3
Civic education A1
English C4
I'm 16

High school GPA 4.95/5.0
Almost straight A's though with just 1/2 B's

Interests mechanical engineering, robotics, computer science
I've got Olympiad experience, NNPC science competition, cowbellpedia, pz cussons chemistry competition, Lagos State jet& science competition e.t.c
I've also taken lead positions in school clubs and societies.
I was recently awarded scholarship by Lagos State to study at any Nigerian University, but I'm not really interested in studying engineering in Nigeria because of it's incompetency in practicals.

List of universities I'll be applying to

MIT
Stanford University
Yale University
Princeton University
Harvard University
Northwestern University
Amherst college

I also have recognition in Lagos State as one of the top 100 best students.

Pls what's my chances of getting admitted and also chance of getting my F1 Visa approved.
I'll be using the common app though, but ain't taking SAT, reason colleges are test optional+ SAT not administered amidst the pandemic. Also don't hesitate to scrutinize my write up constructively and help get admitted!!!
NB: MIT is my dream college

Thanks ❣️

gaeul:
Thanks for your response. My CGPA BSc was 4.13/5 in Nigeria while MSc was UK with 70%. I have not done any GRE. Is it prerequisite for a PhD application...

Hi, I sincerely hope this might be of help to you. For PhD application, the GRE could be a requirement for some programs (remember that you apply to programs and not the university) but within the same university some other programs might not require it. for example, for over a decade, the UIUC CS program which is often ranked top 6 according to the US news have not required the GRE test (the UIUC program is one of the most competitive programs with an acceptance rate of less than 5percent) . This is not often the case say in the Psy.D program at UIUC. The Harvard GSAS PhD. biomolecules track clearly states that they do not require the GRE test) but this might not be the same at Harvard CS. PhD. Yale BBS PhD program do not require the GRE test but this 'might' not be the case at say Yale EE PhD program and so on. In fact tons of programs have waived the GRE requirement, because from experience the GRE test has not proven to be an indication of success in graduate school (with specific reference to PhD programs).
PhD Programs that do require the GRE do not use it as a determinant of admission but rather as a filter to reduce the number of applications required for faculties (professors) to peruse. (n/b this is not often the case in an MSc. A lot of schools do solely admit students with funding into Ms programs based off of stellar GRE scores). What you've to offer (research experience, interest) becomes more important for PhD admissions. In fact Professor Jeff Erickson at UIUC said that a letter of recommendation documenting a student's research adeptness is the most important factor used in admission decisions in PhD programs and this has been corroborated by many professors at several programs.

Are these programs fully funded? yes! Technically, most (if not all) PhD programs in the STEM at high research intensive programs (R1 universities) are fully funded, so you don't have to worry about whether or not taking the GRE will affect your chances of funding.

Should one take the GRE test whether or not it's required by the program? Well it's not necessarily

Mosminic:

Kiddos?
Some are older than you you know? Just because you're in the US already doesn't give you the "Elder Brother" position. Majority have come this far without any help from anyone (except genuine helpers here e.g fairheart and Lagosismyhome) on this thread. Aced their tests, waited throughout the application review period. So I believe if anyone thinks he can dampen their enthusiasm, kindly reevaluate.

The kiddo statement tells a lot about the so called maturity he and his goons claim.

fairheart:

I saw drDoom3 comment, and that was really nice.
There is a young man here called Daniel. I can't remember his username, but I will ask him. He was a member of EducationUSA and one of the ambassadors before he traveled last fall; still have connection with EAC though (they even paid his flight ticket to the US). Will try to link you with him. Send me a DM.
Once you hit a high SAT score, you will get full ride scholarship, and your age is really nice for this mission you are about to pursue. I suggest that you don't worry about your WAEC, but instead invest your energy on destroying SAT. Try to score 1450-1500 if possible. Even 1400 will get you full ride with some schools in the US. Focus on the SAT and follow the instruction the other guy has given. Extra coaching will help, but the exam can be prepared for if you focus on reading textbooks, practice, etc without tutoring. Most of the students who reached out to me from here didn't use tutoring, but they studied very, very hard. When you get the SAT right, please mention me. I will share list of schools I have you can pick from.

Really inspired by what you hope to achieve at this age. Best of luck dear!

Is there a particular age criteria for Undergrads seeking admission?

BSc Banking and Finance
MSc Finance and Management

horlahsunbo225:

Which course did u study in UG and PG

Thank you so much for this detailed information and clarification. I am truly grateful.

Please any school suggestions? I would really appreciate.

pdjohnson:


Hi, I sincerely hope this might be of help to you. For PhD application, the GRE could be a requirement for some programs (remember that you apply to programs and not the university) but within the same university some other programs might not require it. for example, for over a decade, the UIUC CS program which is often ranked top 6 according to the US news have not required the GRE test (the UIUC program is one of the most competitive programs with an acceptance rate of less than 5percent) . This is not often the case say in the Psy.D program at UIUC. The Harvard GSAS PhD. biomolecules track clearly states that they do not require the GRE test) but this might not be the same at Harvard CS. PhD. Yale BBS PhD program do not require the GRE test but this 'might' not be the case at say Yale EE PhD program and so on. In fact tons of programs have waived the GRE requirement, because from experience the GRE test has not proven to be an indication of success in graduate school (with specific reference to PhD programs).
PhD Programs that do require the GRE do not use it as a determinant of admission but rather as a filter to reduce the number of applications required for faculties (professors) to peruse. (n/b this is not often the case in an MSc. A lot of schools do solely admit students with funding into Ms programs based off of stellar GRE scores). What you've to offer (research experience, interest) becomes more important for PhD admissions. In fact Professor Jeff Erickson at UIUC said that a letter of recommendation documenting a student's research adeptness is the most important factor used in admission decisions in PhD programs and this has been corroborated by many professors at several programs.

Are these programs fully funded? yes! Technically, most (if not all) PhD programs in the STEM at high research intensive programs (R1 universities) are fully funded, so you don't have to worry about whether or not taking the GRE will affect your chances of funding.

Should one take the GRE test whether or not it's required by the program? Well it's not necessarily

Hello guys, please I didn't mean to share the answers twice,, it was a mistake, thanks!

SoccerUSA:

It's not but depends on the person actually. If he thinks of SAT to be nothing compared to the rigorous courses he has done in secondary school he might end up with lower score but if he thinks otherwise it might work out well.

Onah16, I have link(you can find all the resources you need to prepare free) to share with you that will help you prepare well.

Oh my God ..Thanks for the support I'll be expecting the PDF soon please

RemarkableMind:

Onah16, I can share some textbooks my sister used with you. Pdf
fairheart 1500 one go hard o for first time sitting for SAT

Okay ..Thanks so much! please I'll really need the PDF soon

drDoom3:


The WAEC is not bad, WES evaluation can put it at 3.4 or 3.5/4.0. The most important thing is the SAT score. Writing a solid essay with great extracurriculars is also helpful. If you can, create a one page resume.

Try to have one stand-out thing in your application that you reflect through your essays, extracurriculars, etc. For example, I used my diversity to sell myself. I emphasised it in my essays. Also used tutoring too, which I showed through my extracurriculars. Make your essays very unique, don't write about how you passed an exam or how you overcame stage fright or something very general like that. Make your admission officers remember you through your essays.

If you can get to Abuja or Lagos, I'll advise you link up with the EducationUSA Advising Center. You could even apply for the Opportunity Funds Programme, and get all your application expenses fully covered by the embassy. With your stats, you have a great chance of getting in.

Thanks a lot ..I was planning to join Education USA but this pandemic put a lot of things on stand still .. I'll really love to talk with you about the processes ,exams , preparation and everything ..Do you mind?

RemarkableMind:

Onah16, I can share some textbooks my sister used with you. Pdf
fairheart 1500 one go hard o for first time sitting for SAT

Thanks so much ..I already sent an email to you ,I don't really know how to chat on this forum (lol ) ..But yes I did send an email I'm really looking forward to speaking more about the processes ,I really want to get all the information I need

Mosminic:

Kiddos?
Some are older than you you know? Just because you're in the US already doesn't give you the "Elder Brother" position. Majority have come this far without any help from anyone (except genuine helpers here e.g fairheart and Lagosismyhome) on this thread. Aced their tests, waited throughout the application review period. So I believe if anyone thinks he can dampen their enthusiasm, kindly reevaluate.

Mehn I pray y'all get your visas o so y'all can see the other side of the world. FYI, kiddo is an informal greeting. Same way most of you think "Hey" is a word that shouldn't be used on elders when actually "hey" is a greeting.

I wish we can learn not to be so fast to attack. Come to think about it, you are trying to go through a path other people have gone through, so you are their kiddo with respect to that path, so am still correct to address you as "kiddo" on this thread. If you come to the city where I live in, i can pick you up at the airport, accommodate you and help you find your way around town. So yes, you are "kiddo" in that regard.

And that post is not in any way about enthusiasm dampening. It is not even dampening anything at all.

Age might be a big factor in the part of the world where you are right now but age is not a big deal in the part of the world where you are aspiring to be. You will learn that soon kiddo

sheke01:


Mehn I pray y'all get your visas o so y'all can see the other side of the world. FYI, kiddo is an informal greeting. Same way most of you think "Hey" is a word that shouldn't be used on elders when actually "hey" is a greeting.

I wish we can learn not to be so fast to attack. Come to think about it, you are trying to go through a path other people have gone through, so you are their kiddo with respect to that path, so am still correct to address you as "kiddo" on this thread. If you come to the city where I live in, i can pick you up at the airport, accommodate you and help you find your way around town. So yes, you are "kiddo" in that regard.

And that post is not in any way about enthusiasm dampening. It is not even dampening anything at all.

Age might be a big factor in the part of the world where you are right now but age is not a big deal in the part of the world where you are aspiring to be. You will learn that soon kiddo

The fact that age isn't a factor over there is relative. Oh yes definitely you've tasted the American experience and you have imbibed some of the things you've heard, seen and learnt. Just remember this is a Nigerian forum and no matter how long you stay in the US, when it's time to come back to Nigeria, you'll come back. By then you can address an older person who comes for an advice as kiddo. Yes kiddo might mean junior in other aspects but there are better words to use. And about the enthusiasm dampening, I wasn't referring to your post.
Have a great day

This thread is becoming something else.

That was how one Pjomo was commanding me to PM him yesterday and even putting conditions

Thanks for the compliment anyway...


At this point, I hope all fall 2020 hopefuls have started thinking of the best decision to take as per their admission and funding.
It is well.
This too shall pass!

Have a wonderful rest of day everyone.

fairheart:

I saw drDoom3 comment, and that was really nice.
There is a young man here called Daniel. I can't remember his username, but I will ask him. He was a member of EducationUSA and one of the ambassadors before he traveled last fall; still have connection with EAC though (they even paid his flight ticket to the US). Will try to link you with him. Send me a DM.
Once you hit a high SAT score, you will get full ride scholarship, and your age is really nice for this mission you are about to pursue. I suggest that you don't worry about your WAEC, but instead invest your energy on destroying SAT. Try to score 1450-1500 if possible. Even 1400 will get you full ride with some schools in the US. Focus on the SAT and follow the instruction the other guy has given. Extra coaching will help, but the exam can be prepared for if you focus on reading textbooks, practice, etc without tutoring. Most of the students who reached out to me from here didn't use tutoring, but they studied very, very hard. When you get the SAT right, please mention me. I will share list of schools I have you can pick from.

Really inspired by what you hope to achieve at this age. Best of luck dear!

Thanks I'm really grateful ..I sent you an email so that we can talk about the processes

gaeul:
Thank you so much for this detailed information and clarification. I am truly grateful.

Please any school suggestions? I would really appreciate.

Hi, so sorry I'm not very used to commenting on nairaland. I think my second post which was meant to be the original one was deleted by nairaland or someone, I'm not sure about that. And thus the comment you quoted was actually incomplete.

To answer your question, I'm not very familiar with trends in the humanities and management sciences, I think you made mention of management sciences somewhere here! Why not do a little research of your own, first you might want to start with https://www.thegradcafe.com/ visit Gradcafe and then do a search, inputting the program you'd love to study, you'll get lists of institutions offering it, the acceptances and rejections and sometimes comments on whether or not they offered funding and stuff. I believe funding is almost always guaranteed in good PhD programs.

I'd encourage you to select programs with PIs conducting research you might be interested in rather than selecting programs based off of ranking. Also do select safeties!

Also reach out to PIs only when you have thoroughly read and understood their papers, and even at that, at best they might still refer you to the application portal. But on rare and exceptionl occasions a PI might want to schedule a one on one interview.

I also saw that you asked a question somewhere about contacting PIs and stuff. Please now that PhD admissions in the US is often different from that in the UK. For example in the US, you often do not require a masters to do PhD, but this is not quite true in the UK. In the UK, often times you need to have found a PIs, but this is 'not necessary' in the US. Thus you do not necessarily need to contact PIs in the US. Nonetheless, I'd encourage you to contact a PI especially if you feel you might be a good fit in his/her lab. Moreover a few programs in the US e.g programs that do not require group rotations might require you to contact a PI.

I hope this helps, cheers!

If you don't take the SAT, then what's gonna be your differentiating factor? You don't seem to understand your competition. I'm talking as someone who attended one of those schools. So I know what your competition would bring to the table. There are a good number of students with above 7A1 and above with 1500+ SAT that get rejected at these schools. I'm not gonna even go into the American kids; those already operate at a higher level.

Phenomenalopeye:


Hi pls can I send u a DM? So u can also link me with Daniel

Thanks ❣️

My WASSCE grades

Mathematics B2
Physics B3
Chemistry B3
Biology B3
Dyeing and bleaching B2
Further mathematics B3
Agricultural science B3
Civic education A1
English C4
I'm 16

High school GPA 4.95/5.0
Almost straight A's though with just 1/2 B's

Interests mechanical engineering, robotics, computer science
I've got Olympiad experience, NNPC science competition, cowbellpedia, pz cussons chemistry competition, Lagos State jet& science competition e.t.c
I've also taken lead positions in school clubs and societies.
I was recently awarded scholarship by Lagos State to study at any Nigerian University, but I'm not really interested in studying engineering in Nigeria because of it's incompetency in practicals.

List of universities I'll be applying to

MIT
Stanford University
Yale University
Princeton University
Harvard University
Northwestern University
Amherst college

I also have recognition in Lagos State as one of the top 100 best students.

Pls what's my chances of getting admitted and also chance of getting my F1 Visa approved.
I'll be using the common app though, but ain't taking SAT, reason colleges are test optional+ SAT not administered amidst the pandemic. Also don't hesitate to scrutinize my write up constructively and help get admitted!!!
NB: MIT is my dream college

Thanks ❣️

Phenomenalopeye:


Hi pls can I send u a DM? So u can also link me with Daniel

Thanks ❣️

My WASSCE grades

Mathematics B2
Physics B3
Chemistry B3
Biology B3
Dyeing and bleaching B2
Further mathematics B3
Agricultural science B3
Civic education A1
English C4
I'm 16

High school GPA 4.95/5.0
Almost straight A's though with just 1/2 B's

Interests mechanical engineering, robotics, computer science
I've got Olympiad experience, NNPC science competition, cowbellpedia, pz cussons chemistry competition, Lagos State jet& science competition e.t.c
I've also taken lead positions in school clubs and societies.
I was recently awarded scholarship by Lagos State to study at any Nigerian University, but I'm not really interested in studying engineering in Nigeria because of it's incompetency in practicals.

List of universities I'll be applying to

MIT
Stanford University
Yale University
Princeton University
Harvard University
Northwestern University
Amherst college

I also have recognition in Lagos State as one of the top 100 best students.

Pls what's my chances of getting admitted and also chance of getting my F1 Visa approved.
I'll be using the common app though, but ain't taking SAT, reason colleges are test optional+ SAT not administered amidst the pandemic. Also don't hesitate to scrutinize my write up constructively and help get admitted!!!
NB: MIT is my dream college

Thanks ❣️

I agree with the last comment .........while this might be a good WASSCE , there are so many applicants with all A1 and high SAT that dont get into IVy League or top schools. It extremely competitive even for those with perfect score. You need to spread you risk and if you have more money add more less competitive schools to this list (if you must go with this list ) .

RemarkableMind:

Onah16, I can share some textbooks my sister used with you. Pdf
fairheart 1500 one go hard o for first time sitting for SAT

It is very possible and achievable with enough practice and preparation.

Phenomenalopeye:


Hi pls can I send u a DM? So u can also link me with Daniel

Thanks ❣️

My WASSCE grades

Mathematics B2
Physics B3
Chemistry B3
Biology B3
Dyeing and bleaching B2
Further mathematics B3
Agricultural science B3
Civic education A1
English C4
I'm 16

High school GPA 4.95/5.0
Almost straight A's though with just 1/2 B's

Interests mechanical engineering, robotics, computer science
I've got Olympiad experience, NNPC science competition, cowbellpedia, pz cussons chemistry competition, Lagos State jet& science competition e.t.c
I've also taken lead positions in school clubs and societies.
I was recently awarded scholarship by Lagos State to study at any Nigerian University, but I'm not really interested in studying engineering in Nigeria because of it's incompetency in practicals.

List of universities I'll be applying to

MIT
Stanford University
Yale University
Princeton University
Harvard University
Northwestern University
Amherst college

I also have recognition in Lagos State as one of the top 100 best students.

Pls what's my chances of getting admitted and also chance of getting my F1 Visa approved.
I'll be using the common app though, but ain't taking SAT, reason colleges are test optional+ SAT not administered amidst the pandemic. Also don't hesitate to scrutinize my write up constructively and help get admitted!!!
NB: MIT is my dream college

Thanks ❣️

No safeties?

All these schools are tough schools o. Academics can't get you in, so don't rely on them. My friend made a similar mistake, thought his 8A1s, national awards and scholarships, and 1590/1600 could get him in. After he didn't get into any school his first year, he sat down and restructured his application, then applied to the schools of his best fit. It's not all about having awards. IMO participants and NNPC winners are also applying to the same MIT. Try to find something that can stand you out, and show them through your essays.

More important is your SAT/ACT score. With this school list, you should be aiming for 1500+ or 34+. Anything less, it's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle.

Kimzylove:


Is there a particular age criteria for Undergrads seeking admission?

No, but I recommend starting as early as possible, especially if you're looking for full funding.