₦airaland Forum

fairheart:
There are people on this thread with negative opinion on things they do not understand, and I feel if they see things from another angle, it will help their journey.

On revealing school or not, nobody was forced at gun point to do it. I only advise those who are in touch with me and they see sense in that advise. We have seen 0ver 1000 approved f-1 transcripts from this thread as they continue to grow. One thing is certainly not useful to any student on these transcripts: the school name. Instead, picking up schools from transcripts here is part of the reasons some of you are not getting your visa and that you will still not get it until you change and do your home work.

WHEN YOU COPY SCHOOL
When you copy school and only rely on transcripts for this purpose, you CHEAT YOURSELF of potential opportunity for your own school and perhaps, good scholarship and funding. I am of the opinion that if your Dad is not so rich that he could pay about $30K cost of attendance X 2, you ought to take the path of strength and self-sufficiency: getting good scholarship or assistantship. I understand that there are people on this thread with intention to merely use the F-1 visa to migrate. My advise are for those who actually wanted to study and secure a better future for themselves. These are the people that are required to do their homework--as part of the price for future success. It is not suffering!

When you copy schools from here, you deny yourself the opportunity to find schools that can offer you better opportunities. There are hundreds of schools for your program and that will fund you if you have a good profile and you apply early. All you have to do is explore those schools! But when you copy school from here, chances is high they will exhaust their funding due to high volume application and stop funding subsequent admission. WIU was used as a case study. They may give you admission, but always remember that every school has number of international students they wish to take, and every department has number of GA, scholarship, fellowship they award to admitted students. Bombing a school someone got admitted into always cheat you of opportunity to get something better if you had applied to a school that is not like a pure water on Nairaland.

The better your financial opportunity and unique your profile, the higher your chances of approval. Your friend might have done it and easily get their visa, but it doesn't mean it will work for you that way. This thing is case by case.

I have shared ideas on doing the work in the past. Sometimes, people assume because I am experienced on F-1 application that I know all the school that funds and easily give admission. And when I tell them I have no idea, they assume I am selfish or doesn't want to help them. The truth is that, I don't have schools in my head, except the ones students on and off here recently got approved with, and it is a matter of time before you forget them. Because of this, I feel those who did not understand should be made to understand.

There's nothing hard is finding your own school, and it is not a crime to keep it only to a small circle of friends. It doesn't mean selfishness or greed. By keeping it away, you give others the opportunity to work and find a school that works for them. But if anyone feels they want Nairaland to know their school, I have nothing against it. Who am I to be against such?

HOW TO SEARCH AND FIND GOOD SCHOOLS FOR YOUR PROFILE.

1 Google is the first place to start. And cost of attendance and profile of the school should be on your mind as you begin. First, you want to go to a school your sponsor can afford. Secondly, you want to be considered for funding that will come with monthly stipend to offset living expenses, so that you will not worry how to survive (especially if you can't get adequate support from home while in the U.S). Thirdly, you want to study at a school that offers courses that will equip and prepare you for the next phase of your career. You need specialty, broad knowledge, internship opportunity, etc. Remember, I am talking to students who genuinely want to study in the United States and are willing to do the work. Now, the three points should be in mind before you begin your school search.

1a, Be creative about it. Use search strings that is worded with your wants, i.e affordability, funding, good course., etc. Let me give you a list:
AFFORDABLE UNIVERSITIES IN THE U.S FOR MASTER'S IN CHEMISTRY (For blog posts and sites that catalogue affordable schools for chemistry).
BEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE U.S FOR MASTER'S IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS (For top ranking, research-driven universities for the mentioned course)
UNIVERSITIES IN THE U.S WITH ASSISTANTSHIP FOR MASTER'S IN MATHEMATICS (For schools offering assistantship for mathematics).

As you would see, search string contains what you want Google to show you, and that is what you will see. The more creative you're, the better. Your search result will bring up blog posts and sites that discuss and list universities for what you want. Then, you visit site by site, and from there, make a list of the schools you see, and keep away. When you are done, visit those schools one by one. You could make a list of 20 schools, or as much as you want.

1b, Get your schools by choice of U.S States. If you were to go to the U.S which state would you like to study? California? Texas? New York? Tennessee? Etc! Select best 3 states of your choice or that you have a family member or friends.
Go to Google and type, for example, ALL UNIVERSITIES IN TEXAS. Google will bring up sites and blog posts with list of these schools. I advise you look for Wikipedia page for all the schools on the list. As a study-abroad consultant, Wikipedia [/b]page for all schools in each U.S state seems the most resourcesful. There, private and public schools in the state you search is catalogued, so you get to see list of public and private schools in that state. You see their acceptance rate as well. All you do is open those schools in new tab, then read about it and get the school website directly from them. It is simple, except you are not computer literate.

[b]2, CHECKING FOR ASSISTANTSHIP: When you open the school webiste, go straight to academic and you will see undergraduate and graduate programs. It is always under academic. Click the one that applies. Check list of programs offered and pick the program (s) you are interested in. Check program courses, and look for assistantship/scholarship. Every program page has information for assistantship/scholarship. If your master's program department offers assistantship, you will see the information there. Read it and understand condition for selection. If that school is okay, make a list on a paper and keep. You can do for as many as you want.

2a, Immediately you review your program webpage, look for the "Graduate Coordinator" or "Program Director". These are the faculty members with information on funding. Your duty is to contact each school before you even apply to them. I always advise my students to contact their program coordinator before they apply. Get the email and name of this person. Take your time to write a 3-5 paragram message detailing your course, undergraduate GPA, that you are interested in the program for so, so admission term, and that "what is the chances of being selected for a graduate assistantship or departmental scholarship if admitted into the program."

ALWAYS CONTACT YOUR POTENTIAL SCHOOL BEFORE YOU APPLY THERE.

2b, If you compose your message well, your program coordinator will be compelled to tell you what is obtainable according to your profile, GPA, experience, etc. They always tell you what is obtainable. You can then use this information to decide if you will apply or not. In December last year, a student followed these step and the two school she contacted promised --right in their response to her message--that based on her profile, if he apply, he will be considered for admission and assistantship. She did, and both schools admitted her and offered her assistantship. She got her visa last month with deficit of $1K.

If the response from the person in charge of department seems favourable, go ahead and apply right away. The earlier, the better for you.

2c, Don't underestimate your potential of getting into top schools. Explore those too. Make a budget on how many schools you plan to apply to. Be principled about it. Be creative. Use initiative and push yourself and do your thing.


RESOURCES YOU NEED.
A LAPTOP--You need a laptop to do these search well and for better result.
DATA FOR INTERNET-- plan how you will always have data for this task.
TIME--Decide which day of the week you will use to explore schools (put off things that won't add value to you for this task).

It is funny that some of you who complain that people are hiding their schools and so you couldn't apply their and get the same opportunity carry expensive smart phone but don't have a computer, and you say you're a student in 21st century? What exactly do you want to sacrifice to study abroad? As a youth, I was fortunate to start using computer at 17. By the time I was 21, I own a brand new laptop as a gift. I didn't ask for shoes, no jeans, but a laptop. I was hungry for knowledge. Even when I clock 30 and I needed a new laptop, I deny myself a smart phone and used the money to get a UK-USED laptop. I was using a Nokia analogue phone for 15 months, using laptop for Whatsapp, email works, and others. A silly person would say "O, you must have suffered." This is not suffering! This is sacrifice for a better life and a glorious future!

Some of you have rich parents but you never asked them for things that will help you advance your career. It is either expensive wig, phones or shoes. What happen to asking for laptop, books, and things that the beautiful future you want required?

Going to America to study is a worthwhile dream. It is a dream that both young people from the grassroots and the upper class can achieve. Last week, a student from this thread called me that he got an internship of $10000 per month. He sacrificed a lot to get his visa. Look at him today? Sacrifice paid off! I have seen young people that sold their stuffs to make these dreams a reality. Today, they are richer and more successful their their peers with rich parents.

You must gift yourself what your future demands! Get a laptop, keep money for data and make this task of getting a good school for you a priority. Enough of Netflix that add no academic value! Enough of using social media to waste quality time. If going abroad to study is your dream and you have no rich parents, listen to me and you will remember this message 10 years to come. If you really want to study abroad and become your best, get yourself a laptop, create time for the work involved. You have no business carrying iPhone 12 if you don't have a personal computer you can go to, to do the things that are better done on laptop.

The school search I just shared here needs a working laptop.

I know some of you already hate to see the name Fairheart , but well, I know my people and my people know me. Those who needs the message I preach will take it and use it. And for that, I am blessed!

It has been nice being here.
All the best!

This is commendable bro, try to do something like this and not telling people to hide their schools again.

fairheart:
You have a PhD? What a waste of time and resources that should have been used for on something that will give you enlightenment. And you may have gone to Harvard and still be a stupid, illogical person. You think it is about PhD? If a person with a PhD cannot reason and be fair in his assessment of subject of discussion, then your PhD is a waste of time, and I am sorry for you!
Don't mention me again.

If any member of your family can have a PhD or you yourself it means a lot. I am not sure you ever in your life get a PhD offer talkless of been in a school, I’d you do kindly let me know to even know the school mentor fairheart Dey

Can you tell me which school you are in USA ?

fairheart:
Dumb arguement! Some Nigerians are just stupid! How do you connect a transcript not showing a school to the arguement that others may not achieve their dreams without it? What has showing everyone the school you are going got to do with their dream. Now I understand why Nigeria is backward!

Get your own school and move on! It is not a crime.

Try to jettison your sense of entitlement man! I am done with my PhD now bro! We don’t even know which school you are in USA. It will be nice if you can even tell us bro which I am sure you will never even mention. If you are an alumni of my school you will never open your dirty brain by talking to me like that.

I don’t argue with an asinine person bro. Take care

Schrodinger1:
Guy, It is too early to piss me off on my birthday.

Go and check my transcript, I listed my school and went further by naming my research area. However, I will not be subjective like you lots on this issue.

Everyone has the right to either mention the name of their school or leave it undisclosed. My take is not to bully or criticised anyone for which ever decision they take. They have their reasons that decisions.

It is only when you reason myopically you'd assume a school name was removed so that you will not achieve success effortlessly.

Well, I see that you’re are goofed about about stand anyway. Take care man !!!!!!!!!!

Schrodinger1:
This is Awesome. Congratulations!

Like I used to tell people, do your home work and make your responses utterly special and unique.

You were able to convince the VO that apart from the fact that your sponsor has more than adequate means to fund your studies, you were a credible student going for studies.(that's what applying to more than one school does subconsciously).

Even if you had no iota of funding from your school, you'd have gotten the approval still.

NOTE: Do not fall for the cheap and malicious pleasantries from all those that are pained and saddened you left out the name of your school. You have the absolute right to have done so and your decision was valid.

Its your choice to either reveal the name of your school or do the otherwise. Nobody should make anyone feel less human or compel them against their wish if they had decided not to disclose the name of their schools.

How paradoxical is it that some charge people for F1 Mock sessions (claiming they can't work hard) and yet they come here to subtly chastise others for redacting the name of their schools from their transcripts.

Another self entitlement!

But When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.

nestkojex:
Congrats first.
But very hypocritical.
Why ask is to thank Jesus for you when you wrote the 2 should you were denied for and m but good the one you were given admission for... Lol

Nigerians sha...
Go and see how Indians and Chinese are helping one another go over there and even build communities there.
I am sure you wouldn't have posted here if not for the names you mentioned that personally assisted you in the past in this platform.
Shame

Thank you and God bless you bro. He or she must have been instructed to do so.

Nigerians create problems for themselves not even Nigeria sef

fairheart:
Why do you need to know her University? So that people will bomb it as they now did with Western Illinois University? I heard yesterday from someone at the embassy that many applicants came with Western Illinois University I-20 and almost, if not all of them, including someone who is fully funded, were refused.

So I have advised those who are in touch with me not to reveal their schools on this forum. I advise potential applicants that will be approved to keep their school out as well. Let every student find their own school and have a unique profile, so that they will take you serious when you apply for your visa at the embassy.

For your information, WIU was funding students until over 2500 Nigerian students bombed the school with applications. Now, they are reaping the result with many refusals.

Remember, the United States has over 5000 colleges and universities, so find your own school. Do the work! Don't avoid the work! It will help your journey. This is for all of you here!

Bro, this is morally wrong as you have no right to have instructed anyone here to hide their school. How do you want others to learn if not by sharing their profile adequately others can learn from their experiences. I understand the facts that many are mentally lazy to search for schools and all but that shouldn’t connote you instructing those that have contacted you for one help or the other not to share the school they’re heading to.

Fine, at the first instance who instructed them to post their transcript here ? Nobody! But if they’re doing so from their own volition or conviction they should do so wholeheartedly so that others can learn and get to their yearnings and aspirations in life. I saw where you raised an issue where you said many got rejected as a result of applying to one particular school, that notion of yours was also wrong as well too as it’s from time immemorial prospective applicants have been applying to various schools not just only as you’ve wrongly said. Where is your statistics that justify your reasoning that many got rejected as a result of applying to WIU? What about Texas Tech , BGSU and others that are very popular among our people in 2019-2020, are you telling me that they all got rejected ? No man !!!!! That’s morally wrong and a felling of self entitlement unless you told us that you’re an agent as your position on not posting schools guys are applying to will make this nairaland post senseless, oblivion and not educative again as we know how useful it has been since it was created.

Bro, if you are helping your people that’s fine as it’s a welcome development which they will be grateful to you if at all they even recognize you at all when they are in USA as many won’t bother to reach out to you unless they need your help for 1-2 info or for their friends/relatives. Please don’t feel entitled to ANY individual feelings at all and don’t let others that intend helping the needy with schools they actually applied to do so because you can’t instruct me to hate/like who you like/hate when I am not gullible bro.

However, if you feel you’re an agent and you charge kindly let people know your thoughts/positions because it look weird to me by instigating a bad reasoning by instructing those that have been favored already to hide their school, man it’s so bad to have uttered such an erroneous statement as what this platform is meant for was to help people and no law banned anyone from posting schools they’ve gotten visa approval with or intend.

Moreover, I understand your feelings that many will steal info from those approved right , is that your thinking man? If that’s it also it’s wrong too because you yourself what you know today and become today was as a results of schools they posted here you actually know most schools, advice and counsel you are giving out to your clients or prospective students as it is hard on anyone to Google search alone and become a mentor it’s not POSSIBLE man you need others experience to understand situation and kind of advice you give man. Please leaders we actually know here don’t give such bad advice like you’ve said before as I know you to be helpful in so many ways here as I do read how helpful you render to many here until suddenly you changed your mind as that’s your life you can use it the way you like bro.

There was a guy that reached to me two days ago, he was rejected from Dartmouth college for his MBA despite having a huge scholarship he got rejected totally. Bro, are you telling me that many people applied to Dartmouth College that right ? So that’s why he was rejected ? That’s a goofed statement or erroneous thinking. Don’t pride yourself as the almighty known bro, many will get there too either getting that info here or there but it’s a great opportunity if they can have it here as that make this platform relevant every season.

Finally, my advice is that don’t think in your own figment of imagination that it’s only you that will actualize people’s dream in life, many will get to where they ever wanted in their lives. Don’t you ever think that many have becomes best of friends as a result of meeting on this platform ? Do you think many meet friends on street again unlike before ? It’s this kind of platform that intend actualizing many dreams many people meet and be useful to one another. So please don’t suffocate this platform with your self entitled mindset.

Take-Care man !!!!!!!

Bigsecret:
As promised
Status: Approved
Embassy: Lagos Consulate
Window 5
VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning
VO: How was your night
Me: (In my mind, this VO nice o), fine and yours?
VO: Fine. Passport and i20 please
He kept typing for like 2 minutes. I was praying under my breathe
VO: I see you are going to Miami University for your Masters in SAHE
Me: Yes, Please
VO: Why Miami
Me: I chose Miami because the program is focused on Social Justice and Equity. I am interested in this topic as it will enable me provide the right support for students particularly underrepresented students like students from low income background. ( I was talking too fast)
VO: (looks up at me for the first time, all the while, he was typing) hold on. I am not rushing and you not. Looks like you are reading from a script.
Me: Should I continue?
VO: No, it’s just fine.
VO: How many schools did you apply to?
ME: 5
VO: name them
ME: NIU, UCONN, MIAMI, KSU, OSU
VO: How many admitted you?
ME: they all did
VO: why not go for the other schools?
ME: To be very honest, it was hard making the decision because all the schools gave me full funding. However, Miami’s program is focused on Social Justice and Equity, a topic I am interested in as it will enable provide support for students particularly underrepresented students when I come back to Nigeria. Also, I love the theory to practice approach that the program adopts. I got an assistantship that covers the total cost of attendance, the funding includes tuition waiver, meal plan, accommodation, phone bills and monthly stipends.
VO: that’s generous
Me: with a smile, yes it is. (I continued). In addition to this, it is also required of me to gain experience in 2 other functional areas of my choice. This will give me a better understanding of the field both in theory and practice which will aid the transfer of learning when I come back to Nigeria. Moreover, the graduate advisor….
VO: okay, that’s enough. How did you get this generous funding?
Me: I will say the strength of my application and my performance during the interview days. I had interview with the Graduate coordinator (mentioned her name) and the associate director of Reslife (mentioned her name too)
VO: So?
Me: I believed they were impressed with my performance and decided to give me based on merit.
VO: Do you have any experience in this field. What course did you study in UNDERG?
Me: English Language and Education
VO: oh, education. I will be giving you a chance. You will need your i20 at the POE.
ME: Thank you.

Congrats �

Hi Fall 2021 Guys,

If you need a mock interviews, you can reach out to me as it is pro-Bono. Thank you !!!!!

Mamnenge:
Hello everyone.

I have been a silent follower and have read so many transcripts etc which I gained from.

I just had my visa interview today at Abuja (9:45am). I was checked in at exactly 9:45am but had my interview at about 12:10pm.

VO : I understand you are going for a master's degree in agricultural economics at Tuskegee university
ME : Yes

VO : I understand you have an assistantship.
ME : Yes

VO: What will you do after this program?
ME : I will return to my Nigeria as the doors of employment are still open to me with my current employer.

VO : You work with LFN, what do they do?
ME : It's a non profit organization that is committed to training youths and farmers in modern and sustainable ways of practicing agriculture ....(I said more).

VO : Why would you want to return to work with your current employer? What's going to be different this time?
ME : I'd be opprtuned to work this time at senior management level and not mid management level which I currently am and I'll also get opportunity to work with bigger organisations like the African development Bank which particularly looks out for people with masters degree in agricultural economics.

VO : Keeps my passport aside.
Hold unto your I20,(passes my I-20 and white paper under the window)you will need it at the point of entry to the US...

At this point I didn't hear anything else.
I have never traveled anywhere.

May God grant everyone their hearts desire.

Congrats �

Mayorism:
Hello All,

I want to thank you guys here for such a nice job in guiding F-1 visa hopefuls. I stumbled on this thread while searching for helpful info during preparation for my F-1 visa interview and I must confess the hunts and advice i garnered here were very helpful particularly regarding the particular kind kf questions to expect and how to convincingly answer them.

My interview, on the 18th May, was successful and I want to share the transcript here to encourage someone.

Program: Political Science, PhD
CoA: 43k
Funding: Full Ride

VO: Good Morning, passport and 1-20 please.
Me: Good morning (handing him the docs)

VO: Why are you going to the States? *starts typing vigorously*
Me: I am going for my PhD in Political Science @ XYZ

VO: How many schools did you apply to? *still typing*
Me: Just this one

VO: Why just this? *stops typing*
Me: One, the quality of its faculty and especially the works of two memners whose profile intersect with mine, and two, the opportunity for career growth in terms paper publications and conference attendances the program provides.

VO: Are you married?
Me: Yes, with two kids

VO: Are they travelling with you?
Me: Not for now

VO: Will they join you any time in the future?
Me: Yes, My kids are pretty too young to be detached from their dad for so long.

VO: I will be approving your visa
Me: Thank you.

I was so happy I almost forgot my 1-20. The VO had to call me back to get it.

My advice: Pray as hard as you can, what God cannot do does not exist. In my case, GRE was waived, English Test was piad for by my Program and I got full funding.

God is still in the business of blessing those who trust in Him. Shalom

Congrats �

Schrodinger1:
Alhamdulillah

US VISA APPROVED.
3rd Consecutive Attempt all in Lagos.
Venue: Lagos Consulate, VI
Date: 7th June, 2021.
Time: 8:00am
Interviewed: 10:30am

Course : MS Electrical Engineering Fall 21'
Research: Radar Communications Systems and Networks.
School: Colorado State University, CO.
GRA: $65,630/Year Funding plus Stipends.

Full Transcript, gist and maybe story Loading.....This hustle started in 2018 oh...

Congrats � man !!!!

mimme14sure:
Thank you so much!
I will come back with a testimony!!

Amen!!!!

Tom1Akin:
Good morning, please I need someone who can do mock interview for me.
Thanks

Reach out to me , I will help you out !!!

mimme14sure:
Good Day Everyone. I have a bit of a challenge. I have my visa interview next week. This is after I requested an emergency booking. I just found out that on my DS 160 form, I indicated the course of study as Chemical Engineering but on my I-20 it's Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. Would it be an issue during the interview? How do I answer/defend this error?

Which one should I say when asked during the interview? DS160 or I-20

Please, I really need help to answer this.

Thank you

Kindly mention what’s on your I-20. That will serve you better as those VO actually understand how the SEVIS Registration work.

So you are on the right track !

Ajibfo:
After I got admission from the school with admission letter and tuition, I got scared cos the COA has increased from 50k I saw to seventy sth or maybe I didn't get their tuition right when applying but they gave me scholarship of 8k. I applied to 2 other scholarships but was not given. Then I was told to pay 1k enrollment and tuition deposit before my I20 can be sent. I was confused like deposit ke and visa is not guaranteed, was confused but I later did.
Fast forward to interview
Date June 4 2021.
Time 10am I had to snap another passport there cos the first has dot or sth.
VO: good morning
Me:gm ma
Vo: you are going to *** for your master in management sciences
Me: no ma, I am going for my masters of science in supply chain MGS is the sevis id for my school.
Vo: ok, what will this course do for you.
Me: with this course I will be able to apply to major supply chain companies in Nigeria like Nigeria brewery and Nigeria bottling company and also I will be able to push my project am working on which is green supply chain, the impact of supply chain to the environment and it's effect on the environment.
Vo: have u travelled before
Me: no ma
Vo: who is so so ( my sponsor)
Me: my aunt, she is paying for my education
(No document was asked, just my I20, it was even while waiting for my turn I realized I forgot my aunt' statement of account at home. I was like should I go print another or just risk it )
Vo: ok I will be approving your visa blabla
I can't even remember all she was saying again
I just want to thank God, cos while I was sitted waiting for my turn the only thing I kept saying was Jesus son of David have mercy on me and he did.
What I want to say is don't let anyone discourage you, pray and pray noting is impossible for God to do.

Congrats �

tracker01:
Alhamdulilahi for Everything �..
VISA Approved at 9:30am
June 4th. #Abuja

Deficit: $38,017
COA: $49,017
funding $11k
No document was asked from me.

VO: Good morning, pass me your i20, passport and Sevis-reciept.
Me: Good morning and thank you for seeing me and I pass what she asked for.
Me: Please ma I stutter
VO: No problem
VO: I see you are going for master’s degree in xyz.
Me: Yes ma'am
VO: which other schools did you apply to?
Me: I also applied to Steven institute of technology and Howard university.
VO: what will this course do for you?
Me: This degree would enable me to work as a lecturer and research scientist in the chemistry department of Bleep university when I return back to Nigeria after my graduation. Also, I plan to pursue a career in Analytical Chemist and chemistry will be a great foundational course to me. I plan to become a Renowned consultant in Analytical chemist in the future.(I stutter all through here)
VO: what area do you want to specialized( she type without looking at me for 40 seconds)
Me: Analytical Chemist
VO: Who is paying for this Deficit?
Me: I have a partial tuition scholarship from my department and my Dad will be paying the balance of the Deficit.
VO: What does your Dad do?
Me: He is a Renowned Real Estate Valuer and Consultant that deals in selling, buying and leasing of lands, Apartment shops and houses. Also, he owns a factory that supplies juice and yoghurt to five Northern states in Nigeria( she didn't hear me clearly )
VO: you mean estate valuer
Me: I said yes
She type type type and say that Golden words, I just collect the white paper and work out the building before she will change her mind��

I really want to thankGod for everything, it could only by his Mercy, Grace and Favour�
@Fairheart thanks for the coaching, prayer and your consistence ginger..
Also my sincere appreciation goes to @⁨Pepe USA⁩ @Solaojo-oreoluwa, @beejay, @Martins@Gbede @⁨Scholar Olamide Acer⁩ they all contribute to the success of today.
This group has been helpful from the beginning (preparation and mock) to the end.
I am so grateful to everyone here and I pray we all achieve goals in pursue of Greater things in life.

Congrats �

Ibukun0910:
Lagos Interview
Appointment 7:30am
Date: 27th May 2021
US Student Visa Approved under 4mins

God showed up for me and I decided to post my interview transcript to encourage others who are applying in the next few weeks.
No Funding and COA is $51k
VO: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning
VO: Can I have your I-20
Me: Passed him my passport and I-20
VO: How do you intend to fund your studies. I can see here that your total cost is $51k
Me: My Dad is sponsoring me. However, he has made the funds available in my account few months ago when I started processing my I-20.
VO: what does your Dad do?
Me: He owns a Logistic, Haulage and Transport Business
Vo: Wow. Transportation? So how can he afford that kind of money?
Me: Well, it is not just a regular transport business. His company moves commercial goods for manufacturing companies from one state to the other.
VO: So did you apply to other schools?
Me: Yes. I applied to 2 other schools. University of Connecticut and Framingham State University in Massachusetts
VO: Do you have siblings?
Me: Yes. I have 2 siblings.
VO: what do they do?
Me: One is an accountant and the other is an Architect.
VO: what is your position
Me; I am the last born.
VO: So where do you live now.
Me: I still live with my parents (smiles)
VO: Pulls out white paper
Me: I stopped listening…………………………I didn’t know how I got to the car park to meet my sister.

That is my story………my $51k COA is relatively high, and I didn’t have any funding, Yet the VO didn’t even ask for my bank statement.
I wish everyone the best of luck.

Congrats �

Tayoade19:
As promised, here is the full transcript of my encounter at the Lagos Embassy yesterday. I am sharing this to encourage someone and for the person to believe that with God, nothing is impossible and indeed there is a God who rules in the affairs of men. The key prayer focus should be favour. Fast forward to the experience/encounter. Two years ago, I was refused B1/B2 visa at the Lagos Embassy and when I was in the queue, I saw the same VO who refused me then and within me I was praying silently that God let it not be this VO who would interview me today. Lo and behold, I was told to go to his window and it was as if I had my heart in my mouth, I could feel my heartbeat because of the fear. He gave the lady in my front blue paper, I didn't listen to their conversation because I wasn't paying attention, I was praying within me. After giving the lady the blue slip, he was still speaking with the lady, then I was told to move to the next window which was vacant (instant answered prayer). However, when the VO who eventually interviewed me, asked the first question, I wasn't really stable because I'd thought I would be interviewed by the other guy. Let me not bore you with too much story. The interview did not last more than 3 minutes, here is the transcript;

GA: $18K
Deficit: $2.5k
VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning Sir.
VO: Pass me your passport and i20 (VO started typing)
Me: I did
VO: You are going for a master's program at the University of Nebraska right?
Me: Yes Sir
VO: Why this program?
Me: (trying to become stable). My reason for this program is fueled by my interest in understanding the interactions between diet and human genes, the molecular basis of obesity. (VO was just gazing at the computer screen, I didn't know whether he was hearing me or not)
VO: What will this degree do for you?
Me: This program will expose me to both theoretical and practical aspects of nutrigenomics such that when I return to Nigeria, I will be able to contribute to the research projects of the metabolic research group of the bleep university where I work and for years I have been assisting them in this lab for their research projects. (VO was just nodding his head)
VO: Are you married?
Me: Yes
VO: Is your wife going with you?
Me: No
VO: Why?
Me: She is currently in school for her graduate program at a Nigerian university.
VO: I think I will be giving you this chance, hang on a second (VO started typing)
Me: Ok Sir.
VO: Who is sponsoring you?
Me: I have a graduate assistantship that covers the tuition and monthly stipend while my uncle will take care of the deficit. (I was surprised VO did not ask for SOA)
VO: Your visa is approved.
Me: Thank you, Sir.
VO: Take your i20 along with you, you will need it at the port of entry and take your passport at this circled location, other information is on that slip.
Me: Thank you, Sir. Enjoy your day!
Na so I just packed my things commot from the VO's window and was just praising God.
PS: For you to experience a seamless visa interview, the God factor is very crucial, pray and fast. For it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of the Lord that showeth mercy. For those who will still be going for visa interview, I pray that God's mercies will speak for you in Jesus name. Amen!

Congrats �

Francangel:
VISA APPROVED TODAY!!!

It’s God. I am still in awe because I never expected my interview to be so seamless, considering I was rejected on January 6, 2021 at the Lagos embassy. Glory be to God!!

Time: 7:45am
Interview time: 10:10am
Embassy: Abuja
COA: $27000
GA: None
External scholarship: $18000
Deficit: $9000
Second Attempt
Consular cubicle: Box 6 (A male VO)


VO: Good morning.
Me: Good morning sir.
VO: So, what are you going to do in the USA
Me: I am going for my Masters degree program in Journalism at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
VO: Why this school?
Me: I chose the institution because it’s master’s degree in journalism provides the perfect blend of scholarly research writing and journalistic writing with flexible and practical courses such as Investigative News writing and reporting which for me are greatly responsive to the skill-demand of the present age and align with my own investigative journalism career objectives. I was also attracted to the school’s dedication towards community services that are targeted towards children. Additionally, I was awarded a fellowship grant by AAUW to undertake an investigative research on Child trafficking for my graduate study at UALR. This research will explore trafficking activities that occur from Benin Republic, which is the hub for trafficking, to Nigeria, which is the final destination for most trafficked children in West Africa. I will be working closely with Prof. xxxxx. So I believe getting all these from this university will prepare me appropriately for my career as an Investigative Journalist.
VO: (nods his head and checks my I-20) Oh! That fellowship is AAUW here? (Points to my I-20)
Me: Yes sir.
VO: What is your university degree?
Me: I have a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication.
VO: (nods again)What have you being doing since graduation?
Me: After my graduation in 2018, I interned in major newspapers and magazines in Nigeria as a news writer, investigative reporter and copywriter, such as Bleep, Bleep Magazine and Bleep. I have also worked as a volunteer in Bleep, xxxx, xxxx and Bleep. Currently, I work as a testing specialist for xxxx, a hr software development company and I am looking to transitioning full time into the journalism world.
VO: What does your father do?
Me: He owns acres of land where he operates a commercial fertilizer farm business in Lagos. He develops and distributes organic and inorganic fertilizer and animal feeds to major Agro-businesses in Nigeria. He is also a well-respected real estate developer. He buys, builds and sells landed properties. My dad has also partnered with several organizations to provide land for their employees.
VO: ( Takes the white slip and says the magic words) I would be approving your visa. You would need your I-20 at the point of entry bla bla bla ( I didn’t hear the rest )
Me: Thank you sir ( and I floated out of the room, I am sure I did not walk cos my legs were not touching the ground )


I would like to thank @horlahsunbo225, @schrodinger1 and @layez, for not getting fed up with my mock requests, chats and endless questions. God bless you guys real big!

PS: he didn’t ask for any document and trust me, the interview took less than 5 minutes.

Congrats �

Anyone going to The University of Michigan Ann Arbor here Let's connect please, thank you.

Time2win:
You don't need to go with any Statement of Account.

@Time2win I'll reply your message sir anytime from now�.

sillysassysally:
I paid about 180k for mine. Check sky scanner

Thanks a lot sir, we really appreciate everything. I'll check and get back to you sir.

beejhay69:
Hi.
Follow up on www.travelstart.com.ng
Bon voyage.

God bless you sir, we really appreciate everything.

Please any cheap flight booking from Lagos to New York will cost us how much? I and my fiancée want to book ASAP we've our passport back from the Embassy.

Please any information will be appreciated sir/ma. We're novice to this processing oh

Thank you so much

fairheart:
Congrats!

My boss thank you sir, she'll hear and God bless you too.

Mudicua:
Congratulations to you and to your fiancee.

Visa Approved Today at Window 4, 22nd May, 2019. My Fiancée Visa Was Also Approved as well. We are going to the same school and same course (PhD Chemical Engineering as well)

Me: Good morning

V.O: Good morning (Smiles and look at my face after having my i-20).

V.O: What course are you going for?

Me: I’m going for my PhD degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.

V.O: Tell me your research interests?

Me: I currently hold a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, and at this time I would love to specialize in one of the sub-divisions of Chemical Engineering, which is Renewable Energy. Particularly, I’ll be working on the production of biofuels from renewable sources such as algae and lingo-cellulosic biomass. With this degree and this specialization in renewable energy, when I return back to Nigeria I can apply for a higher position where I currently work and contribute my quota to improving the energy situation in Nigeria(She pays attention to all what I'm saying by shaking her head and she didn't type until I finished all I want to say and she started typing)

Vo: I can see you're been offered a Full Assistantship for 5 years? (She smiles here and put his hand on the white paper already and placed my passport in one side.)

Me: Yes you're right (smiles)

V.O: Congratulations, Your visa is approved and make sure you face your studies very well. Pick it up at…….

Me: Thank you and have a nice day(I was just smiling ).

You were denied previously with ASU(Arizona state University).

makaba10:
I was denied visa (again) on May 16, 2019 for being desperate.
The VO was already angry. He denied a woman with a teenage boy on wheelchair and another woman who wants to visit his son. He was obviously angry with how the son got into the USA.
VO: (with angry tone) You have applied 3 times, why are you here again.
Me: my research interest has changed, and I also have a tuition scholarship and graduate assistantship.
VO: (pick my I-20 again, read through, type and was a little calm) what did you study in undergraduate
Me: Computer Engineering
VO: what year did you finish
Me: January 2016
VO: You want to go for your Masters after 3 years, so what have you been doing since then.
Me: I did my NYSC for a year, worked at Company A for year, and I am concurrently working at company B.
VO: Do you write any language.
Me: Yes, I work with C# and JavaScript, I use React, Node.js and .NET.
VO: (angrily) Alright, but I will be rejecting you again, the more you apply, the more it shows you are desperate to leave.
Me: I scream oh no, but I pick my stuff and left.
(I applied last year for MS in Software Engineering with no funding, I applied for visa in May 21 and August 4 for Fall 2018, and December 3, 2018 for Spring 2019 all with the same school and program. This year I am going to a different school for MS in Computer Science with a Specialization in Software Engineering with tuition scholarship and Graduate Assistantship covering 75% of the cost with only a deficit of $8500).

My boss���

BarristerAlarig:
Jesus

Oga you know book oooo

Thanks a lot boss, I'll look out for him and add him up. Thank you sir and God bless you in abundance ❤❤❤

denniece1:
Nice, i have a friend that got in last year fall for the same PhD Chem. Engr., you might want to connect with him on LinkedIn (Akinola James).

Yes, he was admitted but on wait list for funding. And he has gotten a full scholarship with a deficit of $6,500 from Stevens Institute of Technology and a also a full Graduate Assistantship position from the University of Kentucky last two weeks.

Time2win:
Was he admitted for PhD?