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Time2win:
My Transcript

Visa approved at Lagos Embassy, 30th July 2019

School: Clarkson University

Funding: 66,000$ (Tuition and stipends)

Course : Msc Chemical Engineering

This was my 9th attempt, 7 in Lagos, 2 in Abuja

Here is my today's visa transcript:

V.O: (Looked at my i20) I see you have a teaching assistantship, what will you be teaching?

Me: I will be assisting prof. ... in grading students papers, invigilating test and exams, other teaching duties will be assigned upon resumption

V.O: what was your undergraduate Major?

Me: chemical engineering

V:O Where do you work and what's your duties?

I currently work as a process engineer at D***y Industries Limited and stated my duties

V.O: (Started typing for a long time and checking his system, he was shaking his head too and my mind was beating fast.) He asked, have you travelled outside the country before?

Me: Yes, I have been to Ghana

V.O: is it by flight or road and how many times

Me: I travelled by road and that was sept last year and came back same month

V.O: (Went to meet another V.O, he stayed there for like 4mins, I don't know what they were discussing). After he came back, he asked... What's your plans after graduation?

Me: Upon completion of my masters degree, I will be resuming a new position at my current place of work as a senior process engineer and I am going to be on a paid study leave (I brought out the letter, he saw it and said he doesn't need it, I pushed my letter back to my file).

V.O: (Typing for a very long time and checking stuffs on his system) you have been to Abuja embassy last time, what transpired there?

Me: During my last interview, the V.O wasn't convinced that I am a credible student and hence I was refused. I have come to demonstrate my credibility as a student, I wrote GRE and scored 324, had a good grade (1st class) and believe i definitely do very well during my masters studies at Clarkson University. (He nodded)

V.O: (Started typing again and checking stuffs on his system), You applied for safety science at Embryl Riddle Aeronautical University in 2017, why the switch to chemical engineering (For my mind, e don come again o)

Me: That's was when I finished my National Youth Service and was working with a firm so i needed to increase my safety knowledge but since I changed place of work and now dealing with chemicals, I needed to develop knowledge in the area of chemical catalysis and plasma processing which will be needed when I resume a new position at my place of work. (He nodded)

V.O: Do you have anybody in USA?

Me: No, I don't have anybody

V.O: (Typed for ages, for like 2mins and was checking his system, my mind was beating fast. He took my passport and those blue papers, I was like it's finished, another refusal�. Immediately he brought out the white paper and circled a location, then said the golden words) YOUR VISA HAS BEEN APPROVED, then passed my i20 and sevis receipt

Me: collected my i20 and shouted Thank you sir!!! I ran out of the embassy and people were shouting what is it, I was running till i reached where I entered cab to my house cos it was like a dream or like i was watching a movie.

That's it... I saw God's favour today

Kinda emotional. Tears of joy rolling out of my face �.
Congratulations brother.

walepepe21:
Visa Approved on July 22nd,2019 at the Abuja Embassy, Window 8 by a very young beautiful Lady in her 20s Transcript Loading

Congrats. Kentucky man����

Status: Visa approved July 1st, 2019
School name: University of Illinois Urbana Champ
Funding: GA with $4 deficit
Sponsor: Uncle

VO--Good morning
ME--Good morning ma/sir

VO--Pass me your passport and I20, please?
ME--I did

VO--What would this degree do for you?
ME-- (I was shocked because I wasn't expecting that to be my first question)I really want to be a professor, having acquire Bsc getting a masters degree will help me to achieve my career goal

VO--How many schools did you apply to?
ME--I applied to 2 schools; UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA CHAMP, UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS TENNESSEE.

VO--Why did you apply to 2 schools
ME--Both schools gave me admission quite early so I did not bother to apply to any other schools

VO--(angrily) I said why
ME--I repeated the same answer

VO--(She kept nodding)okay, so tell me what you will be doing for your assistantship
ME-- I will be grading, tutoring, taking attendance and preparing academic instructional materials

VO--(she keeps typing seriously for like 2mins)
ME--(while I was standing forming mumu smile)

VO--At this point, I will be approving your visa
ME-- thank you ma.

Thank you all for selfless services rendering here. Without nairaland, I wouldn't have had an easy journey.

Kajoka:
Use another browser. Is it asking for ticket number or reference number?

Asking both the ticket number and reference number which I had input.
Ticket number + surname = error details
Reference number + surname = error details

Kajoka:
Put in your

(1) Surname and
(2) reference number ( mostly alpha-numerical) and 6 in numbers.

It should take you in

Still showing details not found.

@kajoka, please I need a clarification about this ticketing. I bought an e-ticket via Royal Air Maroc which I had received successful emails regard that. So, I have been trying to use some of the features on its website like manage booking, check-in, seat selection but not bringing out my details. What could be the problem?. Thanks

Visa approved today July 1st 2019

My transcript is on transit

@walspring, thanks.

Sevis fee paid in less than 24hrs.
I'm grateful.

Now it is time for sevis. Walspring contact anybody?

fairheart:
SUCCESSFUL VISA INTERVIEW NUGGET TWO

If you complain that this is too long for you to read, I'm afraid to say you're not a student

HERE WE GO! First, I want you to understand I am sharing whatever you read here from personal experience as Study-abroad Consultant and as someone who has many students in my circle. Just take what you know is helpful and leave the rest. I'm going to use many words to explain few things. That is the trick of world's education system!

NOTE that the US embassy wants you to come for interview because they want to see and hear you first before they know you’re eligible for the category of visa you’re seeking. If not, there would be no need for interview. So, in this sense, you are required to prepare to be well seen and heard well.

Your next homework in preparing yourself for a successful F1 visa interview is to be psychologically calm—so that you can be seen (as genuine) and heard by the VO. Effectiveness begins in the mind, not from the documents, or the people you know. You must tackle fear, anxiety, and self-doubt rooted in lack of confidence in your own abilities. If you have never had any major interview or breakthrough a very difficult professional goal in your life, you could be a victim of fear and tension. I remember how I used to avoid eyes contact when I needed to talk to people. But now, a man that's not afraid will look you in the eyes, smiling and able to express exactly what he wants to say. So, the goal is to stand in front of the VO and remain psychologically calm as possible. To achieve this state of mind, especially if you are afraid of your upcoming interview, you may need the following:

ONE: YOU NEED AN INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT.
Get that ready as soon as you can. List all the generic questions you know the VO usually ask during F1 interview. Take each question at a time. What do you think would be ideal to say to a question like, "How did you hear about this school?" Write the response down. It should be moderate, simple and unique according to your academic and career goals. No story! If you find it hard coming up with a fine response, seek for help.

TWO: HAVE YOUR TRANSCRIPT IN YOUR HIPPOCAMPUS
I saw a transcript here last week in which the applicant quoted the VO as saying he did not need to have a prepared transcript for the interview (and visa was granted). How ignorant of the VO! The fact that he/she is a VO does not mean they have absolute understanding of how interview is conducted. Ask the VO if he/she did not prepare for the interview that got him/her the consular job? One of the things that portray a student as “not genuine” in front of a VO is inability to talk well during the interview. Believe me, this is one of the strongest reasons most F1 visas have been refused. The fundamental reason for interview is to check on the student whether he’s genuine or just taking advantage of the F1 visa category to migrate and “Japa” as some persons here would say.

So, how did you pass the exams that got you the first class, or second class upper or lower on your certificate? Because you studied your textbook, of course! Because you studied it and became familiar with the information, you kill the questions related to what you have studied on examination day. Even Presidents of nations prepare transcript for interviews, because they know they could mess up if such is lacking. There is no man that can speak and express himself effectively (especially when tense or under pressure) except the information has been well-stored and familiar with. There are not so many students who have trained their mind to be creative with words and expression when under pressure. Most of us shut down temporary and unable to say what we really desire to say or should say when under pressure and afraid.

So, for a student going for a major interview in a decade, except you really know what to say, you may not be able to say it. You should know what to say. You should know what you want to say based on your unique case ahead of the interview and that is why you need prepared yourself a transcript for the interview. Know it! Review it! Ask yourself questions and answer them about it. If I tell you that you will not be afraid upon citing the consular at the embassy, I may be wrong. Fear and doubt are a part of our existence as human being, and it is okay. Your duty as a student going to get the F1 visa is to rise above them and say what you should say to earn an approval.

I remember a time in 2016. As an advocate for youth education and our role in shaping future society, I was invited to speak at a church with over 100 members. Due to work, I did not get to outline what I will be speaking on, though the pastor sent me a topic my sermon or talk should revolve. I wanted to go on stage without a prepared speech, but when I look at the fact that I need to quote certain bible verses, I changed my mind and prepared heading and sub-heading for the speech. I then read, revise, and read what I will be saying. When I got on stage, with all eyes on me, I greeted the audience and delivered a very motivating speech. Because I had prepared what to say—knowing that the audience is aware of the topic—everything went well. The same is necessary for the F1 visa interview.
Though things may go wrong due to certain things outside our direct control, yet, preparation against possible fear, anxiety and doubt attack attracts success.

Research shows that the hippocampus (a part of the limbic system in the brain where information and memories are retrieved) lags when your mind is under pressure and fear. Now, imagine if you've nothing stored up related to this interview and your fear of “what if I am refused” captured you? This is to say you may not be able to express yourself well; confusion! The consular may think you’re not a genuine student. Though, there is exception for students who stammer.
So, read the transcript from time to time. Get familiar with it. Does that mean cramming? You call it cramming; I call it PREPARATION FOR A MAJOR INTERVIEW—one that is a defining moment for the rest of your career and even life.

IN addition to this, have mock over and over with someone who can assess you. This is as crucial as having the transcript.


THREE: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
I have seen professionals at the top of their career who have strong self-doubt in themselves. Once you tell them to go achieve something new, they come up with all sort of excuses that, if you trace the root of these excuses, you will find them in lack of confidence. Young, old, educated and uneducated all have issue of personal faith—depends on the level of success we are trying to achieve. You need to tell yourself that if others have done it and get their visas, you can do it, and do it better. A prospective student going for his interview soon told me that this evening. That's confidence!

I broke the chain of my own self-doubt several years ago, when I started reflecting on how strong I have been in the face of difficult situations. You, too, have seen a lot. You need to remind yourself that if you could go through what you've been through, be it your undergraduate education, professional training, personal growth--or whatever, you can also handle this coming interview. Revisit the list of your progresses, academic and professional experiences and endeavours. You have had your own success here and there, although you remember your failures more. So, don't listen to any shallow voice saying you can't have a nice interview and get the visa. Even Bill gate, Warren Buffet or Jeff of Amazon have times they take care of their self-doubt too. Take care of yours too, so you can do things confidently pursue and achieve your heart desires.

You need a lot of “I can do it”; a lot of "I am going to smile in there and talk to the VO”; a lot of "this is what I want for my career, and I'm going to get it." Tell yourself all these positive stuffs to heat up the root of your self-doubt and observe them dry.


FOUR: DRESS WELL & NEAT
I do not have much to say here as "well and neat" have different meaning to each person. But I will recommend you wear something you are comfortable in. Look your best. But mind you, simplicity is the best! Don't dress to the interview like Olosho (smile)


FIVE: HOPE FOR THE BEST; BALANCE YOUR EXPECTATIONS
As a young person, life has taught me that it is erroneous to think everything will always go the way I want. Sometimes, we are victim of circumstances we know nothing of, and that we cannot control—even after we have done our ultimate best!

Do not see the F1 visa as do or die, except you want to experience high blood pressure. If you have done your best, allow things to happen. Exhale all the worries that “what if I am refused” may have induced. What if you’re refused? So? You reapply! What is you’re refused again? You reapply! You don't give up just like that!

But have you also thought of “what if I am one of those good number of students Fairheart saw in his dream that got their visas in 2019? Of course! Think about that too!

This is what I call balanced expectation. Sometimes, life is 50/50! But this does not mean you should follow the erred opinion that what will be will be. No, most times, things be because we make them be. You still need to do your best. Just make sure you balance your expectation. Funny enough, balanced expectation on results we expect from our endeavours induce calm state of mind and boost confidence. Try it and see how all your worries and anxiety will be lifted. This is a magic pill I have used to liberate myself from unnecessary worries and anxiety when pursuing something I badly desire.

A balanced expectation is vital as we go through life and its modus operandi. King Solomon once said there is “factor of time and chances” at the centre of events that occur to every human being in life. Some things will go wrong even when we do the right thing. Some things will go right, even when we make mistakes and mess up. Why? Time and chances! These are forces of fate. You could be refused in May and get the visa in June or July. I always quote a close friend who was refused 8 times and got it the 9th time. I still ask why and what he did wrong during those 8 appearances at the embassy. Just imagine it too!

SIX: LAY YOUR CAUSE BEFORE GOD
This is my last advice for all of you going for F1 this fall. Whether you believe in God or not, there is God. There is God o! And one of His attributes is that, He listens to genuine prayers of those who have faith in Him. I am not trying to motivate you. This is the reality. God hears prayer! So, if you are worried, pray. If you are unsure, pray. If you think you may experience hard luck, pray. If you have stubborn confidence that you will get a visa approval, pray.

A friend told me that each time he fast and pray on a particular thing he wants, door always open. He then said if fasting is not part of the prayer for the request, he hardly see the result. We both laughed. I almost took him for a prayer warrior. But then, I remember Jesus saying in Matthew 17:21 that without fasting and prayer, certain miracle will not happen.

Hey, maybe you should pray and fast too about this favour. Because you may need God's favour or good luck (the secular term for favour) to supplement your preparation. This could be the last thing to do to open the door.

Alright dreamers! I will try and re-post this for Spring 2020 students. Don’t forget, the approval rate will be higher than refusal this year. Keep counting the visas. God bless!

Thank you for this piece. You just lifted my Fear.

TheZed:
SOA should be a month old for Visa Interview.

You mean it can't be dated less than May if the interview is by June?

Goma10:
Is a statement of account dated Feb recent? As it was what was used to get my I-20.

The SOA period is from Jan-Mar.

Hello all, please I have a statement of account (SOA) for a period of 3months (Jan-Mar), as against the 6months rule I have been hearing. Can I use it to apply for I20 and Visa(scheduled for June)?.
Thanks.

Today 17th Feb make it 15 days that I have written my TOEFL. Any idea why the delay of test score because its stated on the ets website that they release score approximately 10days after test.

Eporshe:
Hi gurus,
I have been on this thread for a while now and somehow I don't know how to post or relate with people here. I just created my account and I am excited to be able to post this here.

Firstly, I have gained admission to WIU and I have full funding with monthly stipends. I have registered for my visa appointment and I made mistake in my Ds-160 I put Jan 2019 - December 2019 but my I-20 shows January 2019 - dec 2020.

Secondly, my appointment is close and I need gurus that can help to scrutinize my prepared transcript. I have written out likely questions and I have provided my answers. Pls I need help and anyone willing can pls contact me through my mail at opeyemisodiq92@gmail.com as I don't know how it works here yet. I look forward to your favourable response.

Kindly check your mail bro. I pmed you

tboy47:
Good day house..please will appreciate if anybody can refer me wit good science school that offers mscphysics that doesn't require GRE..thanks in adv

Alright. Start from Google first. Type google.com on your Web browser, then go to the search box and enter US schools without GRE test for graduate physics program. Follow the link and thank me later.

But when you are ready to take GRE, you can click on this link for physics graduate program. www.gradschoolshopper.com

MasterforceII:
Yes. It's very possible. Wrote mine on a sunday too. You can access the powerprep software from ETS's website. Alternatively, you can utilize their powerpreponline platform. You will need an internet connection for this though. Also check out manhattan, kaplan and crunchprep free practice tests. Goodluck.

Oh! Thanks man. Can I get those free practice test materials from you please. Kaplan and crunchprep.

Please I have 2 questions here. Is it possible that ETS could schedule Sunday for GRE test because I got june 3 here with me. Second, how can I get the POWERPREP II software.

lincoffm:
Wishing all TOEFL & GRE Applicant success in the forthcoming examination! Nothing But Joy!! Just give back time...


TOEFL & GRE ONLY! Discount still ON!

Note; Pls this is only for serious candidate willing to write any of the standardized tests. Email for serious deal ONLY !!

Regards,

I am grateful to you bro. God blessings always. Thank you

ponpon:
Send an email

Sent bro

ponpon:
Make the someone's money count, use ETS materials (official guide, verbal and quant workbook, old pdfs, Big book for RC's). You can add Magoosh, Nova Gre Maths bible. You can also use 1014 and 5lb as your workbooks. This list depends on your time

Thanks man. I have all you listed but not including big book for RC's and old pdf's. Can I get them please.

Anybody with Princeton review pls. I am suspecting someone is already paying for my GRE

Stop posting your number. There is nothing happening there. All what they post is advertisement of scam sites (bitcoin) and dating sites. Nairaland is way better because no one would be able to do such. I think that was why the admin created the watsapp group.

Kapitain:
Yes

I will Dm you bro

You can add this number too:

Please anyone at UTEP?.

[quote author=Victorjoel post=57957836]hello guys, God is Great and He indeed answers prayers-
I was finally at the embassy today after so many inconsistencies in my application. 7:00 batch. I must say its really been a rough and long journey, getting into the main interview hall was like heaven to me. I felt something different; that i can explain. Normally i love teaching and love to express myself with my hands whenever I am talking but during my practice in front of a mirror I always sat down and thought that was how the interview would be. Fortunately, I just gained confidence (though i prayed much about that) when i realized it was a standing interview. In the hall, i noticed the VO in the third interview was just giving white paper. He interviewed more than ten people before myself and only denied a couple going for vacation(i must say the man didn't sound convincing).
This is how it went

VO: HELLO,(SMILES) PASS ME YOUR .....
ME: obliged
VO: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR STUDY PLAN IN THE US?
ME: (breathes in) I am going to GVSU for my masters in cell and molecular Biology with emphasis in Biotechnology. During a study period of 24 months I would be required to take 36 credit unit hours of courses including 5 electives scheduled for 9 credit hours per semester. After my study I intend to come back to Nigeria and take up a lecturing job at my home university where I would not only teach students but also motivate them to embrace a career in this rapidly developing field(at this point VO looks at me with interest) on the long run I intend to become a major proponent of Biotechnology here in Nigeria, establishing a research and development industry that will aim at exploiting local biomaterials to produce cheap and alternative bioproducts for the local populace.

VO: How many schools did you apply to?
ME: 4, listed them

VO:Who is sponsoring you?
ME: My uncle
VO: what does he do?
ME: told him
VO: What did you study in your undergraduate?
ME: Biotechnology
VO: What have you been doing since after your NYSC?
ME: I finished my NYSC late 2016. Between the periods of January to may 2017, I worked as a voluntary academic tutor where i prepare students for the UTME, tutor them in science subjects like biology,carryout routine revision of past questions and answers. I also advice them on suitable career courses to choose in the University based on their past academic qualifications and dreams.(looks at me and tries to interrupt, i noticed because all this i was saying was not written in my DS 160 then i quickly continue) earlier this month i took up a contact job with Bleep as product contract manager (he then nods: perhaps is because this is what is on the DS 160) then i told him my job responsibilities.

VO: starts typing for few secs
ME: saying my hail mary


VO: So i'll be approving your visa, pick up at isolo....you will be needing your I20 at the POE
ME: Thank you Sir


That was it oooo. I must say some few things which is not quite different from what people have said in the past.
Prayer works: persistent prayer and fasting. specifically i prayed for a short and interactive interview without requesting any document.(my mum had a novena for me i also did my private prayers)
There is nothing there please just read about your school and know it. Please don't cram(i realized i was cramming last night when my sis gave me a mock interview- said i was just talking fast. i had to sit back and see meaning into everything i had to say then speak calmly and confidently)
Finally, pray again.
May God perfect his what He has started in our lives Amen!!!


Amen....and congrats