₦airaland Forum

OGreene:
Scholastica16 have you heard back? Why not call the dept, tell them you are waiting for a feedback and still interested.

Bro, it is well. Would share my experience soon.

drhopeful:
BTW, where are Scholastica16 and Time2smile? You two should not give high blood pressure oh! Any update?

Not a word from any but I am optimistic. Sorry, been off for a moment so I am just seeing this.

drhopeful:
Thanks Scholastica16. So sorry about IPS. @the moniker, I get where he comes from, albeit, too acerbic. There is another one that is now missing in action - four letter moniker that starts with small 'b' . @ the field transition, I applied for MS Pet, them say them no dey offer am again but would not let me go. So I was offered Mat, and I decided to try it out, oblivious of the fact that it was a blessing in disguise. Mat is a very boring and tough subject but somehow I fell in love with it.

You madam, are a confirmed Efiko@ Mat Eng.

I know the 4-lettered Pharmacist you are referring to in the 'Ole' state that houses a capital similar to one late famous entertainer's surname.

reDazey:
Update
Ohio State- kind rejection letter.

Oh well, it was a reach school(TAMU included). I would have fainted if I had gotten the admit.

I am waiting for decisions from the other schools.

My dear, faith is still the victory that overcomes the world.

*if I am sounding over-spiritual these days it is because plenty rejections will make you remember your God*

You'd look back at this day and laugh. It will go well. E no get option.

drhopeful:
Thanks Scholastica16. I am so flattered. Working in ExxonMobil or being Akpabio's minion has no role to play when someone is passionate about school (at least for me). For e.g. During NYSC, I spent all my meager corper money applying to schools for MSc (IPS, UK, US) which included registration for GRE and TOEFL and subscribing to expensive internet service at the time. I never had enough left to eat sef. In the end, I had IPS and two international offers of admission. I had to start hustling for scholarship. IPS was funded but we still had to pay 100k for registration/acceptance. I hustled and paid by the deadline given and guess what, the next day I got scholarship to go to U.K. Omo, I forgot about the 100k I dashed IPS, packed my bags and chased the plane to the UK. For me, it's always about the end game! BTW, I am from a poor very low class family.

American PhD will earn me much more than N300k

Oh! And I know that moniker that starts with capital 't'. It ends with small 's'.

I read this back to front and front to back like 10 times. I am deeply touched by your story. Yours just typifies the statement that true and lasting wealth is of the mind. So forget low class or poor, you are loaded Dr. and we have a lot to learn from you. All the best in your, what-is-sure-to-be success-laden journey into proper research in Virginia.

I have some experience with IPS myself but it is a negative one. So I took the entrance test, passed it and got invited for the panel interview. After having answered their barrage of questions for what felt like the whole day, many people were convinced I would definitely be taken.

They were wrong. I didn't even make the reserve list. Pained me for like 1 full day but I moved on.

@the moniker, yea you sure do know him. They have attacked him alot so he is always hyper-defensive or even paranoid but I learn alot from him.

Edit: so Petroleum engineering, how and why did you transition to materials engineering?

Drhopeful,

I have a confession to make: I was about to encourage you to take the UVA offer but I felt it was not my place etc. so I chickened out and asked who I was kidding.

I go to quora.com a lot to read posts by people either undergoing a PhD or even Professors that mentor PhDs and all of them came to the same conclusion: NEVER GO WHERE YOU ARE TOLERATED ONLY WHERE YOU ARE CELEBRATED.

I know it is a cliché but I caught their drift and the moment you spoke about how excited the UVA POI was in having you on his team (never mind the Fellowship and RA) I was already leaning towards them. The only thing that made me bite my tongue or in this context (delete what I had typed) is that you had mentioned I-20 and SEVIS. At that point, I was like it is already gone.

One thing I have noticed about you is that you are really set out for research. Trust me, I am not flattering. You know your stuff very well and I am sure you were able to convince admission panels the same way you have me sold. I am not just saying this because of now - The fact had not escaped me since I started reading your posts but that you even took some considerations like Nastydamus' GRE score into your application decision is mind-blowing I tell you.

There is nothing much to add except to say I fully support your decision. Someone on quora said he took a PhD offer in Harvard over UCLA or so and he regretted it despite the reputation of Harvard. He said their engineering programs suck cheese and that they couldn't handle some courses well so on occasion he was sent to MIT to learn those courses. He ended his post by advising people pushing towards graduate study to be careful about getting swooned by big name schools.

Nice @UPitt and 'their loss' @Carnegie even if you wouldn't have gone there. I know what it feels like to wait for a decision just because you invested time and money into it.

BTW, it rained in Lagos so my Sunday is cooler than it is for guys in Eket and PH. Which brings me to my second question (that you do not need to respond to LOL). Do you work for ExxonMobil? You just spent 300k like it was cowries and I know you said you had to commute from Akwa-Ibom to PH to write your GRE. Apart from Akpabio and his minions, the only people who spend cash like that in that State work for ExxonMobil.

See, I wrote my own long-speech to show you that I appreciated yours.

Edit: there is an almost sure-fire route towards getting a green card with a PhD (and Trump won't touch it because he cannot afford another L with respect to his executive orders or policies). To add to that, someone over there made me understand that PhDs are more valued than MBA holders. There are 2 other guys who work with Fortune 500 companies (one deactivated his account) and they said same. The other guy still on NL has an account that begins with an uppercase 't'. I don't want to type his account name here but he has a lot of enemies on the visa thread. Lol

jaybiz007:
To start with, congratulations on your offers sis. You worked for it and yes, you deserve it! If all what you stated above represent the true situation of things, then UVA should be your choice.

Oga scholastica16, no vex sey I shook my mouth for wetin no concern me oo . Her success story is too sweet to ignore.

PS: I'm still hoping 'faithing' on funding.

Vex ke? I am fully with you. This conversation will help enlighten others. I want the whole house to join in.

DMainMan:
Guys, can you advise me on where to go;
University of Utah in USA or University of Alberta, Canada if granted full funding in both?

This poses a conundrum. UofA is higher ranked than Utah but individual programs could be otherwise - for instance, Chemical Engineering program in Utah is better funded and higher ranked than it is in Alberta.

Alberta is quite renowned in the Oil and Gas sector but overall you have better job opportunities in the US than in Canada.

If you look out for such things like Taxes and health then you pay more taxes in Canada but you are afforded way better and cheaper health care than you would in US.

Your contemporaries in Canada will earn less than you in terms of salary cap on graduation and your degree in the US will pull more weight in Canada, than your Canadian degree will do in the US.

Salt-lake city could get really cold but I think Alberta just about edges it in that department.

Lastly, Canada's immigration policy is more receptive than what obtains in the US so the path to obtaining a PR is easier but it will be politic to consider the life you would live after getting the PR as well. You can also juxtapose your findings with the knowledge of the crazy guy that is currently directing the affairs in the US and how his intended policies may affect you.

adroitish:
Here's my profile tho, maybe you guys can help guide me with the application process. I'm looking towards spring or fall admission next year, something fully funded with possible TA/RA
I'm a medical doctor who graduated from the University of Ilorin in 2015. Degree is unclassified.
I'm interested in doing a masters or PhD straight if possible in a public health related field in US or Canada.
I'm currently doing my NYSC in a research institute.
Done IELTS overall band score of 8, with lowest individual band of 7.5
Hoping to do some research work where I serve this year as a research assistant.
Been involved in volunteer medical work and blood donation drives if that counts for anything.
So pls guys, any advice or help I can get

Cc SirRiddy

What's your take? Based on Logistics being on ground and having more knowledge about these things than most of us.

adroitish:
I did my GRE today, and I thought i should share. It wasn't a very pleasant experience at the Surulere centre... We started a little late, and while typing my argument essay, the network disconnected causing me to lose part of what I had typed and disrupting my thought process.
The first set of verbal and quantitative were fine but I was unusually slow in my quantitative. I couldn't answer the last question. I took a break after that and my network disconnected again. This was also unsettling. I was already developing a headache by this time.
I pushed on till my second quantitative where I was so much slower not answering at least four questions properly. I was devastated by this. It was destabilized for my final verbal section and I managed to stay focused. The verbal and quantitative sessions I did after the initial two were so much harder.
Final scores VR - 158, QR - 158, awaiting AWA. I want to appreciate everyone on this group cos tho I've never commented, I gained a lot. Now unto the applications

Congrats Adroitish. Great scores and great school choices. Like someone said however, mix it up a bit and go for a couple safe schools as these admission cycles are sometimes unpredictable or downright precarious.

Even if I recommend you should give Spring a chance, understand that funding opportunities then are almost non-existent. A more apropos time therefore would be against fall of 2018. Congrats again.

drhopeful:
Honestly, barring the convincing pitches from the Virginia POI, if both offers came at the same time, it would be a no-brainer. Penn State all the way, based on rankings. With the current situation, if Virginia came first, then that would be it especially that I had no hope for Penn State since no one spoke to me. If both came at the same time, and with the crowning pitch I got yesterday, I would have been swayed towards Virginia. It's actually quite interesting that both POIs schooled together through their PhDs and know each other very well. So the Virginia Prof had nothing but very nice things to say about the Penn State POI. His speech ended with 'Whatever you decide, trust me, you won't be making a bad decision', LOL.

I am also optimistic that by April 15, you will receive offers. You sound like you even have something already and just waiting for it to be official. Congrats in advance!!!! I am still waitlisted in Ohio State which was even one of my top choices; waiting till April 15 to hear what they have to say.

Yea, I see your points and they are valid. Someone told me the environment around Penn State is boring but you must understand that he is a jaiye jaiye kinda guy. Another reason I asked is because UVa appears to be offering more moola (as per fellowship +RA) but I am sure money is not a motivation for you.

Who am I kidding Penn State is too big a school for anyone to turn them down and I am almost certain I would have come to the same decision.

I emboldened that last part to shout a big amen. It really means alot to me when I get all these support from you guys. I sound like I have strong faith (and yes I do) and I am certain to share my experiences with the house soonest.

Haba, you are still waiting for Ohio? But you don already accept Penn state na? What will you do if Ohio accepts you with full-funding as well?

Besides, I thought you applied to 6 schools - why aren't you waiting on the decisions of Carnegie Mellon and what's the last one?

miella:
Yes I did but my score was not that good. Though, I got an offer recently despite the low score but I'm planning towards fall 2018 now (I'm working on some stuff and not yet through with it). I might likely write GRE also maybe I can get a better offer towards fall 2018.

Whatever you are working on Miss, we are right behind you.

Cheers.

TheZed:
Lord this is what we all pray for...congrats ma'am


Scholastica16 goodnews is almost here. I can't wait to read about your anxieties, thoughts during the waiting process. The wait isn't easy, especially with such a great profile. We are all in prayers with you.

Reading this: moments I live for.

God bless you.

Sbrainy:
@dr hopeful congrats

@scholastica16, I pray everything works for your good

Pls I will like to ask, this April 15, is it that all U.S schools must complete their admission decision by then? What about those waiting for decision on TA or GA or research assistantship? do dey all get responses by the April 15

I appreciate as always. I wish you the same as well.

reDazey:
We are still "faithing" this out...

You are informed "Madam New Moniker".

miella:
Yes ooo...@Scholastica16, keep the hope alive. Your goodnews is on the way!

I claim it. Did you still take the GMAT as planned? I know you posted here once that you were considering it early this year.

BTW, I am keeping the 'faith' alive. Faith is stronger than hope.

tescoman90:
congrat!.......................But i knw something great is coming for @Scholastica16

it just baffle's me alot to see an outstanding person @Scholastica16 still expecting till now
i just believe something great is comin on his way

Amen bro. Something great will come for us all. Thanks for the mention.

drhopeful:
Second offer from University of Virginia. Fully funded with a research fellowship + RAship. Rather late because I already accepted Penn State after waiting on Virginia for soooooo long. Spoke with my super nice POI from Virginia and he really wants to work with me and putting me in a big fix. Lol. Oh! And I already have my I-20 from Penn and paid SEVIS. Ah well... I don't know.


Scholastica16, how far for your end?

First and foremost, Shame on UConn again. LOL

I am trying to pretend I am surprised but I am not. It is very well deserved also. Would you have taken UVA's offer over Penn state's had they come the same time?

You have one leg in the US already. Congrats again.

As per me, nothing positive yet but I am still optimistic. I know something would come through next week unfailingly. Thanks for asking.

fredoricko:
It makes the registration process seamless. Plus you avoid the possibility of errors in names and other personal data.

Spot-on.

ponpon:
There's someone that runs TOEFL for 40k if you're interested pm me

Cc Ridsan4real

Kassidy4luv:
Where Can I register 4 GRE and TOEFL at an affordable price in Lagos, I need urgent assistance.

Thanks.

Google BY Mafit. Look for their telephone numbers and call them up to know their subsisting prices for TOEFL and GRE. They used to be 45k and 50k respectively. I would recommend you created a GRE account by yourself before doing that.

nastydamus:
Thanks bro.
These schools can be very erratic. A Prof. from one of the four schools I applied to last year sent me a mail last week stating he was looking for my application packet in Fall '17 files as he's trying to pick his students; I simply told him I didn't re-apply to the school, unless there was a way to retrieve my Spring application.

I'm leaning towards Drexel (better national and ECE rankings) but Philadelphia is more expensive to live in than Omaha.

I think the UNL funding will influence my decision when it comes.

What I said about your profile is true na, no laundry service...lol.

Yeah, we should be able to help each other like the Indians do.

In his defense, most of the funding becomes available in Fall as against Spring.

Yea, just checked and saw Drexel's ECE was higher ranked than UNLs but if UNLs money is like $5000 higher, I have an idea where you would go. Lol.

As far as profiles go, my GRE has 3 on yours and my TOEFL has 1 on yours. Not much if you ask me. Personally, a great profile is one that gets you the admission and funding you desire. So if I had GRE 280 and TOEFL 66 but I got into UofH with it, then that's a great profile. Lol

Nice one. Cheers.

Ndawe:
Same here. I'm also waiting for a decision. Fingers crossed for us all.

Yea. Amen.

nastydamus:
My scores no near una own na.

I wrote my tests last year and all four Spring '17 applications I made were rejected, still can't say if it was the 'Spring Factor' or my overambitious selection or a combination of the two.

For this fall, I had to change tactics; I decided I would reach out to POIs for some form of green light before applying to any school (see exchange rate, application fee, anxiety).

I succeeded in 'spamming' quite a few mailboxes and very few got back to me with something positive. Of the replies I got, the professors in Drexel and UNL were the most eager to have me so I applied to just those two.

Drexel has offered me a PhD admission with an RA/TA position (I'll work as a TA when needed) while UNL is wrapping up something similar (I should hear from them before the week runs out).

Thought I'd leave my tales till both offers had been formally received but there you have it.

I'm very sure yours is/are coming (you really need just one), your profile is a head turner.

I am guessing you would prefer UNL to Drexel except Drexel's offer far out-trumps UNL's. Congrats. It is always encouraging to know that people who take their time out to help others get rewarded somehow.

I remember UIUC was one of the schools you applied to. I won't even say you were over-ambitious - just unlucky more like. Someone I know got into UIUC with GRE 320 TOEFL 99 yet the same profile was rejected by George Washington Uni, Renssalaer and College park.

You are right about my needing only 1 offer and I hope that offer comes. I knew about 'spamming' potential advisers with emails but I advised myself against it and I still don't know why. But as per head-turner? Hahaha, better wash.

[quote author=nastydamus post=55227792][/quote]Are you already in US or are you waiting for decisions in this cycle with us?

I am asking because I know I read your report on your GRE and TOEFL pages back, maybe even 2015, and your standardized test scores were very strong.

ipledge01:
Congrats to myself

Congrats. I applied to Mississippi State University too for PhD. Nothing from their end (Yet).

tuffpuff:
Update!
Got a second decision and second rejection!
This time from University of Rochester
I sent them an email, requesting to know the part(s) of my application that wasn't competitive enough to secure me an offer. Their reply was that the decision does not necessarily reflect a significant shortcoming in my application. They had over 100 applications for only 5 slots!

It is well is all I can say right now. But its hurting at the same time

It has been very competitive this year especially for STEM courses. They are receiving far more applications than they would have a few years back and it has skewed the whole admission shebang.

I can totally relate with whatever you are going through - may be even more. I know Kansas State admitted you in wait so I am hoping the funding situation is resolved and you get it.

It is not easy to look past it as every single thing you do will remind you of the rejection to the point that you'd begin to question yourself. Do you sometimes wonder how you could have improved your application any better so that the decisions won't have hurt? Do you wonder if it was better you made 20 applications and not 8 or 4?

If these things mirror exactly what you are going through, then you are not alone. One thing I am sure of is things will iron themselves out one way or the other. I am probably just consoling myself but it helps me sleep at night.

Anyways #TeamFall2017

ridsan4real:
congrats RexCheeng.
Please folks, I am finding it hard to assimilate the inequalities section of d quantitative. after studing Nova and Gruber textbooks it seems I have not studied anything.... though I've not used Manhattan....please kindly recommend a textbook that'll ease d assimilation.thanks

I think Nova helped me in my case but you can try Google to see what recommendations turn up. Also, be careful not to expend all your energy on what might end up being 1 question. You can get 170 in Q even if you drop 2 questions and still get 166 if you drop the same 2. But any school that would have accepted you with 170 will still accept you with 166.

Brother Seeker88, May God bless you too.

RexCheeng, that's a great score. You are good to go. You definitely would not need to re-write GRE ever again.

ChiomaL0ngLEGZ, you are replying the people attacking you and not those asking for information or making enquiries. To me that's the problem.

Did you write GRE (Rhetorical question I know)? What was your score? Can you give us a breakdown? How was your experience writing it? Did you write it in Germany or the UK?

I know you are in the sciences. Did you graduate with a firstclass or 2-1 or lower? You can share your profile with us and how you got the funding at LSU.

How easy was it for you? You said getting into LSU was a breeze but I and Adetola007 were rejected with reasonably great profiles that's why I am asking. Your response to my questions will definitely help someone else. Thanks.

andradaeze:
Thank you very much, Scholastica16. You are a darling . I am eager to celebrate you very soon!

BTW: I just asked someone the meaning of OBO. Lol. Omo Baba Olowo. Interesting...

Now you are going to make me cry.

ChiomaL0ngLEGZ:
there are quite a few people on the whats app group for students that are eager to come to LSU. Others that wont come to LSU have also asked me to add them and I have been able to give valuable advice on funding. Also, I did my master and undergraduate in London so I can give anyone who is looking to go to school there valuable advice too and I can also tell you what uni to go to and put you in contact with some people. You can email me on kisha_baby@hotmail.de and email me your number so I can add you to the wats app group. I am here to help. And people are getting this funding thing wrong.When you are doing a masters the possibility of getting funding is close to none. But there are other ways that I will discuss when you contact me.
I see people have made use of my idea to do a whats app group but did not get scolded by the person who created this thread. If you do not see me messaging again then you know andraeze has blocked me off this thing.
Anyway, any more questions regarding universities in the UK or here or funding then let me know.

@Andraeze, I do not deal very well with negative comments. You want to keep this thread to GRE related questions only then dont be talking about what OBO means or tell off others that talk about non-GRE related questions, too. AND NOW THAT IS MY OPINION!!!

For anyone else- ho is coming to LSU, pls contact me.I cannot wait to expand our nija family here

Naah. You missed the point. Creating that whatsApp group to address funding opportunities etc. will take people away from NL which is essentially why this thread was created. You can use your whatsApp to contact those in LSU so that you all can meet up, but when you want to discuss gaining admission and funding into LSU or schools in US in general then here is where you need to make such posts and address such enquiries.

So please, your experience is still invaluable to us. Cheers.

Topiipii:
You're far too kind, I wish to be like you when I grow up in the future.

Laundry man. CEO of Laundromat. I dey genuflect.