₦airaland Forum

Most of the feedback you read on grad cafe are from students who most likely schooled here. In my school here, some of the people I met who applied for a PhD have already been given a response as of 2 weeks ago. The reason behind that is not far-fetched: first, they apply earlier than most international students. Second, most of them are already in the system and know the ins and outs. In fact, most have already worked in the same groups they applied to so it is almost automatic for them. The last bit is trust factor. US schools generally trust their own better so it is easy for the adcoms to come to a decision quicker than they would over internationals. But that should not deter you. There is extra merit and even tax rebates that accrues to groups with diversity quotas and as such, many will seek to accept an international student partly for that purpose. The snag is, international there includes every country that is non-US so even Chinese and Indians fall under this category. But there is much more to accepting students than GRE and profile. Sometimes, it is just pure...luck.

bayocanny:
hello house, I wrote the GRE exam yesterday. At the end of the test I was asked if I wanted to send my scores to my intended graduate schools.
On that section, I choosed the option of sending my previous scores and the new scores to those schools. I want to ask if have not make a mistake by sending two different scores. Besides, will the schools receive both scores?

My previous scores was 295, while my present scores is 309.

Yes the school will receive both indicated on the same sheet. Sending 2 different scores is not a mistake especially if you improved across board on both. It shows a dedication to improving and makes you appear serious-minded. Also, schools generally take the best 2 scores available on the report. So if you had say Q-155 V-140 and now got Q-152 V-157. To the school, you got Q-155 V-157.

Schrodinger22:
Hello house, please i need help on this. I sat for gre today and performed so poorly (Q 144, V 144). My CGPA is 3.19/5.00. Though, have been working in a telecoms company for a while and now looking forward to further my studies (MSc in Telecommunication and Networking), my graduate degree was in Physics/Electronics.

Is there any hope for me getting admission with my profile or what can i do to better my chances in securing admission in a moderate school, i applied to FIU (Flordia international Univeristy) was told i don’t need GRE/Tofel but need to have minimum of 3.0/4.0 in my undergraduate study but i doubt if my CGPA is up to the minimum requirement.

I really don’t know what next to do at this stage, what advice can you give on this as i hope to pursue my dream. Your input will be highly appreciated, thanks

Your GPA is up to 3.0/4.0 but do you have money to pay? FIU will not fund you.

Anfieldboss:
Hello guys,

Please what are my chances of getting full funding for a PhD in Electrical Engineering (Electric Power Systems) with a profile of

BEng CGPA (WES Unofficial)----- 3.5/4.0
MEng CGPA (WES Unofficial)------3.36/4.0
Work Experience : 4 years with an Electricity Distribution Company
Publications : None, though I hope to publish my thesis


NB: I am not through with my Masters yet, I actually got that GPA assuming I get a B in my Thesis. I intend writing my GRE in the 3rd quarter of the year, by then I should have completed my Masters.

I would also be glad if any one that know of schools with specialization in Electric Power Systems can recommend for me.

As long as you are applying for a PhD your chances of getting full funding are very high as PhDs receive a bulk of the funding in this country. The only precondition, is getting admitted and that is where the battle truly lies.

From your profile, you stand a very good chance of getting admitted since you have (or will have) a masters degree. Just like Yildiz said however, most US schools are very specific about the research area so you would have to be very sure about the aspect of Power that you want to work on. Some research areas here that are sensitive are limited to only US citizens for proprietary reasons.

You can find schools with the areas of interest by going through the comprehensive top 150 lists online and based on looking at your profile viz-a-viz with what the school expects, you can narrow down your list to something tractable. Then you can find out about the research areas and shoot emails where necessary. It is not going to be an easy task. But it is well worth it.

adeyinka09:
Not MIT.its the same school as yours bro.

I meant to say Imperial. LOOOL. Sorry I am just getting to see this message.

Sorry, Adeyinka09, you are in ISU now ?

solihp:
Hello everyone, i hope our day is going on well.

Please I would be writing GRE in the first week of February and I need tips for the verbal aspect of the test as it is my weak point. I have been following this thread for over 5months now and I have all the material on the Google drive shared on this thread. I have watched all magoosh VIDEOS for both the Quantitative and Verbal. So far I have learnt 100 words on the magoosh app(flashcard).

I took the ETS practise test 1 and my score was 162(Q) 143(V). Which is also the range of scores I have been getting on magoosh test practise. Around 158(Q) 146(V).

I just need some strategies to improve on the verbal aspect.

Your help would be most appreciated.

Thank you

Do not waste your time working too hard on the RCs as you may not improve significantly within a short time.

You are better of making sure you get 8-10 out of 10 for the TCs and SEs in both sections. If you can get 8/10 in section(s) 1 and 2, your scaled score will most likely be 146-148 even without getting any of the RCs. So my advice: Work on the SEs and TCs. Use most of your time to make sure you get them right and then guess for the RCs.

The guesses can be educated. You can look for the questions that ask for simple things like "synonyms" as used in the passage or the "tone" of the writer. Not all RC questions are long and windy.

But if you have time, I will tell you to develop the strategy of reading the questions first just to have a feel of what you need to look for when reading the passage. That way, when you come across a part of the passage that has an answer you want, you will quickly recognize it. It will also help you know the aspect of the whole article that is just fluff because not every aspect of the passage will be useful.

Mikkyboy:
Weldone Scholastica16. I'm sure you'll be excellent there even with the workload.I am also positive you'll get a placement for summer.
Thank you for your encouragements and kind words.You have not forgotten this forum even with your tight schedule.

I must also add that formally the waiting period has begun as most Universities deadline has passed(Jan 15th).Let all FALL19 hopefuls gather for a month power crusade titled " Admissions must come with Full funding" featuring veteran 'pastors'. Note also that another powerful service will come up in another location to be announced later titled " No delay - Visa must be approved". Get ready people. Note: attendance is free, but God loves a cheerful giver .

Have a nice day guys.

Hahahahaha!

I wish you lot the best oh. Seems more and more people are unwilling to share their GRE experiences here and will rather talk about schools. This is unfair and I would not tire to say so. You will never understand the power of communal effort until you face a setback.

Quoran:
You're correct. I know someone who is there now (PhD Mechanical Engineering) and since he got in, all the promises of funding have been a mirage. He's from a rich family so he is pulling through. Michigan Tech is really disappointing considering the nature of industrial work in Michigan

Except he is enjoying the research there, your friend should transfer to another university where he will be funded. He wouldn't even have an issue getting a PI in another university especially with his experience already in the US.

Quoran:
@ bolded , That is key even when applying for admission in STEM fields. When you can code, understand algorithms and solve problems, you have an advantage.

All the best in your internship search.

Yes, you are very correct. Thanks @ Internship!

fatsonm:
Pls what about Texas A&M university?

Which of them? They are all different but College station is very well funded.

I know much has been said about top schools and programs in the past, but there is more to schooling here than just that. As much as possible (especially for those of you with more than 1 option) make sure to investigate the culture of the school as it relates to people from this part of the world or from different academic backgrounds. Some of those top schools are overwhelmingly unwelcoming to new intakes or have this smug and super-competitive aura about them. if you are not thick-skinned you will suffer. That smaller school with a kind PI may just be what you need to settle.

US education is not as easy as vaunted. There are certain things that can be draining. Presentations, Term papers, reports. And then the volume of homework. Many times getting good grades is about over-applying yourself rather being brainy even though being brainy helps.

In the past 4 months I have been applying for internships against summer. The feedbacks have been disconcerting to say the least, but we keep pushing. So far, I am certain I have made about 70+ applications with 20+ rejections. The essence of saying this is not to discourage anyone. I am just chronicling my experiences so that when the story changes, it will make for a good ending. There are some Nigerians that have gotten into Internship programs in top companies like Tesla, Cummins, Micron etc. In my little experience, having some sort of programming or coding skill makes a wealth of difference because that is the major skill that many companies look for amongst others. Having good extracurriculars, leadership experiences are also very useful.

It is important to also mention that some US citizens themselves have not secured internships regardless of the fact that, most of the rejections many Nigerians will face in the job search will be based on work authorization and citizenship. The good thing is, there are many many many job openings and once there is a will, there is a way.

MasterforceII:
Nice that people are posting about their applications. Way to keep the thread lively and inspire fall2020 applicants and beyond. I remember the exploits of Scholastica16, drhopeful, femi132 et al and how reading their stories kept me going.

I applied to 9 schools for a mix of MS and PhD programs:

Virginia Tech (MS)
Purdue University (MS)
Auburn University (MS)
Colorado state university (MS)
University of Maryland (PhD)
University of Massachusetts (Ms/PhD)
University of Tennessee (PhD)
Iowa State university (PhD)
Rennsalear polytechnic institute (PhD)

Profile:
Program: Electrical Engineering
CGPA: 3.64/4.00
GRE: 163Q/158V/4
TOEFL: 104

I was a bit ambitious with my applications this year. Reason being that I have seen people with lesser profiles get admitted into these schools. I've put in my best and corresponded with professors in some schools. I'm hopeful that one of these schools provides admission and funding. I however have a contingency plan but I hope it doesn't come to that.

#Fall2019 #YesWeCan

Very good selections and I am very certain you will get at least 2 of them on a full ride. There is a Nigerian from UI or so who even got into Iowa State's E/E PhD program fall 2018 whose profile is not better than yours. Sometimes, one just needs favour which you are in abundance of this time around. Good luck making a choice.

#YesYouWill

Delesta2015:
I thought PhD admit get automatic full funding at Michigan Tech?

This is not true. In fact, on this thread I have discouraged people from applying to Michigan Tech for that very purpose. Even when they fund, it is usually not full and this has been the consensus on even grad cafe.

kylexy61:
Soo true mahn! I was expressing the exact same sentiment about Canada yesterday. As a grad student, you're a student, a researcher and teacher simultaneously

It is crazy. UofT right? That is another top top school.

Remen:
There is only 1 test centre in rivers state(PH).. I did mine in PH but still got the mail. Anyway will contact then tomorrow.. Let me stop stressing

I think he is saying he is in the same boat as you.

Yes, ETS have cancelled exams in a centre before. ETS TOEFL almost cancelled mine. I shared the story here. Did the connection trip off at any point during the exam that caused a time lag? Were you guys made to restart after that connection glitch? Did other people (if not you) experience this on that day? Was there any sign of examination malfeasance? These are some of the reasons that can cause it. As long as the centre had an issue, I believe you are to rescheduled at no cost to you. Do not stress it. Just relax..and aim to do better this time. Everything happens for a reason.

adeyinka09:
Impressive. Welldone scholar. I've missed your contribution here.How are you doing sir?

I am very well. How are you and MIT (Right?). Long time.

sillysassysally:
So essentially, you're saying that your "facile" opinion holds more weight than those of Times Higher Education (THE) or QS World Ranking? LOL

I am sure you do not know US schools do not care about such rankings because they understand how those come about. Their focus is on how they compare with themselves whilst leaving the outside world to play politics. It is the same reason a positively burgeoning institution like CU is below the pecking order in Nigeria compared to traditional and generally more well-known Universities like UNILAG and UI even when they are more funded, more organized and at this point, churning out better graduates and patents.

For your information, a school has a better chance of being higher up those times and seasons rankings by "sorting" those bodies out than say, amassing much funding whilst producing better research than your competitors. This is an open secret.

Just recently, a Prof in the state university I attend secured a $52M grant for his research. That is $12M more than Atiku used to erect his AUN in Adamawa. That same school may be ranked less than some UK universities who will not receive that amount of grant as a whole institution let alone department. But one Prof, in a state university, in one department, in the US, got that.

Make no mistakes, he is not alone. My Major professor gets $2M grants almost every other year. Few years back, he got $33M from NSF in connection with NASA. How in the world do you think he will not produce more results than UI which will in turn act as a precursor for better technologies which capitalists will latch on to, to make more billions of USD- and that [non]viscious cycle will continue. Yet as of last count, my school as far as Chemical engineering at grad level is concerned has 30 other schools (in the US) doing better. Does that not make your head spin?

What is that technology? NMR? GC? HPLC? UPLC? Name it, my lab has it. Not my school. Not ChemE. I said the lab my CALTECH-trained professor runs, has it. I have met a Chinese here who told me they had some of those things in their toppest schools only that they may have just one for the whole faculty and the queues formed by people waiting to use them slows down research. But one lab in some state university, in the US has more than one. How will I take you seriously when you tell me Birmingham University is "higher ranked" than me?

Virginia Commonwealth Uni is ranked 100+ in Chemistry in the world. But more than 80% of the schools ranked ahead of them did not have a Nobel Laureate sitting as a member of their faculty yet VCU did - Late John Fenn. Time will fail me to talk about the amount of grants he attracted to the school through his work and clout. His yearly budget could maybe fund UI staff salary for a year, yet because UI claims to be housing 50k students and have 200 degree programs, VCU will be unranked world wide and UI will be 700. How will any sensible person take that kind of ranking seriously?

Notice, I have constrained myself to just money in my lengthy writ. That is because money is the center of research which in turn should be the center of universities. So help me understand how schools that do not receive as much funding are somehow better than the ones who do? Maybe if you can give me a layered, well-thought out and researched response, I can take you to the next port of call which will then be quality of research produced and accompanying patents.

CptCharlesVane:
Ok I would submit all my applications before Mid-December.

How's your program (PhD?) going, Do you get to do some teaching?

I am still doing a masters primarily because that is what PTDF is funding me for. Whether I would transition into a PhD on completion of it is definitely in the offing but God may lead me elsewhere .

I am actually mandated to undergo a teaching practicum which is a requirement for all grad students here and I must say I am not thrilled. I have taught once (as part of the syllabus for the class) and will need to teach 2 more times before the semester ends. This is just a training. By next semester I will be randomly assigned to assist in a class teaching - either during office hours or even in class. I am not looking forward to it at all because I am a very shy person -in person.

Postfut:
Nah Bro. In as much as I agree with your assertion, I believe Oxford and Cambridge belong in the top 10.

Maybe I should have been more specific in my argument by stressing that I was speaking from the position of an engineer. I know Oxford and Cambridge are also extremely good in the sciences - UCL and MIT are particularly strong in engineering as well. They may crack some top 10 lists -to go with Zurich but that will only be from a position of diplomacy. I am not kidding.

MasterforceII:
Man like Scholastica � Couldn't agree more. Good to have you here. How's your program going?

I am seriously stressed which is why I post here less often. The second midterms are approaching. Projects and presentations to tender. Tons of homework. I am tired to be very honest. Whoever said US education was easy (I speak as an engineer) lied. How is your program going?

kylexy61:
Better than only 15%, which implies that Ibadan should be ranked somewhere below 10,000th in the world. Come on, you can't really think that lowly of the best unis in Nigeria. Times Higher Education ranks it around 800-ish. Not even 1000 oo.

Well, no need to argue.

All those rankings generally mean absolutely nothing. Last time I checked, Sheffield University in UK was rated top 70 in the world yet TAMU college station is about 115-150- I forget. I guarantee you, most Sheffield students will not even agree with that ranking.

As a rule of thumb, I like to make my assessments on these issues with what I have seen on ground. As it stands, any world ranking of universities I see that does not even have US schools occupying the top 10 position, I render it- trash... null...void. That is not to say other schools are not good. They very well are. US schools are for the most part just better and you will have to see it to know it.

johnsonpal:
My profile
Computer science
3.6/4 (WES done)
TOEFL - 99
2 years of unrelated experience(just trying to get back)

Hey guys, I have been a silent follower on here for quite a while now. I finally took the GRE some weeks ago and I'm so sad and highly disappointed by my performance, It just below Par.
Preparation was for almost 3 months albeit abysmal. I kept procrastinating doing practice test till I eventually didn't do any.My not getting a reasonable score was all my fault.
Q 143 V 142 AWA 3.0
My faults
1. Not doing practice tests
2. Not leaning enough vocabs, I was only able to learn 300 or so satisfactoryly
3. Timing, I was slow
4. I left quite a number of questions unanswered, thinking I would come back to them, sadly, I couldn't
New plan
Will be retaking January
- Watch all magoosh video (I have a premium account)
- Do Atleast 5 practice tests
- Practice timing
-Improve vocabulary learning
And lastly, review the materials I used before

Manhattan 8books
Kaplan
Official ets guide 3rd edition
Manhattan 5lb
Nova math Bible
Princeton

So guys there is my story, please I need all the help I can get. Study plan, Materials I should consider, Schools Recommendation, Everything, Please

Every single resource you need is already here. I will just encourage practising. Hard time-based practice till you see GRE questions in your dreams. It is worth it.

CptCharlesVane:
Thanks. When do you think is late, my GRE is on the 14th

Anything before January is still good. January is not even bad at all but it favors people who have very good stats and are in communication with faculty already. Early bird gets the worm works outside the region I just described.

kylexy61:
The fact that a school is located in America doesn't necessarily mean it is better than EVERY university in Nigeria. There are 4000+ post secondary institutions in America and personally, I believe U of Ibadan is better than over 70% of them.

Better than 5, 10, maybe 15% of them, yes. Better than 70% of them...not in hell, no!

mrcodebreaker:
My gpa was 4.25/5.0. I dont really test well in all the preps. Even in the 2 preps I did that was my range. I got about 293 highest. And I really dont have time. My toefl is coming up in december. I will try and squeeze in time for another gre this month.

Your GPA is very good. Nothing amiss if you don't test well in standardized tests, it happens. Just make sure you explain it away in your SOP. And since you say funding is not key to you at this point, be wise in selecting schools to apply to. You can get good admissions as GRE is just one aspect.

iamlucky:
Guys please I need your input. Below is my profile
CGPA 4.64/5 Chemical Engineering Uniben
1 publication still under review
First GRE (V154, Q163 AWA 4) second GRE (V153, Q167 awaiting AWA)
TOEFL :taking the test on Saturday
Schools:
Texas A&M
Illinois Tech
Turfts University
University of Toledo

What are my chances of getting TAMu or IIT

On point like a decimal.

IIT will be a waste of your time. Look at Uni of Florida, Delaware.

mrcodebreaker:
Wrote Gre today. Got 285. Q 140 V145. I am not looking for funding. What are my chances?

Depends on the other aspects of your profile. GPA..etc. How good are they?

Remen:
So I wrote my exam on the 31st of October and I just got this mail... what can dis mean pls?
Dear Candidate,
As you may be aware, your GRE/ GRG testing appointment scheduled with Prometric had to be cancelled due to Technical Issue for October 31st 2018.
You are required to contact ETS directly to get further assistance as the content of the exam has been viewed. They can be reached at ....., Monday – Friday 8AM to 7.45PM EST.

Please ignore this message if you have successfully rescheduled or contacted the client.
While we do our very best to avoid any disruption to the appointments, but from time to time cancellation of an appointment is unavoidable. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause you and wish to make the scheduling process as easy as possible.
Thank you for your business and best wishes on your exam!



Best regards,
Prometric

They cancelled your exam. Reconnect with them as they are supposed to reschedule you for another at no cost to you. You will even do better so..better for you.

scipy:
Hello guys,

Tried following the thread from beginning though I skipped some pages

I want to apply for a masters in business analytics in the US

Elect/Elect engineering 4.67/5.00
1yr consulting work experience

GRE: December 2018
TOEFL: January 2019

GRE approach (please help critic this):
AWA - Kaplan & Barron
Quantitative - Barron, Gruber, Nova & Manhattan
Verbal - Gruber & Barron


Schools I am considering are:

Georgia tech
University of Maryland
University of Illinois Chicago
University of California, San Diego

I know I am yet to write the GRE and this may heavily influence the choice of schools but I would appreciate advice on these ones and possibly others I can consider to land full funding. At this point, I just want to have a large pool of options to review.
Target number of applications is three.


Please I am here to learn, every opinion is welcome

Cc: Quoran, Scholastica16, shakaz, Sherlock5577

Full funding is difficult for masters but nothing is impossible. It is about reaching out to the right faculty in your proposed school.

CptCharlesVane:
I'd like some assistance with regard to choosing Universities in the US or Canada for admission and funding. I am not shooting for the stars and have modest and realist expectations as I've spent over $1000 already - exams, transcripts, and evaluation without even starting any applications. Looking to add another $1000 for application fees and official documents posting Lord!

Where do I start? I want to go for a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry / Pharmaceutical Science but it seems quite competitive from what I see on admission rates. I'm interested in Drug discovery and synthesis areas. Anyone with Uni suggestions, please.

My Profile:

BSc Biochemistry (2011) 3.25/4 (WES)
MRes Organic Chemistry (2016) 3.42/4 (WES)
Tests: IELTS 7.5; GRE Chemistry (on Saturday, not looking good)
GRE General (Nov 14th; Manhattan first attempt V156 Q151)
Research Experience: +2years uni thesis projects + research internship abroad that led to a conference publication and poster in Geneva.
Work Experience: QC chemist 2010 (Ind Training) + here and there med lab rat experiences. Unrelated work experience afterwards.
Professional: Assoc. Member Royal Society of Chemistry.

Unis I'm looking at:

SUNY Buffalo, NY
Washington State
Northeastern, MA

UofT, Canada (if GRE = 325+, AW 5.0)

amofum TheGrandChemist dmajor1 Ndawe MasterforceII Quoran omofola93 Time2Smile
happyday, texrem, LagosismyHome, iCool, seeker88, Topiipii, ponpon, rexCheeng, ChemEngr, femi312, Oludare01,walspring, Yilzid TowBayNah, Mfarad, scholastica16 drhopeful reDazey Seeker88, Ridsan ChemEngr01 Nastydamus

You have everything you require. Just take the GRE soon and make early applications. Take note however, that the GRE is just one aspect. You will need to make sure the other aspects of your application are strong.

As per schools, the schools you have up there are very good. Put more thought into it. Use LinkedIn to get a hold of some members of the faculty you are considering and try to contact professors where necessary. Not all will respond but you must take it in your stride. Most of them are very busy people.

opash82:
I saw September 5, 9 and 29 or so directly from ETS website

Dates come and go..quickly. Sometimes people take dates and then drop them back which opens them up for someone else to take. At those intervening moments, ETS puts up the dates but be careful as you could lose it just as fast as you can hit submit.

And be sure you are well prepared rather than rushing to get an early date. Sometimes a better profile is better than an early submission. Emphasis on SOMETIMES.

jelmusboy:
Does anyone knows how I can get list of universities offering PhD in Biological Sciences for Spring 2019

msinus.com

Google.com