ridsan4real:

wow! this is just incredible! May God bless your huzzle bro...so, that means u sent additional GRE and Toefl score to 5 schools?

Funny enough, I never applied to any of the 4 schools I sent my scores to on GRE test day. This was because I had a different course in mind when I wrote my test but changed to something more preferable after d test.....(thanks to happyday and other gurus here for their pieces of advice). However, some of the schools I applied to just required an uploaded copy of these tests for application evaluation, so I didn't have to send my test scores to all the schools before getting the admission decisions.

Oludare01 and Toakins. Thank you very much my Ogas.
You have also been a source of inspiration to me on this journey.. ...thank you too

sirRiddy:
seeker congrats on your offer(s).
Thank you for this comprehensive report on your journey.
You have done well for prospective applicants who are the aim of the group
in the first place. Good luck in your endeavors.

Thanks boss....just following your footsteps ni. I can't over-emphasize the insights your posts here have provided to me. It's my little way of giving back to this special thread

Hello Family, it's been a journey.. .

This is an update from me. Just wanna give a recap of my graduate school application journey so far. A prospective applicant may pick something from this.

I applied to as many schools as I could, not because I was confused but because I earnestly wanted funding as graduate study in d US would be impossible for me without any sort of funding. Also, as my intention was to switch from Petroleum Engineering to Mechanical Engineering, I needed to reach out to as many schools as I could afford.
So I finally applied to 11 schools, got 5 admits, 5 rejections and 1 pending. Find below the decision from each of the schools:

Rejects :
1. Texas A&M University College Station (no reason)
2. Georgia Tech (Waitlisted and eventually rejected)
3. Louisiana State University (no reason)
4. Wichita State University (reason was that I didn't have enough prerequisite courses to get a slot in their MSc Mechanical Engineering Program). Meanwhile, I counted this school as a safe school.
5. Ohio University (same reason as Wichita State)

Admits
1. Texas A&M University Kingsville
2. Florida A&M University/Florida State University
3. Wright State University
4. University of Louisiana Lafayette
5. South Dakota State University

Pending
1. University of Arkansas

In all, I didn't get FULL funding from any of the admits as really desired. However, the offer from TAMUK became my best choice.

Then the schools that lured me into applying with their application fee waiver all rejected my application. They include Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst and Wayne State Uni. I didn't loose out though cos I didn't spend a dime applying to them.

Application Profile
*Bachelor: Petroleum Engineering
*UG CGPA: 4.23 (3.57 by WES evaluation)
*GRE: 154Q, 151V, 4.0
*TOEFL : 91
*2 academic recommendations and 1 professional recommendation.
*3+ years work experience (not in closely related field)
*No research experience
*All applications was for MSc Mechanical Engineering

My Observation
*Apply as early as you can. If possible, submit ur applications before d priority deadline. In my own case, I submitted almost all my applications in Dec '16, but d major challenge was getting my recommenders to have their recommendation submitted, especially the academic ones. Some recommendations were received as late as 3months after application submission. So it's necessary to ascertain the availability of your recommenders before using them.
*You can't be very sure of your "safe schools", so spread your tentacles and apply to as many schools especially the ones that require all materials to be uploaded online with your application. You never can tell which would come through.

Choi, I don talk too much already....
I wish everyone all d best. Cheers!

seeker88:


Congrats dear....I'm convinced you will get good funding from Tennessee Tech and/or Mississippi State Uni. Na just one juicy offer we need

Congrats Ndawe....may God bless your journey
I knew it would end this way........don't call me a prophet sha

Now, I look forward to reading from scholastica and others who are still waiting.

Time2Smile:
I guess that is it from me for this application season.

I have been accepted to the Molecular and Cell Biology PhD program of The University of Texas at Dallas with a Graduate Tuition Scholarship that covers all tuition and fees. In addition, I will receive a very generous stipend through Graduate Teaching Assistantship.

I only contacted the Graduate coordinator on April 14 and submitted my application on May 1st when the schools were trying to play cello with my future.

I appreciate everyone that has been asking after my application status. It has been arduous, but the difficulty pales in comparison to the sweet taste of success. For those still expecting a decision, don't lose hope. #TeamFall2017 Yes we can.

Wow! Finally.. ....this is a great news and I'm so happy about this. Your persistence finally paid off.
Awon Texas

electronic:

Justwise
imperiouxx
Bigfrancis
slimmy2005
Walspring
Texrem
pgiddy
Ojap
Nobody
towbaynah
Lagosismyhome zeezahbee MsNas
Renewable0216
Onlypatt!!
joeluv
sirRiddy
Mayflowa
OluDare01
Texrem
djmakson
Icool
Motoshor
Helkayklassic
seeker88
amanze15
Mekurexx

The list is Endless....
i am truly grateful for all the support from you guys.
i am confident that all the peeps here still working on their application would share their good News in Due time...

Not until this Fall 2017 application cycle, I used to think that you are already in the US, maybe because of your knowledge and contributions in here.

Boss! You've finally achieved that milestone. This is just the beginning of greater things that will come your way....I wish you ALL d BEST in America. Cheers man!

electronic:
Visa got approved at Lagos embassy!!!

I arrived at the embassy by like 6:05 am. After missing my way :0
Did all the necessary biometrics and arrangement of documents. Then I realised that I did not have my 2x2 passport. I was almost shaking. But then I remembered that the DS160 instruction insisted that we upload Our PICs. Luckily no issues came up.
I then headed for Biometrics and Documentation. Na so interview Start OHH. Only the cute lady in Window 3 was active as that time and the first guy was given a Blue paper. (Whew).
Omo few minutes later all the VOs started arriving like Kilode. Interview dey Hot. Blue paper dey fly, few whites that were well deserved. Chinese guy just dey try communicate with one MAZI from Imo state (hilarious Convo…but the man got his Visa ohh…. no time).
I landed in Window 5, the lady gave everybody Blue paper before me…omo

VO: Good Morning
Me: Good morning
VO: Pass me your I20 and Passport
VO: So why are you going to the US (Straight Face... typing small small)
Me: I am going for a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Montana State University
VO: What is your highest degree of Qualification (DS160 Things)
ME: Msc Electrical Electronics at Bleep Uni…
VO: What were the processes involved in your application (Looking at me eyes)
Me: I had to prepare an SOP, CV, Referee letters, write Standardised test like TOEFL and GRE and I also had a Phone call Interview with my prospective Principal Investigator. Dr. Bleep (I just dey yarn with my TV English while VO dey nod)
VO: So what would you be working on
Me: Well I would basically be working on Neuro Signalling with the aim of acquiring brain signals to integrate robotics like the robotic arm. I would also be providing solutions that interface with such devices like the Brain Computer Interface….. (I was talking kinda Fast but quite calm sha…. she had to come slightly closer).
VO: (Still Typing) So Have you travelled out of the country before
Me: No, I have not had a reason to
VO: so where do you work?
Me: I work as a Researcher at research institute in Bleep university, where we develop solutions on robotics, build software for SMEs..(Looking at my DS160 on her screen).
VO: (Second time) So Have you travelled out of the country before
Me: No, I have not had a reason to
VO: how would you be funding your Education
Me : I got a full a Scholarship and Monthly Stipend (VO looks at my I20 Again….)
VO: So what are your Strong ties to Nigeria:
Me: Well I am the first of 5kids and I have a couple of landed properties and Investments
VO: And all your parents are Here
Me: Yes mam
VO: And all your sibilings are in Nigeria right? Loking at DS160 on the screen
Me: Yes (whew….. aunty hold my passport, Open drawer…. White paper Approaching)
VO: Okay I would be approving your visa you can pick it up on bla…..
Me: Thank you mam.

I thank all the Peeps/Chicks that were here with me all through the this Process....
God bless you all mehn..

Congrats baba, wishing you a safe trip to Obodo America...

slimmy2005:
You don run do exchange rate. Situation would change when he gets here. After a semester he would adjust to US spending without exchange rate consideration

I pray oo

Helkayklassic:
Good day house. Please i need clarifications on this. I have a National Diploma (GP 2.90/4) Nigeria standard and a B.Sc (3.91/5). I gained admission to the university through DE. If i want to evaluate my transcript, is it both transcript i will send to WES?

There is a place i saw a Wes reference number required before i can ask my school to send my transcript to Wes. I found out i have to register before i can get. I registered but there is a place i was required to make a payment of $167. Does this mean i have to make the payment before i will be given the reference number?

Thank you all. I will be waiting to hear from you.

I think you would have to send the transcript for both ur ND and bachelor degree to WES for complete evaluation.

And for the reference number, you would have to choose you desired evaluation option and make your payment before you can get that unique reference number. The ref number is automatically assigned to you at d completion of your payment. You can't send your Transcript from your school to WES for evaluation without making the necessary payment, otherwise, your transcript won't be considered ....so u must make the payment, get ur reference number and then send your transcript to them for evaluation.

Hope this helps....the gurus in d house can add more to this, especially in the area of sending both your ND and bachelor degree transcript to WES

bigfrancis21:


Hey listen, don't renew yet in Nigeria. Go for your visa interview, get your visa and enter the US with it. Getting your visa with your passport will not be an issue. Then you renew your passport come January next year in the US. Renewal here takes a few weeks to about a month or so for the new one to be ready. About 4 people I know have renewed their passports here in the US. Don't think too much about it.

Thanks baba....your advice is well appreciated. Another great relief through this response. I'm grateful Sir...

slimmy2005:
You can renew it here. It wouldn't cost you more than $200

Oh, thanks boss....it seems even more cost effective to renew it there than d wahala that would be involved doing so here. Thanks again....

electronic:


Na Seeker88 dey one chance like this??
Chai.....

I never thought of this until now .....na real one chance oo . But the great advice from my bosses here has given me a relief....

LagosismyHome:


Dont cause tension for yourself when there is no need

Yes you cannot renew your passport until 6 months , and all you need to do is ensure you travel 6 months to its expiry .....for example lets say your passport is expiring Feb 28th , you just need to have travelled by August 29th and you be fine ...... I don't knw what exact date in Feb your passport is expiring but I have given you a guide on how to calculate ......... Interview in June is fine as August XX is your day to watch out for . Based on a Feb expiry you should be fine

Yes you can renew once you get to the US .......How much ??, well you have to pay however it is as you need it and no pricing .........., however there even seems to still be issues with booklet . ...I know a couple of people here who have renewed but no passport booklet (naija we hail thee jagajaga as ever , side eye )

Thank you so much for taking out time to provide such a detailed response. Your response has provided a great relief.....**deep sigh**

Yea, the exact expiration date is 18 Feb 2018. I plan to be out before 19 August '17. For passport booklet, they actually have booklets now in PH and also Abuja....saw someone who applied today was asked to come back tomorrow for d booklet collection.

Thanks again for this swift response.

Hello House,

Please I need your advice. I plan to travel to Texas for my MS this coming Fall. My passport will expire by Feb 2018. I was at the Port Harcourt Immigration Office today with the hope of renewing the passport before applying for Visa. Unfortunately, I was told that renewal isn't possible since the expiration date is more than 6months from now. However, after explaining d reason for wanting to renew before d expiration date, the immigration officer said that only a reissue can be done, and that can be done only in Abuja Office. That it's a special case and as such, I'd have to pay at least 41k for the processing and also travel to Abuja for data capturing.

Now, if all these were to be done here in PH, I wouldn't really mind. But the challenge is on how to take days off work to travel to Abj coupled with d additional travelling expenses....fall application don suck my money finish . Please I'd like to know if I can travel with my old passport that will expire in Feb 2018 and renew it in US, because I don't know when I can possibly get a day or 2days off work to travel to Abj. This situation has created so many unanswered questions in my mind:

How easy is it to get passport renewed in US (Texas) and how much will it cost?

Will I have issue with my Visa interview consideration the expiration date on my current passport (Feb 18)?.....I hope to go for visa interview by June

Will there be any issue at POE?.....I intend to travel by July ending or beginning of Aug.

Please I need your advice and suggestion. Don't know what to do now.

cc: LagosIsMyHome, bigfrancis21, OjaP, imperiouxx, femi321, biikeys, slimmy2005 and every other contributor in this great forum....your usual pieces of advice will go a long way.

chrisdavinci:
Should have posted this earlier. Got my VISA Approved on Friday at the US Embassy in Lagos. I want to say a big Thank You to the amazing people on this platform. I really learnt a lot from the good people here. I pray God perfect what concerns all of us.
Yh! I got to the embassy around 5:45am for my 7am appointment. I lodged in Yaba since I am not based in Lag and took an Uber to Walter Carrington. It was a rainy day tho.

My short tip:
Study the transcripts on here but dont memorize. Develop your own answers to the questions
Work on your self confidence...Major Key
Above All Pray and Trust God...Tho I wanted the VO that interviewed me while on the queue but deep inside I was telling myself that whoever it is that will interview me...I am going home with an approval.

All the best guys....#TEAMFALL17

Congrats bro....I love your transcript. Safe trip to ObamaLand TrumpLand, and see you in TAMUK.

drhopeful:
Visa approved this morning at Lagos Consulate by the purportedly mean Chinese-looking guy. After dishing out blue papers, it finally got to my turn.

VO: Good morning Ma'am
Me: Good morning
VO: What are you going to do in the US?
Me: I am going to study for a PhD in Materials Engineering at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville
VO: Cool. Pass me your documents
Me: [Obliged]
VO: [Critically peruses my I-20 while I stare at him like one mumu girl and then he exclaims...] Wow! You got a full package from UVA! UVA is a great school. I am so excited for you and I can imagine you can't wait to start! Wow! This is nice! Are you excited?
Me: Yes, I am. Thank you. [At this point, I was just too shocked because it was not kind of interview I have been hearing about on here. I expected those their standard questions, which I had ready answers for]
VO: When last were you in the US?
Me: February last year, on vacation
VO: I am still so excited for you!
Me: Thank you
VO: Where is your husband?
Me: He is outside
VO: [Types and stares at his screen...] Honestly, everything looks perfect..... [Hands me white paper]. Enjoy Your studies!
Me: Thank you

End of interview that did not feel like interview. After all my prepped-up answers

Anyways, thanks guys and ladies. You guys have been of immense help on this thread and on the GRE thread. I try my best to help out to the best of my ability. I wish everyone success in their interviews.

Your Visa, Osinachi! Congrats dear....wishing u a safe trip to TrumpLand.

iCool:
Hello Fam, Decision number 5 is in!!!


Louisiana State University - My Department has 'recommended my admission' to Grad school but WITHOUT funding.

Application was submitted late Dec 2016 but my 3rd recommendation was sent in Late April 2017.

The wait is over! 5 Acceptances out of 5! Wishing everyone of us the best of luck!!! Never give up hope!

USA Loves me but I Love them more!

Choi! Congrats boss!!! ........see as all the admits just line up for u. See you in Trump Land by God's grace.

Please, where's Scholastica, it's been long I read from you here. I'm still waiting for that outstanding testimony from you . Also time2smile....

shayhune:
My appointment was slated for 6:30am. Got to the embassy around 5:30am. Had to wait till 6am before the whole process of checking in.
Fast forward. Got in to the main house. Did my fingerprint and waited for the VO to call me. I think it was window 4 or 5. So this is how the interview went:


Wishing all prospective visa applicants success in their interviews.

akins2016, dramaka. I don dey come oo

Congrats boss!!! Safe trip to Trump Land.

blueberry1305:


Royal Air Maroc i saw which is the cheapest in AUg is about 34hrs trip i can imagine such a long trip. Is still around 374k

That's quite height for Royal Air Maroc.....I saw d cheapest around 228k with Egypt air. Royal air maroc is even below 300k....all in August. Rate is a bit lower in July sef.....check d link below.
https://travelden.com/flight/result/international

I've not tried booking via this travelden before, those who are already booking their flight can confirm that these rates are real.

234ng44uk:

Exactly the same situation here. I started an application which I didn't complete because they refused to reply their emails. Then came the "congratulations" email out of the blue moon, followed by a "sorry, the email is not for you". I smell scam or pure incompetence at UNO.

Lol. But if dem give u full funding, u no go collect am?

234ng44uk:

Thanks for your suggestion. But I've contacted that school.
I emailed their​ graduate school since 7th April for enquiry, no response.
I emailed the grad cord for my programme on 8th April, no response.
Then a week later I received this email from them
"
I surmise that they are confused and unserious. I don't want to attend that kind of university.

Yea, I got d same email from them, even though I didn't apply. They also sent another email asking me to ignore the offer that it was in error....lol. Though I started an application for fall 2016 then which I never submitted...I guess that's how they got my info. I contacted them with regards to d offer oo.....and they apologised that it was system error . God dey!

234ng44uk:
Can someone please recommend graduate schools still accepting application for Fall 2017 and with at least 50% chance of funding.
UG GPA: 4.0
MSc GPA: 3.4
GRE: 153/157/4.0 (V/Q/AW)
Intended Programme: PhD Mechanical/Materials Engineering.
I've checked MUST stats on gradcafe for my programme, no one claimed to have ever received funding. Your kind suggestions please.

You could check out University of New Orleans.....they are still accepting application for fall 2017, though I don't know d probability of getting funding.

Jesusbabygirl:
Lol @ job hustle. You will get a better interview IJN

Thanks dear......I claim it IJN, Amen!

oveestreet:
Good morning Everyone..

My interview was today 12/05/2017 7am slot

It was successful. I just discovered this page literally few days ago and was amazed at the resource available here. Infact i had to quickly create an account to see more. Thank you so much guys. I particularly loved the interview transcript which i must say was an eye opener. I was only able to go through three of the transcript and boy did i love it! Quickly sent the link to a friend who was also scheduled for today.. both of us got approved.



Thanks to everyone on this platform and everyone who has shared their experiences whether good or bad. They were all very instructional. I am super grateful for what you guys are doing and my only regret is that i didnt discover this platform earlier than i did.

Another sweet interview. Congrats and safe trip to Trump Land.

Jesusbabygirl:
Good evening house and thanks for the congratulatory messages.

My interview was quite short and the VO...very pleasant (honestly he was). Also, I was the first person to be interviewed at the embassy today (NIV). Here is my transcript:

Me: Good morning
VO: Good morning, how are you doing?

Me: Very well thank you
VO: Please pass me your passport and I-20

VO: So what are you going to study in Iowa State University?
Me: I am going for Masters in Business Administration

VO: Nice, so how is it working at ....(my workplace)
Me: Challenging but interesting

VO: I see you have a scholarship, what type of scholarship is it?
Me: It is a research assistanship, which means I will be working with a faculty

VO: So how will you fund the other expenses
Me: I have been sav...(VO helped complete my statement "saving up right" (Me: Yes)

VO: How did you find out about the school?
Me: Online research

VO: Have you travelled before?
Me: No

VO: Pick up your visa in....

LOBATAN!.

Honestly, I was in shock the first few minutes after the interview that I had got my visa approved. I really appreciate this great thread because I learnt most (actually everything) about the process here. @Lagosismyhome @Walspring @ElDeeVee, special thanks to you for your time and assistance and special special thanks to my sweet hubby @12inches1, for the encouragement (seriously this US visa journey is not an easy or cheap one).

So, do I have tips...yes I do!
1. Be completely honest: Like LadyG will always says, tell the whole truth. Last year, I was denied a b1/b2 visa but I didn't get worried when I had to apply for F1 because I told the truth in my previous (and of course F1) application
2. Prepare, Prepare and Prepare: I am not saying cram words to tell the VO (definitely not), but please know your stuff (your course, your duties at work, etc). It boosts your confidence level at the interview, even if you end being asked only "what is your name"
3. Ask for God's grace (my most important): Irrespective of what anyone might say, there is a supernatural that controls the natural. Me I told God that I didn't want a stressful interview (all those ones where you have to recount your 4,5yrs experience in school in form of questions) and he answered me.

All the best to those who have not gone for their own interviews and those at other stages of the process too.

Congrats dear.....I remember you in d other threads those period when we were still hustling for job, and here we are again.

What a stress free interview..... Me sef want a stress free interview like urs oo
I wish u all d best in Trump Land. Cheers!

LagosismyHome:


Bia bikonu ..... i have to ask ooo. A final year student asking the above in bold is very dangerous oooo. How u no go sabi the difference between undergraduate and masters and the progression sequence ... abeg stop it na.. u dey a whole federal uni. ...

so over to you. Think about it again and you answer it

Biggy911:
@lagosismyhome
@electronic
@Walspring
@fredoricko
Gurus in the house
if a graduate applicant using WES evaluation reports want to upload a copy on a University application page.
Are we required to upload university official transcripts again along with the WES Evaluation Report ?

I'd suggest you find out what the school requires you to upload. Do you really have a copy of your "university official transcript"? If the school isn't specific about what u need to upload, you could combine d WES evaluation report and your university transcript as a single file and upload......

The gurus here may gives better suggestion....

electronic:
#GTA confirmed...

Congratulations bro!!!!

Hey guys!

For those who are already booking their flight, you could check this site out: www.travelden.com, their rates seem far better than those from wakanow. Also, travelstart.com seems cheaper than wakanow...

##TeamFall2017##

tensazangetsu20:

Go to technical university munich. It is one of the best engineering universities in europe and ranked among the top 50 in the world, just make sure you do very well in your program so you can get sweet letters of recommendation

Hope he's proficient in German Language because that's one of the requirements for Engineering MSc program....even for an international prospective student.