₦airaland Forum

mrpoul:
had 2.63 in my first semester 100level, any hope for me ?

Hello mrpoul,
If you're asking if a First Class is still possible, then I'm sorry to say it may not be possible (i.e., if your GPA is on a 5-point scale) . You'll need to confirm this yourself by calculating using assumed grades for all of your future courses. Then you'll know what's feasible. I know you can improve on your current GPA by following the advice I've given. Focus on getting a 2.1, since a first may not be possible.

I wish you the best!!!

CptCharlesVane:
I sent my GRE score on test day using departmental codes and have noticed that they haven't been updated on any of my application profiles ever since unlike one I sent a few days ago without the departmental code. Is this a problem or is it from the schools? And does anyone here know how long it takes for IELTS TRFs to be mailed to schools. I don't even understand.

You have a good score and thanks for sharing. I also got that feeling of retaking too. We've got the same scores, just a slight difference in our V and Q sections.
Concerning your reported scores, you should mail the contact support given on the grad application website. Sometimes it might have been sent already and the graduate school may still be trying to sort out reported scores to their corresponding applicant profiles. I believe you'll get a quick response. If the customer support tells you they've not received it, then mail IELTS contact support. I faced a similar experience with my TOEFL, and it was resent without any charges. Although, the reply I got before it was resent said it was sent the first time. But they chose to resend it again.
Yes we can
#Fall '19

Danieljuwon:
Good evening... I just finished with a Cgpa of 4.12 in my 100l, can I still graduate with a first class... I have 6 semesters to go.

Your current CGPA looks good.
But I may not be able to determine the possibility of you obtaining a First.
Make calculations by assuming grades for your future courses. This would reveal the possibility and the kind of grades you'll need to be getting if it's possible.
All the best!!!

Dboy55:
Nice thread @Sherlock5577,I have just been offered admission in the universit,I should be resuming first semester next year,worth are the tips you can give to me to avoid mistakes,most students normally make in year 1 ?
PS;My course is computer science

Wow congrats.
The truth is that the advice in my post would still serve you well. But I must tell you first year is tricky. Uni is really different from what one expects when you've not started. Just stay focused, make a plan and work towards achieving it. Learn to calculate your GPA yourself. It's quite an enlightening experience.
All the best!!!

demo4show:
Nice responses sherlock5577.

Thanks for devoting your time to put out responses to the questions asked.

I have grabbed my share of the advice.

Best wishes.

Thanks too demo4show.
I'm glad to help while I can.

All the best!!!

voraz:
I enjoyed the read sir especially where you spoke about scholarships and conferences.

Since you're in the Sciences field, could you give me a lil more info on the scholarship you were on and procedures required for the conference participation?

+ the name of your university.....are there any hints for us or will you just give us a name?

I'm an Engineering student..... All thanks to ASUU, no lecture halls for me yet

Thanks vorax.
I was a PTDF undergrduate scholar. Most scholarships have preferred study areas for applicants. Depending on the engineering course you're taking, there may be a lot of opportunities. I'll advise you check scholarstica, afterschool, study and scholarships. There are many more like these. Then search for sites online where you can subscribe for free mails on Nigerian scholarships.
Concerning conferences, you may incur some costs for sponsorship (It could be a lot). What you could do is prepare papers you hope to present and send the abstract to the association or body when they call for abstracts. You may get funded to attend a conference if your paper is accepted. In my case, I was awarded full sponsorship to the internatinal conference by merit alongside the best student (as a result of our academic performances).
For my Alma mater, I'm sorry that I can only give a hint at this time. It's in the middle belt region of our country. I hope it's OK by you?
Ironically, the strike is on with the aim that problems such as not having adequate lecture halls can be solved. Let's hope ASUU's conditions are met, so that you'll resume soon with the hope of getting a lecture hall. It's rather unfortunate that students and staff of our universities suffer such inhabitable conditions. Make the best of this moment, cause in my opinion the chances for a resolution between both parties is bleak.

All the best!!!

LordIsaac:
A very nice piece. I am in my second year. The first year was 3.85/4. Now, they just employed a lecturer who is, to put it mildly, someone who has no business with academics. Every class of his is war. He can ask a whole row(of about 50 people) to walk out of his class for flimsy reasons while he gives impromptu tests to the reminants. Now, this is really a burden to me because it is affecting us....how can one finish well with such a soul?

Thank you.
You have a wonderful GPA . Congrats!!!
The truth is there's a limit to what you can do about this situation. I also met lecturers with terrible personalities. But there were also the good and fair ones.
I had to stay mostly in the front row because the possibility of getting into trouble at the back was somewhat higher. You may need to rethink where you sit.
Sometimes when you incurr a loss in one course, use the other one to cover up. Like I said in the post above "Aim Higher". You'll do very well. Just don't loose focus because of one course.
All the best

orikzz:
Cos when I calculated, the only thing that can make me get a first class is when I get 5.00 till I graduate... Of which it might not be possible, as I am doing a practical course.. And practical results always vary

At least you've known and accepted the fact you may not finish with a First Class. A good GPA would be your best bet now.
Thanks for sharing!!!

MyndDieDieDiex2:
chai.. why I no go skull?

abeg Wetin be this cgpa? Shey na new cigar?

Lol. No be cigar oh
It's not so different from what you know.
GPA - Grade Point Average. This is for each semester.
CGPA - Cumulative Grade Point Average. This is a combination of GPAs from more than one semester.
It's CGPA that is calculated as your final grade point average.

Daretee:
Kudos to everyone here. Certainly not your everyday thread. Thumb up.

Thanks Daretee !

Julivas:
You nailed it bro. Congratulations

Thanks boss.

Arkjones:
[color=#770077][/color]
thanks bro. the scholarship stuff was wat myself and my brother was discussing few days ago but I don't av idea about scholarship and how it can be applied plus I don't stay in Lagos.. I would appreciate it if u can let me no some of d available ones.. about publication av written some articles as a linguist which I hope I would publish on d long run

I actually don't know much scholarships for linguists. I did a science major, but I'll advice that you check online for scholarships in Nigeria, check scholarstica, dragnet too, and the likes. You'll probably find some for your field.
As per the articles that's a good start.

Ray97:
Thanks alot. A course mate of mine with second class tutors me. And i've also developed the habit of using at least 2hrs in the school library and also reading at night and somtimes early in the morning. I must admit its nuh been easy but i belheve it not be in vain. I dnt wanna disappoint my parents. They've tried for me.

At least you've also got some form of motivation from a colleague and parents.
I would like to hear from you again, when you're done with undergrad studies.
Feel free to ask for guidance!!

Ray97:
Pls i need help. I just need second class upper.. Had 2.45 in hundred level. My 200level was first semester was bad but no carry over. But i knw my second semester result will be good although ive nt seen it.. My aim is to get above 4.00 from 3 hundred level to 5hundred level.. Is it still possible for me to two one by the time i finish?

At least you've got a couple of years till graduation.
Follow the first point in the post "Plan and be determined", and I believe you'll make great improvement.
First, calculate what you need to get to 4.0 to see if it's feasible and start firing. You'll need to believe you can do it and work as if it's already done. Don't mind that anybody is doing better than you are now. You can do much better than anyone. I've seen great improvements in students. You'll just have to make some sacrifices, and you wouldn't regret making them. Also seek advice from genuine people who are doing well. I believe they should be glad to help.
I hope to hear good news from you in the years to come .

Arkjones:
am currently on 4.47(100level first semester) remaining one course I haven't seen plus .. av done d second semester exam also awaiting result.. with this how can I help myself in d second year till graduation

On a 5-point scale?
Guy you could finish with a very strong GPA. Aim for 4.7 and above. You've still got some time jare. As you can see in my post I started on a 4.29/5.
Please don't loose focus. It's easier to maintain something than struggling to meet up with that same thing, especially if you're lagging behind.
Let me even tell you congrats from now.
Please don't make the mistake many have made. I have heard of many stories of people starting with a First and ending up with a second. So anything can happen from now to the time you graduate. Don't relent for anything. Also open your mind towards obtaining scholarships (applications should have begun), attending conferences , networking, and making publications in the future.

Kudos!!!

orikzz:
It is 100% actually much easier for him.. Only if he can get 4.5 above till he graduate...

I had similar issues too in my yr1.. I was on a 3.4..
But just finished yr2 and I'm on 4.0....and I only recorded one 1st class semester.. About 4.6

Yes I agree with you that it is much easier for him than individuals who have gone much farther with their undergrad studies. I'm glad you're making good improvements , and there is room for greater improvement . Thanks for encouraging him!!! We need people like you here, so others can learn from your experiences.

Kceefresh19:
Congrats man.. My GP is currently on 3.33, though have not written second semester exams due to the ASUU strike (100level mass communication btw)
I would like your candid advise

Many of us had our worst GPA in 100L, due to some little and avoidable mistakes. I learnt from my mistakes and so it therefore informed my gradual progress.
Thank God you're still in your early years in the University. I am so happy for you because of the possibilities I see. I can't say if you would still be able to make a First Class because some starting GPA's can really impede this possibility. But carefully follow my first point on "Plan and be determined". Make calculations and see what is feasible, then work assiduously towards your goal. If a First Class is possible, then that's beautiful. Even if a First Class isn't feasible, a very high GPA; "Strong"second class upper could still be an advantage someday. I see scholarships with minimum GPA's, and not just classes of degrees.
As I said in the post, understand your lecturers be consistent. Be humble and not be distracted by your progress. The sky would just be a starting point!!
All the best kceefresh19

mayDtolu:
Thanks Very much bro...I will try my best...

I know you will!!

mayDtolu:
Nice one bro..I'm in 200l studying MATHEMATICS..I also wish to graduate with First class but am currently on 4.08cgpa....Do you think It's possible cos I have four semesters left??.
Although I bliv in mind dah It's possible but I still need your advice...Thanks in advance

You have a good CGPA.
The truth is I may not be able to really tell you how great your chances are.
If you can calculate your GPA, then you're one step ahead.
My advice is to get the credit units for your remaining courses till graduation, then fix in an A to all of you them to see if it's feasible. If it isn't then don't loose heart. Push hard. I've seen cases in recent times that our CGPA could make a difference regardless of you still being in a 2.1, e.g., applying to foreign graduate schools. A 4.3 would be better than someone with a 4.1 in this case.
If you try using all A's and it's feasible, that's great news. Then you'll just have to fire like never before. Read like you believe it's possible.
I promise you it wouldn't be easy, but it's possible.
All A's is possible.
All the best mayDtolu

MTAIYEM:
Thanks!
God bless you!

Amen MTAIYEM

atiteb4:
congratulations. well written

Thank you atiteb4

This would be a somewhat long story. I hope it inspires someone out there to achieve their dreams of achieving a better academic result, be it a first class or second class upper, ...
Just to understand the mindset I had when going into the university, I graduated from a reputable secondary school in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, as the 10th best student in WAEC with 4A’s 4B’s and a C (Cheating was a grave sin). I was greatly involved in extracurricular activities during my 6 years there and this took a toll on my academic performance. I knew I had a greater potential with regards to achieving stellar academic feats. So this informed my choice to be more focused on my academic pursuit in the university than extra-curricular activities like sports and volunteering.
My first year (B.Sc.) at my alma mater started without any plans as to my academic prospects (i.e., finishing with a first class), despite being sure I wanted to have a great academic performance. I had just resumed at a school which was my second choice in JAMB, which I did just to fulfill all righteousness. Now reminiscing, I thank God I didn’t go through the rigours of securing admission to a Federal University. I definitely intended to do well with my academics, but I didn’t have a definite plan as to how to achieve this desire.
My first and second-semester results were out and I felt good. I assumed I was the best student. I knew I didn’t put in much work but still “topped” the class on most results. Surprisingly, while discussing with a course mate towards the end of my first year I was informed of a coursemate who was on a 4.8. This kind of “gingered” me towards covering up such a wide gap between our GPAs. To me, it sounded quite absurd, that a course mate being taught the same courses as I and who had attended the same lectures as I did could give us a great head start like this.
My department was one where achieving a first class was a wonder. From a staff source, I was made to understand that in over 40 years of the department’s history, the total number of first-class students were less than 8, one of which was 2 years ahead of me.
I took up the challenge to achieve this feat and close the wide gap between my GPA and that of our best student. I graduated about 4 years later with a CGPA of 4.59 (Thanks to ASUU strike and a suspension of academic activities due to a somewhat violent student protest). This may not sound like a great increase, but it is noteworthy to mention my GPA s in my 2nd, 3rd and 4th years were 4.54, 4.70, and 4.90 respectively (with just 1 B in a “borrowed” course during my final year).
I have gained a lot from these grades (one of the best Nigerian undergraduate scholarships, a full sponsorship to an international conference, a good job, a new perspective on life,...). I still expect more rewards in the years ahead as I plan further (Graduate studies, More Scholarships,...).
I share these practical steps as a tentative guide to those in their early university years aspiring to achieve an improvement in their class of degrees before graduation. Not necessarily just for aspiring first class students.
1. Plan and be determined
Determine the possibility of achieving such a class of degree.
What this means is first learning how to calculate your GPA by yourself. Then determine how feasible your new target is by knowing the nature of grades you need to get for the rest of your years in the university to achieve your goal. One of my motivations was that achieving this would encourage younger generations in my department to see the possibility of getting excellent grades.

2. Aim Higher
It isn’t a new thing to see a grade far different from what you expect on the notice board, I experienced this so many times.
One instance was on a course I read so well for and wrote. I could predict most of my scores before the scores were pasted, so I expected an A, or worse a B. But on this particular case, I got a C. Worse was that this C was a 50/100, meaning I could have even gotten a D if I missed another mark. Therefore, it is necessary to set higher targets to avoid too many disappointments. The fault may not be yours. I never went for a remark.
Another instance was my final year when I had just only a B among my courses for that session with the rest A’s. I was shocked when I saw my result because I didn’t anticipate it would turn out great. I had planned to ace my courses because getting an A in our research project was quite slim. Also, my CGPA for my 3rd year was 4.49 (0.01 shy of a first class and anything could happen). At least an A in other courses would make up for a B in a 6 credit load research project. So I aimed really high, gave my best and God rewarded it more than my greatest expectation. I eventually was one of the five in my set to get an A in our research projects.

3. Set your priorities right
A university is a fun-filled place filled with a lot of time-consuming activities. This fun comes at a price. You’ll have to weigh how much fun you can have that wouldn’t be detrimental to your academic success. Also, religious activities can be time-consuming. I’m not kicking against some of these activities, because I was still involved in religious, volunteering, and even farming activities while schooling. But I had to plan really well to accommodate all of this.

4. Prayer
Although this is not coming first, it played a significant role in my success.
I don’t pray for hours, but I always believe a short sincere prayer to God, which is also according to His will would be answered positively. Someone once told me, whenever you remember an exam you’ve just written, it's best you pray for fair marking at that point. Our subconscious has a powerful way of communicating with us. I prayed often for my papers, I received favour. I never had a missing script and that's something to be really grateful for. Although, I paid due diligence too, by following the exam rules strictly and writing my matriculation number on all of my answer sheets in case a page was erroneously detached. Missing scripts could be either the fault of the student or staff or some other unfortunate event.
5. Don’t listen to Nay-Sayers
As you try to achieve your goal, you will meet a lot of people who would either encourage or discourage you. Listen to the good advice and ignore the bad. You know the possibility of an increase in your result by calculating what you have and what is feasible as shown in my first point. Some people would tell you, “Who first Class hep?”. But I tell you the truth don’t be deceived because someday you may wish you got that result which you didn’t.
There’s much more I would have written here, but I believe this is enough to inspire and tentatively guide someone to success. I am not so intelligent, I am just a hard worker. As Socrates said, “Man Know Thyself”, understand yourself and don’t follow just anyone's pattern of reading. It may not work for you. We are all different. I mostly read for an hour almost every day, revising my notes and making more notes. Understand your lecturers, learn to predict them, don’t procrastinate your reading. Procrastination would just make your reading harder.
A good character is key to success. It has saved me a lot of times. Sometimes when you see a pompous person excelling, know a fall could be on the way!!! Pride goes before a fall!!
I believe we're not always just assessed based on our academic prowess, but by our character.

A price must be paid! Nothing good comes easy!!
My colleague and I finished with a first class. Unfortunately, my colleague had a few setbacks, but still graduated top of the class (I think with a 4.73 or so). He’s currently on a fully funded international scholarship for graduate studies, and so am I !
I must say this first class hasn’t been an express ticket in life but has shown me with hard work and consistency I can achieve a great thing in this life. Sometimes to whom much is given, much is expected; people expect more from me.
I give freely because I have received freely.
Pardon my typos and the quality of my writing. I am not much of a writer.
If you have further questions, kindly quote me here or mention my moniker.
I would respond as soon as I can.

Wish you all the best!!!

Lalasticlala, olawalebabs, Richiez, Fynestboi



Dr Holmes (SAS)

Started on a 4.27 (first semester 100L) , graduated on a 4.59 (scale of 5)
1st year - 4.27
2nd year- 4.54
3rd year - 4.70
4th year- 4.90
I hope someone gets encouraged.

iamblisz:
Please where can I download Manhattan 6?

Seriously it's been a while I used it. I got it here from one of those Google Drive links. You should just check a couple of pages backward, and you'll see the link.
Please anyone who has the link or book can post it too.

iamblisz:
Hi all,
My gre is on the 4th of January next year, same with TOEFL that same month, yes I decided to register after procrastinating for many months, I am not the most brilliant student but I believe I will do well if I prepare very well, I'm currently stuck in 285 in the power prep test which is frustrating. Honestly I'm investing a lot of time in the gre which has made me loss weight, the materials I'm using are as follows.

1. Nova
2. Ets
3. Princeton preview, (not yet used)
4. Kaplan


Currently I'm no longer using any material since my scores have stalled on the prep test, I now use videos, 1k plus videos for both quant and vocab.
Please gurus in the house, what do you think I should do to increase my score, I need to improve before 4th of January, I can't be investing close to half a day and losing weight (5kg) with nothing to show for it.
I need help.

I don't know your manner of approach, but this means you would have to change it. Have you tried taking note of your weak areas from the practise tests, and learning better ways of solving them. You should check out Manhattan 6 pounds. It's a good book too.
From experience, progress isn't instantaneous, it's gradual. So you just have to persevere a little.

All the best!!

Amahjosh:
Hello good day gurus in the house. I am writing my first GRE this Sunday barely 2 days away. I need help in selection of schools so i can send my score to them after my exam. I studied Computer Engineering majored in Computer Networks already certified in CCNA cisco certified networks Associate. My Ggpa is abit low 3.24/5, I made a list of universities for my Masters program offering this program during my research. But want to select 4 Universities using criteria like HIGH FUNDING opportunity(TA,Campus Jobs etc), high/moderately ranked school, Schools offering Computer Networks program and Moderate tuition fee and high acceptance rate. Please i really want your input in the selection and even suggestion of universities that fit my profile.

List of Research Universities

Wichita State University
University of Southern California
New York Institute of Technology
University of Missouri-Kansas
University of North Carolina
Iowa State University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Brown University
University of Maryland- College Park
Cornell University
Columbia University NY
Stony Brook University SUNY
University of California- Berkeley
University of California Santa Cruz
Northeastern University
Texas Tech University
University of Arizona,Tucson

The List is abit long please i really need help to get Four schools out of this list before my test day.

Sorry if I digress a little, but I would suggest you have more than 4 schools in mind and their institution codes at hand.
From personal experience, your final scores may differ from what you anticipate, say higher or lower, or may be the same with your anticipated score. So have a range of schools for each of the scenarios above.
Also, there is a tendency you may not apply to most of these schools, due to some other reason such as the nature of commitment from their faculty. I'm not saying making a decision now is not important. It is necessary, at least it saved me the cost of reporting my scores to a school I applied to, which requires official test scores.
I would suggest you use gradecafe and msinus as guides for your intended course and universities.

As for the GRE, I wish you the best. Be confident, don't panic and ensure to get there in time. You can do well!

iamblisz:
Baba please how do I join such groups, my gre is in few weeks time. Please���� help, thank you

Check this:
https://www.nairaland.com/1832477/how-achieve-high-scores-gre
A few weeks left may be counter productive like someone mentioned earlier, but never to late. You may gain something.

Naaseer01:
WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO results as well as the PIN numbers on the application forms to enable PTDF view the O’level results on the relevant website).


_
please somebody should clarify the above statement for me. what did they mean by pin number on the application form

It's your WAEC examination number, not PIN.

Kezie03:
Pls the local government letter of identification, is it same as certficate of origin. And if not, how do I get one. Thanks.

Yes it is the Certificate of Origin.

Beila:
Hi, today I sat for my test. It is a day I wished would never come because I always feel like I am not ready for the exam, finally, it has come and gone. I scored 158 in verbal and 159 in quant, I felt a little disappointment when I saw my quant score because I was ready for it, I had many twisted questions unfortunately. I don't know to thank in particular, so I say thanks to everyone who have contributed to this thread.

Congrats Beila. Nice scores!
Unto the next step.

I wish us the best!!!

Shadbay:
Hello house! I've been following this thread for quite a long time now. I want to commend the level of altruistic and selfless contributions on this thread. You guys should keep it up.

I was supposed to register for GRE sometime last year but I was too lily-livered but I've summoned up course to face it. I know I can't meet the deadline for most Fall '19 application but I'm still going to try for some schools that have mid-February deadlines. I plan writing my test by January.

My profile:
BSc 2016 - Geology (Geophysics option) - 3.46/5
IELTS - S 7.0, W 6.5, R 7.0, L 8.5 - Overall 7.5
6 months internship at an IOC (if it will help)
No publications

Applying for Masters in Geosciences with research concentration in Petroleum Geology, Stratigraphy or Structural Geology (depends on the school)
I'm gunning for TA/GA/RA positions.

The following schools are within my purview;
New Mexico State University (deadline is mid-Feb and my aunt lives in New Mexico)
Ohio University (the Geology dept doesn't require GRE)
West Virginia University
University of Minneapolis
University of Maine
Oregon State University
University of Alabama
Georgia State University
University of Utah

I'll appreciate any help/advice provided to steer me in the right direction. Thanks..

It's great to see a fellow Palaeozoic brother !!!

Your GPA and IELTS are good for graduate studies.
As advised here, please ace your GRE. It could inform your choice of schools; Ambitious, Moderate, Safe.
Although you may be behind the timeline for some schools, do extensive research on different schools and faculty who share similar research interests. Please contact them from now. It wouldn't be easy, but keep buzzing them. Their info is on their school's website.
Also. For Stratigraphy/Sedimentology and Pet Geoscience, you should check the school's in the South; close to the Gulf of Mexico. These are close to important sites for Petroleum Research (particularly the Permian Basin).

Schools such as University of Texas (they have a couple of campuses e.g., Austin, Permian Basin, Tyler, ....), Universities in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and the likes. But keep your options wide too.

Use gradecafe.com and msinus.com to know what schools would be best fits for your profile.

I wish you the best!!
Fall '19.

highskies:
Good day everyone, I honestly appreciate this group.

I am interested in undertaking doctoral studies in US or Canada (with possibility of funding) depending on which is most likely considering my profile.

I want to apply for a PhD Environmental engineering or PhD Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

My profile is as follows :

- BEng Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering: 2.52/5.0 (US conv. 2.6/4.0)

- MSc Environmental engineering: 5.3/7.0 (US conv. 3.4/4.0)

- GRE 152 Q, 142 V and 4.0 A

Pls I need your advice my people.

Hello highskies,

Your MSc GPA is good for a PhD. Unfortunately, your GRE score is not competitive for top schools.
But I think there would be schools willing to accept your GRE score. Moreover, the GRE is just one of the many factors needed to get into graduate school.
But if you can afford to re-write the GRE and do much better, then you would increase your chance of admission and possibly funding.

You need to make adequate research to know what schools would accept your scores. Try using gradecafe.com, or you could rewrite the GRE.

All the best!!!