₦airaland Forum

npmi:
I pray mine be successful as yours

By God's grace

IamDGrateful:
Congratulations!

The VO didn't ask you for your bank statement?

Because I have read some cases that even with GTA, one would still be required to present sponsor's bank statement.

Kindly clarify that please.

Yes you're right. But I wouldn't know reasons for that as yesterday was my first time. But one thing I think one should ensure is to present one's strongest argument with topmost confidence. At the point of mentioning my GA funding I said it with a calm and assured face while still maintaining eye contact, so this made the VO asked for the funding letter and she literally punched the calculator to know if I have any deficit. Similarly, while responding to plans after study, it was more of me shouting at her that I have a lecturing position waiting for me cuz I graduated best of my set. So in all, you also need to ensure you psychologically cause chaos in the VO's mind, so as to win the BATTLE OF TWO MINDS

[

[quote author=Jaybeepictures post=73514174][/quote]Both questions sounds similar but mean different things in the context.

The first WHY USM, was to find out what I like about the school and what attracts me to the school.

The second WHY USM was in relation to the other two schools I applied to and got admit. The VO wanted to know my reason for opting for usm even when I have admit from other schools.

And you'll see that my response were different, because I saw it as an opportunity to actually bring up some interesting facts.

thayor21:
congrats bro...all the best...pls did the school mentioned the amount u received on the letter given

Yes they stated it

hansmond93:
Congratulations man!!!
I tap into this this new month of December.
Very short interview/transcript.
No bank statements.... Your GA covers all expenses??

Yes, my GA funding is in excess of the estimated expenses so bank statement wasn't requested for. Though I took one along just in case.

Good afternoon here. Visa approved today at the US consulate in Abuja this morning. Here's my transcript

ME: Good morning ma'am (with a wry smile)
VO: passport and 1-20 please.


VO: why USM
ME: It is classified as a R1 institution by the Carnegie foundation. And the Biological Science department has a diverse approach to their graduate program where researches provide solutions to problems affecting one health

VO: number of schools applied to
ME: 3. I named them.

VO: Why the choice of USM
ME: Aside from the fact that I got a GA, there's also am ongoing research in the lab of Prof **** which is in line with my background as a veterinarian.(not sure I mentioned the scope of the research)

VO; Do you have a letter from the school indicating the funding offered.
ME: YES. Gave it to her

VO: What similarities are there between your background as a vet and molecular biology
ME: As a practicing Vet, an added Knowledge of molecular biology will not only help me better diagnose animal diseases but also develop preventive and curative approaches to the disease, with emphasis on zoonotic diseases.

VO: Plan after graduation
ME: Upon completion of the MSC, I'll have acquired adequate research knowledge, and practical exposure as to enable me pick up a faculty position made available to best graduating students like me from my alma matter upon my return to Nigeria.

VO: Travelled out of the country before.
ME: No I've had no reason to go out of Nigeria

VO: Do you have any relatives or siblings in the US
ME: no I don't

VO: Congratulations, I'll be approving your visa

Things I ensured
1. I ensured I cleared my mind of the interview worried the previous day and assured myself it's not a do or die affair

2. I practiced multiple times in front of the mirror and also with individuals. As a fast speaker, I ensured I learnt the art of clearly stating my statements

3. Upon arrival at the venue, I interacted with people and get to know few.

4. As previously advised(dont know how true), applicants are been monitored upon entrance into the premises for appearance, posture and gestures that could make them look not confident or jittery. So I ensured I maintained a bossy outlook (even when I'm not), ensured my hands were at akimbo and also did not lower my gaze.

5. It's advised to find a way of putting one's strongest point very early in the interview process. As in my case, the VO did not even bother to check for any information on my 1-20 nor did she ask if I got funding until I made mention of it.

6. Lastly as it has been mentioned here, do not forget the GOD factor.


I hope this helps someone.

Ubah1:
Nope.

Okay bro. Thanks

fairheart:
If you have submitted it, just fill a fresh DSFORM. Then update your profile on the appointment website with the fresh dsform number.

Thank you. But I hope it won't alter my scheduled appointment date.

Opinions please

slamcole:
Evening peeps. Please is there any remedy to this. While filling the DS-160 application, instead of indicating OTHER(brother) as the person sponsoring my trip, I went ahead to fill in SELF.
Opinions please. Thanks.

Evening peeps. Please is there any remedy to this. While filling the DS-160 application, instead of indicating OTHER(brother) as the person sponsoring my trip, I went ahead to fill in SELF.
Opinions please. Thanks.

Apologies, just seeing this. What exactly will you like to know?

CptCharlesVane:
Congratulations! It would be nice if you shared your GRE and admissions experience.

My school made use of a service provider UEMS, where one can register and request for one's I-20 via FedEx OR UPS. With FedEx, you pay $115 while with ups, the charge is $91.15. I'll advice you check UEMS on google and see if your school is listed.

Spring2019:
Yeah I already told people that paid less for their I-20 to. Please tell me how they did it. The students that were talking about it are not online on nairaland anymore. If anyone recently got an i-20 please tell me the method you used. Can't imagine paying 150 dollars again for I-20 when sevis fee and visa fees are yet to be paid

Good evening here. Please what's the implication of not filling the education background of one's DS-160. This was due to the application not loading this section. Thanks

Thanks for your response

CuteRedd:
From the little i have researched on, if your program is a STEM program you have 2 years in addition to your 1 year OPT (i.e. 3 years in total) to work in the US thereby increasing your chances to file/a company filling for you to get a H1-B Visa(which is a work visa). For Non- STEM programs you just have 1 year OPT to work in the US and try to get a company to file/you filing for a H1-B Visa.

Hello house, please can gurus in the house give insights on STEM and OPT options. Contributions will be appreciated from people who are already active in this area. Thanks

Thanks bro.....I will work on them. In my case, I was offered an assistantship which covers the whole estimated expenses. Will you still advise I go with a statement of account. More so, the account statement I have reflects just half of the total estimated expenses.

100kobo:
For starters, let me commend your efforts for attempting to be original in your responses. But let me warn you not to be rattled in the event where these questions are rolled out in ways you didn't expect.

For example, your second question should not be expected should you dispatch the first question in the solid manner you did. The responses on your second question would be useful when answering questions about Why this School/Course.

WHY USM? Your first two bullet points are okay. But I can't say same about the third which sounds rather generic. What is it about the department of Biological Sciences that stands them out: an ongoing research, availability of an enhanced laboratory equipments, curriculum content and what have you. Please, talk in specific terms those appeals in the department that caught your fancy.

STUDY PLAN: You may need to talk about your course structure, duration and core courses here.
By the way, you should already have a research topic and not wait for the so-called committee to sit and select for you.

SPONSORSHIP: Once you are asked about your sponsor, the best response will comprise your sponsor's identity and income source, and an indication of financial awards from the school (if any). You don't need separate questions to deliver these facets separately.

If your sponsor is not your parent or personal funds, you should also prepare to talk about why your sponsor is willing to commit. Usually this will come as a separate question.

Let me stop so far.

Please, my interview is scheduled for 3rd of December and here is my transcript for serious criticism. I appreciate as you take your time to go through it.

VO: Why are you going to the US
ME: I am going to the US for a research based MSc in Biological Sciences with concentration on Molecular Biology at the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg

VO:What do you want to study.
ME: Molecular biology. Where I will be working with Prof **** in conducting extensive research on understanding the dynamics of the coexistence between host, pathogen and arthropod vector, with preference to ticks.

VO: Why the US? When it can be done in Nigeria
ME: Researchers in molecular biology in the US have been at the forefront of understanding and proffering cure for zoonotics diseases within the human and animal population, hence such an environment is the perfect fit for an individual like me that look to specialise in such an area

VO: Why USM
ME: The USM is just one of only 79 public universities in the US with a designation of a higher research activity by the carnegie foundation. It is also the Gulf South’s premier research institution. More So the Department of Biological Sciences in which I will be studying has a high level of research which leads to discovery and application.

VO: How many schools did you apply to? What do these schools have in common
ME: Two; Purdue and USM. Both institutions are classified as Tier1/R1 research institutions by the carnegie foundation. They also have researchers providing insights in areas of healthcare, veterinary and science related matters,

VO: Why USM over the other
ME: I have the opportunity of having a deep interaction with Prof ****, whom I have came across his numerous scholarly articles in my areas of interest while still an undergraduate. He told me he’ll like to take me up in his laboratory if my application is been considered.

VO: Tell me about your research area
ME: Molecular biology as it names implies look towards understanding individual organisms at from their unit of existence ‘the gene structures’, and what differentiates or makes an organism unique. In other words provides answers to why a strain of an organism is virulent and more likely to cause infection compared to another strain of same organism. In essence, molecular biologist tries to understand the basis of existence, and peculiarities of organisms of interest, while also proffering solutions to those that causes diseases.

VO: What are your study plans
ME: Basically, a thesis committee will be formed during my first year of study to create my thesis plan. In my second year, I’ll write my proposal and ensure I pass the written and oral exams, while I will write and defend my thesis in the third year. Some of the course work I will be offering include; med. Entomology, immunology and serology, microbial genetics.


VO: Have you ever been refused Visa? Have you ever been refused Visa?
ME No

VO: What are was your first degree and how does it relate to your intended course of study
ME: My first degree was in veterinary medicine. According to the WHO, 70% of human diseases are of animal origing(zoonotic), so it is imperative to me as aveterinarian to prepare myself to fulfil my role in mitigating not just animal diseases, but human diseases. This is also i line with the ONE HEALTH initiative. Finally molecular biology is an interdisciplinary area which provides a level play field for individuals with science-related background

VO: What are your future plans?.
ME: Coming from a country where we have few experts in the area of molecuar biology, and also with the persistent epidemics of emerging and reemerging zoonotic diseeases, upon the completion of my research program, I will return to Nigeria to secure a lecturing position. This I beleive will position me strategically to impact whatever discovery and knowledge i’ve acquired on future molecular biologists. I will also participate in the activities of relief agencies such as the WHO, CDC and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in steming the spread of zoonotic diseases in Nigeria and Africa s a whole.

VO: Who is your sponsor and what does he do
ME: My brother. He is currently a senior travel consultant with *******

VO: Why is he sponsoring you?
ME: He has always wanted me to be the best in whatever I do. And he was more encouraged when I graduated top of my class from the university.

VO: Do you have any relative in the US
ME: No. I don’t

VO: What do you do currently.
ME: I work as a veterinary pharmacists with ********. I prescribe and dispenses veterinary drugs and biological’s to pet and livestock owners. I also go on ambulatory services to farms. I am also involved in sensitizing towards animal welfare and disease prevention.

VO: What tests did you take and your scores
ME: GRE; v:152, q:143, a;3.5. PTE;68

VO: Tell me more about your funding
ME: My admission came with a RA support from the lab of Prof*****. Upon my inquiry, he requested for my CV, following which he mailed me few articles from his laboratory to read and scheduled a Skype interview. He eventually told me he was impressed by my background and will be interested to take me up in his laboratory. I also sent him my SOP and my GRE scores which I beleive impressed him.

VO: Who will pay the deficit on your I-20
ME: I do not have any deficit, as my RA fund is in excess of the estimated expenses.

VO: So how did you find out about the school and when did you apply.
ME: My love of molecular biology encouraged me to read various articles in the area. So i can across one of Prof*** publication on PLOS ONE which seems to provides answers to some of the questions I’ve always had. So I looked up his profile and learnt more about the school on their website. So i applied after I’ve been able to communicate with Prof. ****


VO: What is the duration of your program
ME: Its a 23 months duration from 15th January, 2019 to 14th December, 2020.

VO: What are was your first degree and how does it relate to your intended course of study
ME: My first degree was in veterinary medicine. According to the WHO, 70% of human diseases are of animal origing(zoonotic), so it is imperative to me as aveterinarian to prepare myself to fulfil my role in mitigating not just animal diseases, but human diseases. This is also i line with the ONE HEALTH initiative. Finally molecular biology is an interdisciplinary area which provides a level play field for individuals with science-related background

VO: What are your future plans?.
ME: Coming from a country where we have few experts in the area of molecuar biology, and also with the persistent epidemics of emerging and reemerging zoonotic diseeases, upon the completion of my research program, I will return to Nigeria to secure a lecturing position. This I beleive will position me strategically to impact whatever discovery and knowledge i’ve acquired on future molecular biologists. I will also participate in the activities of relief agencies such as the WHO, CDC and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in steming the spread of zoonotic diseases in Nigeria and Africa s a whole.

VO: Who is your sponsor and what does he do
ME: My brother. He is currently a senior travel consultant with *******

VO: What do you do currently.
ME: I work as a veterinary pharmacists with ********. I prescribe and dispenses veterinary drugs and biological’s to pet and livestock owners. I also go on ambulatory services to farms. I am also involved in sensitizing towards animal welfare and disease prevention.

VO: What tests did you take and your scores
ME: GRE; v:152, q:143, a;3.5. PTE;68


VO: Tell me more about your funding
ME: My admission came with a RA support from the lab of Prof*****. Upon my inquiry, he requested for my CV, following which he mailed me few articles from his laboratory to read and scheduled a Skype interview. He eventually told me he was impressed by my background and will be interested to take me up in his laboratory. I also sent him my SOP and my GRE scores which I beleive impressed him.

VO: So how did you find out about the school and when did you apply.
ME: My love of molecular biology encouraged me to read various articles in the area. So i can across one of Prof*** publication on PLOS ONE which seems to provides answers to some of the questions I’ve always had. So I looked up his profile and learnt more about the school on their website. So i applied after I’ve been able to communicate with Prof. ****


VO: What is the duration of your program
ME: Its a 23 months duration from 15th January, 2019 to 14th December, 2020.

Lagos is my home please

slamcole:
Hello guys.....I am in the process of scheduling an appointment. Kindly critique my transcripts. Gracias

VO: Hello, good morning
ME: Good morning. How are you this morning

VO: Sevis and I-20, please
ME: Hand it over to him/her

VO: So you are traveling to the US. Why
ME: To undergo a research/thesis based MSc in Biology with concentrating on Molecular Biology at USM, Hattiesburg. An institution that is identified as a tier-1 research university by the Carnegie Foundation

VO: You are a veterinary doctor
ME: Answers in the affirmative

VO: What year did you graduate
ME: 2015

VO: So what have you been doing since
ME: Participated in the compulsory NYSC where I was the president of a group that advocated against the illegal use of hard drugs, upon completion, I secured a job as a veterinary surgeon in a small animal clinic, presently I work at a veterinary pharmacy.

VO: How many schools did you send your application to
ME: Two…..Purdue University and USM

VO: What similarities do both have
ME: classified as a Tier-1 high research institution by the Carnegie Foundation with researches providing insights in areas of science, humanities, veterinary and healthcare

VO: Why MSc in the US
ME: In the US, the structure and scope of researches conducted in the areas of molecular biology from articles I’ve read as well as interaction with senior colleagues possess a high level of applicability while also providing insights to real-life problems. Thus a research-based MSc in the US will prepare me for opportunities in the field of molecular biology once I return to Nigeria

VO: How did you come across USM
ME: I do study scholarly articles on infectious diseases and molecular biology with emphasis on vector-borne zoonosis. Stumbled upon a scholarly material by Prof ******* which aligns with my interest. So I mailed him to inform him of my interest. Sent me more articles to read and we scheduled a Skype interview, after which he told me he will recommend me if my application passed through the graduate school.

VO: So why molecular biology?
ME: Do you know that %70 of human diseases and outbreaks are of zoonotic origin. You will also be surprised that a sizeable number of this diseases are caused basically by parasites and bacteria. As a molecular biologist, I will not just be equipped with the ability to understand the dynamics of the interaction of these disease-causing agents at their genetic level, but also develop approaches to preventing them from causing diseases.

VO: So what will you do after this degree
ME: I will come back to my dear country (Nigeria), secure a lecturing position and prepare future molecular biologists as we prepare to face the challenges of emerging and re-emerging diseases. I will also ensure I engage myself in activities of relief agencies such as WHO, ILRI, CDC

VO: How do you plan to fund your study
ME: My admittance came with a research assistantship position with a full tuition waiver and monthly stipends, the sum of which exceeds the estimated expenses. I will also be getting financial support from my brother

VO: What does your brother do
ME: He is a Senior Travel Consultant in *********

VO: Why is he paying for you
ME: He always wanted me to be the best in whatever situation I find myself. And he was more than encouraged when I graduated top of my class from the university.

VO: Do you have any relations in the US
ME: Yes…..Aunt

VO: Interesting….what tests did you take
ME: GRE and PTE

VO: Types for some sec…….congratulations, I will be approving your visa……...
ME: joyous.

lagosismyhome please

slamcole:
Comments please

Comments please

slamcole:
Hello guys.....I am in the process of scheduling an appointment. Kindly critique my transcripts. Gracias

VO: Hello, good morning
ME: Good morning. How are you this morning

VO: Sevis and I-20, please
ME: Hand it over to him/her

VO: So you are traveling to the US. Why
ME: To undergo a research/thesis based MSc in Biology with concentrating on Molecular Biology at USM, Hattiesburg. An institution that is identified as a tier-1 research university by the Carnegie Foundation

VO: You are a veterinary doctor
ME: Answers in the affirmative

VO: What year did you graduate
ME: 2015

VO: So what have you been doing since
ME: Participated in the compulsory NYSC where I was the president of a group that advocated against the illegal use of hard drugs, upon completion, I secured a job as a veterinary surgeon in a small animal clinic, presently I work at a veterinary pharmacy.

VO: How many schools did you send your application to
ME: Two…..Purdue University and USM

VO: What similarities do both have
ME: classified as a Tier-1 high research institution by the Carnegie Foundation with researches providing insights in areas of science, humanities, veterinary and healthcare

VO: Why MSc in the US
ME: In the US, the structure and scope of researches conducted in the areas of molecular biology from articles I’ve read as well as interaction with senior colleagues possess a high level of applicability while also providing insights to real-life problems. Thus a research-based MSc in the US will prepare me for opportunities in the field of molecular biology once I return to Nigeria

VO: How did you come across USM
ME: I do study scholarly articles on infectious diseases and molecular biology with emphasis on vector-borne zoonosis. Stumbled upon a scholarly material by Prof ******* which aligns with my interest. So I mailed him to inform him of my interest. Sent me more articles to read and we scheduled a Skype interview, after which he told me he will recommend me if my application passed through the graduate school.

VO: So why molecular biology?
ME: Do you know that %70 of human diseases and outbreaks are of zoonotic origin. You will also be surprised that a sizeable number of this diseases are caused basically by parasites and bacteria. As a molecular biologist, I will not just be equipped with the ability to understand the dynamics of the interaction of these disease-causing agents at their genetic level, but also develop approaches to preventing them from causing diseases.

VO: So what will you do after this degree
ME: I will come back to my dear country (Nigeria), secure a lecturing position and prepare future molecular biologists as we prepare to face the challenges of emerging and re-emerging diseases. I will also ensure I engage myself in activities of relief agencies such as WHO, ILRI, CDC

VO: How do you plan to fund your study
ME: My admittance came with a research assistantship position with a full tuition waiver and monthly stipends, the sum of which exceeds the estimated expenses. I will also be getting financial support from my brother

VO: What does your brother do
ME: He is a Senior Travel Consultant in *********

VO: Why is he paying for you
ME: He always wanted me to be the best in whatever situation I find myself. And he was more than encouraged when I graduated top of my class from the university.

VO: Do you have any relations in the US
ME: Yes…..Aunt

VO: Interesting….what tests did you take
ME: GRE and PTE

VO: Types for some sec…….congratulations, I will be approving your visa……...
ME: joyous.

nathyshollz:
I’m not the VO but I think your transcript says it all. It sounds like you’re migrating to the United States.
The ties to Nigeria is not really emphasized. I would advise that you shouldn’t say your brother is a travel consultant and also say you have an Aunty in the US.
Graduate assistant is a good thing.

Thanks bro....observations noted.

Hello guys.....I am in the process of scheduling an appointment. Kindly critique my transcripts. Gracias

VO: Hello, good morning
ME: Good morning. How are you this morning

VO: Sevis and I-20, please
ME: Hand it over to him/her

VO: So you are traveling to the US. Why
ME: To undergo a research/thesis based MSc in Biology with concentrating on Molecular Biology at USM, Hattiesburg. An institution that is identified as a tier-1 research university by the Carnegie Foundation

VO: You are a veterinary doctor
ME: Answers in the affirmative

VO: What year did you graduate
ME: 2015

VO: So what have you been doing since
ME: Participated in the compulsory NYSC where I was the president of a group that advocated against the illegal use of hard drugs, upon completion, I secured a job as a veterinary surgeon in a small animal clinic, presently I work at a veterinary pharmacy.

VO: How many schools did you send your application to
ME: Two…..Purdue University and USM

VO: What similarities do both have
ME: classified as a Tier-1 high research institution by the Carnegie Foundation with researches providing insights in areas of science, humanities, veterinary and healthcare

VO: Why MSc in the US
ME: In the US, the structure and scope of researches conducted in the areas of molecular biology from articles I’ve read as well as interaction with senior colleagues possess a high level of applicability while also providing insights to real-life problems. Thus a research-based MSc in the US will prepare me for opportunities in the field of molecular biology once I return to Nigeria

VO: How did you come across USM
ME: I do study scholarly articles on infectious diseases and molecular biology with emphasis on vector-borne zoonosis. Stumbled upon a scholarly material by Prof ******* which aligns with my interest. So I mailed him to inform him of my interest. Sent me more articles to read and we scheduled a Skype interview, after which he told me he will recommend me if my application passed through the graduate school.

VO: So why molecular biology?
ME: Do you know that %70 of human diseases and outbreaks are of zoonotic origin. You will also be surprised that a sizeable number of this diseases are caused basically by parasites and bacteria. As a molecular biologist, I will not just be equipped with the ability to understand the dynamics of the interaction of these disease-causing agents at their genetic level, but also develop approaches to preventing them from causing diseases.

VO: So what will you do after this degree
ME: I will come back to my dear country (Nigeria), secure a lecturing position and prepare future molecular biologists as we prepare to face the challenges of emerging and re-emerging diseases. I will also ensure I engage myself in activities of relief agencies such as WHO, ILRI, CDC

VO: How do you plan to fund your study
ME: My admittance came with a research assistantship position with a full tuition waiver and monthly stipends, the sum of which exceeds the estimated expenses. I will also be getting financial support from my brother

VO: What does your brother do
ME: He is a Senior Travel Consultant in *********

VO: Why is he paying for you
ME: He always wanted me to be the best in whatever situation I find myself. And he was more than encouraged when I graduated top of my class from the university.

VO: Do you have any relations in the US
ME: Yes…..Aunt

VO: Interesting….what tests did you take
ME: GRE and PTE

VO: Types for some sec…….congratulations, I will be approving your visa……...
ME: joyous.

Hello there, I just got an offer of admission for an MS program at the University of Southern Mississippi, which also comes with a full tuition waiver and stipends. The sum of the assistantship is more than the estimated cost of study for a whole academic year. I will like to know if I still need to send an account statement with a balance exceeding the estimated cost of study or not. Thanks