₦airaland Forum

Opeblaqwell:
Hello house, I have been a silent reader here. Great work guys! Pls I need list of universities to apply to against January 2019 intake. I have a b.sc in Accounting 2012 and am looking to do sumfing into international Business or Human Resource. I have been working since 2014 till June 2018 when I resigned. Taking all these into consideration, pls I need universities in us to apply to and I don't want any that require GMAT or GRE. Pls help me out guys.
Thank you

sunshineluv5:
Hello house I apologize i took long in posting my transcript, I really learnt a lot from this thread and it’s only fair that I give back.

KAMSITO:
KAMSITO:
General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 14 by KAMSITO: 11:13pm On Aug 17
Denied.
Vo- good morning
Me - same
Vo- pass me your passport and i-20
Vo- what are you going to US to do
Me- am going for theological studies majoring in masters of divinity.
Vo - what will the programme do for you
Me - it will aid to build me up in my ministerial endeavor, as a priest, going for further studies will also help to gain more knowledge about biblical languages and its explanation. It will assist me in missionary work major planting of churchs and to help my diocese in developing younger priest.
Vo.- tell me about you academics background
Me.- went to imsu from 2000 to 2004 then after my nysc i enrolled into the ministry after which got
admisdion to a teological school from 2007 to 2011 after which i was ordained
Vo- what is your work as a priest
Me- well as a priest am involve in evangelical work og winning souls for christ i was also attached to the bp before now as chaplain assiting him episcopal services as well as keeping his vital documents safe. Presently am serving in the cath.
Vo-now you are about to travel who will be doing all these work for the bp
Me- somebody handed over to.me of which i have handed over to anither person whom bp is comfortable working with that is why he approved my trip to study
Vo- how long have you served in the diocese
Me- 10 yrs and 7months.
Vo -he kept on typing and am sorry you dont need a visa now.
Morover i didnt pay for sevis no body told me about it.
Apart from not paying the sevis where did i get wrong in my transcript. I need more assistance.

Help help help.

Segunagagu:
Hello guys. Pls I need ur candid and urgent advice.
I studied finance in my undergraduate here in Nigeria..but now..I want to dive into IT..so I want to apply to a community college in the US .. Wayne county community college cos they offer IT programs..I want to ask if it won't affect the chance of getting visa.
Thank you!!!!

papilo90:
Bro ure not alone, like I told you earlier, I'm also aspiring for fall 2019, yet to take GRE and TOEFL, taking TOEFL Oct ending, and GRE in the first week of Nov.
My profile
Undergraduate. B.Tech Animal science
Intended MSC choice, animal science
UG GPA 3.95/5.0
WES GPA 3.41/4.0
GRE and TOEFL........ Loading.
Funding is a must oooooo, no funding, no proceeding.
As regards classes I'll join you a week after you've started yours.
So hang on for me. I'll join you soon.

KAMSITO:
Good people good day.
I was denied a visa i was supposed to commenced study on 15th of August but since i cant make it i wrot for diferment, the school replied asking if i will like to join November section. My worry is, is there any recognized section for students in November or is it only fall (Ang) and spring(january) summer(march)
Pls can somebody clear me.

Kweeen:
Visa finally approved on Thursday 9th august at 6:45am.. Lagos consulate
I got to the embassy before 6am, waited in line, after all the biometrics and all, we finally got into the hall. I just kept praying in my mind and telling God that I want a male white v.o this time and he must lead with questions that will enable me to sell my strong points.. Finally sha, I got sent to window two..male white v.o.. Two guys were inline ahead of me and both got denied but I said hmmm, I have done my best o, God please favour me..Then came my turn ...
Me- Good morning
V.o- Good morning, pass me your documents please
* I passed it*
He then typed into his computer, looked surprised, starred right at me and said
V.o - you were here less than three weeks ago, how did you get another appointment ?
Me - errm I just paid for another visa fee and reapplied and I got a date
V.o- really? You just paid? And just got a date? Even though we have a back log and u are required to wait for two months, so wen u were asked that have u applied in the last two months, u said yes and then got a date?
* At this point, I started thinking wowwwwww my lifeeeee... Is this the angle village people want to use this time ?? Yayyyyyyy, egbami ooo, ayemi temi bami, whats all this?*
Me- actually sir , I used an agent
V.o - says " you used an agent*
Me - because I was trying to meet up with my resumption date
V.o- so your agent misrepresented for you
*Then he turns to his computer and started typing*
At this point I thought it is finished and the next thing he just said
V.o - so what are you going to do in the united states?
Me - *in my mind, I just thought my interview was marred already but let me just answer*
Me- I'm going to southern uni Louisiana for my MBA
V.o- whats your major?
Me- I intend to generalize in my first year then major in entrepreneurship in my second year..
V.o - how many schools did u apply to?
Me- two, southern uni and northeastern uni, Boston
V.o- so why did you choose southern?
Me- asides from the fact that I got funding( he picks up my i-20 and looked at it), the curriculum is structured in a way that I get to combine courses that are in line with my career goals, also its a HBCU and I was impressed with the cultural diversity of the school and the city, then the school is relatively small, close knit community which will give me proximity to my profs, and is also similar to the kind of experience I had in my undergrad so I felt like I will settle in easily..
V.o - what's your highest level of education
Me- I have a b.sc in masscomm from Bowen uni
V.o- what do you do now?
Me- i'm a venture capital analyst for xyz private equity
V.o- so as an analyst, why not go into finance, why entrepreneurship?
Me- well, I chose entrepreneurship because its in line with my long term career plan.. I intend to have an NGO in my home town that will focus on not just funding but also mentoring small businesses with special consideration for women , I have made some contacts In the venture capital industry already and with this degree, I will be getting the required skills and practical knowledge to make that work..
V.o- *nodding* ...okay , how do you intend to fund this?
Me- I have funding and my dad will be taking care of other expenses that might come up
V.o - how did you get this GA?
Me- I got shortlisted for this through the volunteer project support work I've been doing for the ict center since 2013, also I submitted my undergrad result, my GRE , I wrote an essay and I had a 30 mins Skype interview with two profs and a faculty member..I have my letter of sponsorship to that effect here with me..* hands it over*
V.o- okay, please excuse me
He then disappears for over 7 mins with my documents .. It felt like forever and I kept wondering ohh my God, what is this again o? Hmmmm, God I know you have followed him Inside that room o and you must come through for me.. I just kept praying for favour..I guess he went to verify something probably about the research center ..after what seemed like a lifetime, he came back..
V.o- thanks for your patience .. So, tell me more about this GA..
Me- *i cant really remember what i sed here but its something like *..okay, like I sed earlier , I have been doing volunteer work for the center, I help in primary data collection, I've been doing that for years and I finally got the chance to go and continue what I started with them, while also getting my degree..I am one of the African delegates ...* he cuts Me off* and then says, That's okay.. I will be approving your visa, you can pick up at this location after 3 days, you will be blah blah blah..
Honestly at this point, I went temporarily deaf o.. I will be approving your visa just kept ringing in my head..He had to tap the window to get my attention and then talked about the importance of the i-20 at the POE.. That's how I smiled, said thank you sir, picked up my folder and left o.... Thanks to everyone that assisted with my questions on this thread... We will all make it in Jesus name ..

bayocanny:
communication

bayocanny:
I am

mzomaks:
Hello Everyone pls is it possible to transfer from on school to another in the first semester?

papilo90:
Animal science.
Undergraduate GPA
3.95/5.0
WES (unofficial) 3.41/4.0
GRE & TOEFL to be taken soon.

papilo90:
Yes the school is highly ranked, and I've had my eye on that school for long, but it's a pity that my department does not provide assistantship for international students.

jelmusboy:
Is this interview

indiegen:
Hello Brethren, why don't you guys tag me along, i don't have enough reading material to get me prepared for GRE, if you have any to share with me, rent out or whichever way you deem fit to shaanu me please do, i will be most appreciative of your help.

xdamson:
Hi everyone, I want to encourage you not to give up, it may seem as if you fail but hey! Refire as many time as you can. Don't give up but ensure you're a genuine student

My visa was approved on the 6th appointment

Profile:

GRE:314
TOEFL:99
Application: 4 schools
Admitted : all
Funding: 2 schools(fellowship, 15k each)

Visa approved on AP: 26/07
Visa issued. : 08/08
Passport collected. : 09/08
Departure. : 11/08
Program start date. : 10/08
PoE. : Newark, New Jersey
School: : Louisiana


I intentionally wrote out the above details, I'm sure it will answer some questions in some pips mind, I had those questions too.

Below is my final transcript (Abuja)

Vo: Good morning
Me: Good morning
Vo: can I have your i20 and passport
Me: passed it
Vo: I can see that you're going to UL
Me: yes please
Vo: when did you graduate first degree
Me: year 2011
Vo:what have you been doing since then
Me: I went for the compulsory NYSC from nov 2011 to oct 2012, I Stated working with abc bank from apr 2013 to Jan 2018, then I joined bdc bank in feb 2018 till now
Vo: so what will you do after this degree
Me: I intend to come back to nigeria to work for 2 years after which I will start my own ict consulting company, did you know that online transactions in nigeria actually hit 86 trillion naira last year? Yes, it did and Q1 2018 is already at 36 trillion naira. This is a good sphere to play in and there are more challenges that needs solutions ( I mumbled jumbled a bit here)
Vo: how much do you earn?
Me: about 314k monthly
Vo: how did you choose this school
Me: it was recommended by a colleague of mine who also did his masters there, I researched the school for areas of interest and I matched with Dr. MT, I mailed him and he requested for my cv and test scores, he was impressed and recommended me to the grad cord Dr. AM who then advised me to apply. I did and I was granted the admission
Vo: you said you wrote GRE
Me:yes, I did
Vo: what's your score
Me:314
Vo: what of TOEFL
Me:99
Vo: how do you intend to fund this degree
Me: I was granted a fellowship of 14k+ and I have been saving for 5 years and I have 11k making a total of 25k both of them covers for my tuition while my uncle who is also my mentor will cover for the monthly expenses
Vo: do you have documents to that effect
Me: (passed fellowship offer letter and both banks statements mine and uncle,fixed deposit and treasury bill certificate of my uncle) I explained further while she was checking it: my uncle actually placed the money in fixed deposit until I'm ready so as to generate more interest, my investment is on call deposit which I liquidated before coming here(the money came in 2 days ago and I know she will definitely notice, it was a genuine call deposit investment)

After perusing the documents and typing

Vo: I will hold on to this document for confirmation, if found false you and your uncle would be banned for 10 years, do you still want to submit it
Me: yes definitely
( she returned my i20 and folded banks details into my passport and placed it aside)
(Me don dey korinsinu--oluwa ese, na so devil rear head)
Vo: wait, you've been denied in Lagos before?
Me: yes, I was denied last year
Vo: what was the reason
Me:I wasn't given a reason but I was actually advised to reapply.(I had already started stammering. I wanted to say because I didn't give enough reason for ties but smth just gum my mouth)
Vo: typed very fast and gave me white copy and said the remaining pick up stuffs
Me: thank you so much.

Well, above is actually my sixth attempt, 5 in Lagos denied 1 in Abuja approved.

Don't give up, give it one more push. God is never late, if you know you know

My sneakers had no lace, forgot it in Lagos

Wore only a round neck and chinos

My hair and mustache was unkempt, didn't bother to cut it

Forgot my shakomended glasses in Lagos

My point: by all standard it was just God

promzyphyno:
House,does Nysc and housemanship count as work experience?

Segunagagu:
Which month is fall 2019

tizentos:
Here is my verdict, just be yourself, and be natural. Don’t just be articulate, I saw people that were very articulate but I could detect that their response isn't convincing enough. Let your response make sense. What I mean by that is, let your story add up, we all have a unique story about ourselves, use it to your advantage to answering these personal questions such as why you want to study the course, how you got to know about it and your plan after graduate school. Be sincere in your response as well. In all, God’s grace is paramount and shouldn’t be underestimated.

I really appreciate those that took time to drop their transcripts, it really helped a lot. Thanks to the big guys that always make sure we don't get misinformed. God bless you all.

sospunky:
Congrats...

quote author=Anahi post=70173039][/b]TRANSCRIPT
Visa approved on the 4th of august 2018 after first denial, really grateful to God and everyone that has contributed on this thread.

For my first interview, I honestly wasn’t as prepared as I thought, I actually felt like it was going to be very easy to get.

Worst thing after the denial was when I tried to book an appointment it just seemed impossible, The frustration was not here at all! Imagine the number of times I called them and they kept saying the same thing. My account was even frozen multiple times due to constant checking but thank God that’s all history now.

[b]First interview transcript on the 23rd of may, 2018
VO- Why are you going to the US .
Me : I'm going for my masters in Industrial Engineering at texas A&M - Kingsville
VO : Why Industrial Engineering
Me : - (I think i said a lot of rubbish here) While working as a research assistant at **** and undertaking engineering projects, I realized that optimization would be required to reduce wastages and bla bla.. (i didn't make any sense, trust me)
VO : What kind of research do you do
Me : We research on Manufacturing systems, sustainability...(vo cuts in)
VO : How many schools
Me : 4 schools
VO : Name them
Me : Texas A&M, Purdue, Penn State, Stevens’s institute
VO : Why Tamuk
Me : Tamuk offers a specialization in sustainable manufacturing which is in line with my career interests and I was also awarded a graduate scholarship which made it more affordable for me
VO : Did you take GRE?
Me : Yes i did
VO : Can I see your report?
Me : I don't have it there with me
VO : But you know you should have it with you,
Me : I'm sorry i actually didn't know...
VO : Any relatives in the US ?
Me : Yes, My parents and sis,
VO : What are your parents doing in the US?
Me : My parents are permanent residents (lol, my mistake, i was tensed at this point, that was obviously not an answer to her question)
That was it! She said the usual then said the reason is not because I forgot my GRE report but she feels I have too many ties to the US



2ND interview on 4th August 2018

Interviewed by a very friendly white man at Walter Carrington, Lagos
VO – Good morning how are you doing?
Me: (Smiles) Good morning, I’m doing great, Thanks
VO – Can I have your passport and I-20
(Passes them)
VO - What school are you going to
Me - Texas A & M Kingsville
VO- And what course?
Me - Industrial Engineering
VO - Oh. What was your undergraduate degree and which school?
Me - I studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Covenant University
VO- (Smiles) Great! I think Covenant is one of the tops schools here, they have very good reviews (I just kept on smiling and nodding). How was your stay there, did you enjoy it?
Me - Yes I did
VO - Even with rules and regulations?
Me - Oh that wasn’t a problem for me at all.
VO - (Just laughing and typing stuff) What do your parents do for a living
Me - My dad is a medical doctor, he works with ***** and my mum runs her own business, she has a farm and – (cuts me off)
VO - You said you were going for mechanical engineering?
Me - No it’s industrial engineering
VO - Okay. I can see from your past transcript that your parents are legal permanent residents but I really don’t care about all of that
Me - (finally relieved cos that was my greatest fear), thank you
VO - Does your dad live in the us?
Me - No he doesn’t , he’s a medical doctor here in Nigeria, he only goes for holidays
VO - What are your plans after masters?
Me - I’ll come back to Nigeria to start my career as an industrial engineer and hopefully work in companies like General Electric, P and G.. (VO Cuts in)
VO - (Keeps smiling) How did your parents get their green card?
Me - I really don’t have all the info on that.
VO - (Laughs) Look, I will be issuing you your visa anyways I just want to know that’s all
Me - I’m really not so sure
VO -Did anyone file for them
Me - Probably my sis
VO - (smiles) Oh I see she’s a citizen.
Me - Yes she is
VO -(chuckles) Alright before I issue your visa, why did your parents leave you here, I mean they could have filed for you too
Me - It really wasn’t priority for me then and I didn’t think I would be going to the us
VO - Do you have statements?
(Passes them)
VO - (points at the bank logo) – whose account is this?
Me – It my Mums
VO - She lives in the us ?
Me - Yes.
VO - Oh what does she do?
Me - Sorry, I meant to say no, she’s there for holiday currently, She is still running her business here in Nigeria
VO - Oh she’s the one with the company
Me - Yes
(looks through statement for a while)
Me - (I was a bit tensed so I shouted) – I got a graduate scholarship so I would-( vo cuts in)
VO -(laughing) No need to stress I’ve already approved your visa just checking for something
Me - (Smiling) Okay thank you
VO - (picks up white paper) will you be living with your sis?
Me - At all, she stays in a different state
VO - Let me explain how this is done, you are to have your passport, I-20 and sevis payment, make sure they are together, makes sure you study hard cos it’s not always so easy, enjoy your stay in Texas. (passes white paper) pick up in 3 working days.
That was it people!! God showed me undeserved favor
Special thanks to tolatof, Mackynaija, monoemeks and everyone that contributed in one way or the other.


Lesson learned:
There is nothing wrong with overpreparation lol. Whatever you can do to boost your confidence please do, also don’t be over confident. Pray also. It’ll be well for all of us.

YoungIncredible:
I had my first hand experience at the embassy this morning and it was terrible. Denials everywhere. Someone in front of me with full funding and good expression was denied.

The vo was just cutting me 10 seconds after each questions. No chance to express myself, no chance to prove why I chose my school, course, and my post graduate plans which I have prepared answers to. 57,600 gone just like that in 2 minutes.

Honestly, our leaders need to work on our universities and make them world class. The rate of humiliation at the embassy is so high that grown up people are seen crying out of the exit door.

Its well with everyone.

Klassified:
please I also got admitted into UTA for ms-non thesis industrial and systems engineering any tips, I am yet to go for the visa interview too

Ajibade105:
Check them on Linkedin. I'll find them there. Goodluck in your search!

femi312:
Why do you allow people’s opinion to decide your future for you? If you apply and you don't get accepted, you have nothing to lose. Just make sure you apply to more than 2 schools and spread your risk from highly ranked to mid ranked. A man that has no dream is a dead man, its not a crime nor is it stupid to dream. Believe in yourself and put in a good application. If you fight, you can either win or lose whereas if you don’t fight, you have lost already.

Writing GRE is not too late but make sure you submit all your application materials before November ending. Most top/good schools have deadlines set for Dec 15 for fall 2019. You have a decent GPA, try to complement it with a good GRE, advisably >315

Do a quick search on nairaland using ‘university of texas austin’ you should see someone or better still, go to linkedin and put ‘‘University of Texas Austin, Nigeria’’ Nigerian students in the school should pop up then you can connect and ask specific questions.

I just did a quick search using ‘university Austin’ on nairaland and I saw that this guy/girl (kcm95) is going there. You see? This is not hard, you just need to be more proactive

Titusnick:
Just have to come back to this thread and say a big THANK YOU. Visa approved at Walter Carrington Crescent Victoria Island Lagos. 7:00 Am

Me Good morning ma'am no smiling fully focused

V.o Good morning with a lil smile

V.o Where re you going in the US

Me I am going to Grand valley state university located in Allendale city Michigan to pursue my masters degree in communication studies.

V.o What is your highest qualification

Me Bachelor of education in Guidance and counselling/Economics

V.o How many school did you apply for

Me 3........University of Minnesota, University of south Dakota and Grand valley state university. Was expecting her to ask how many gave me admission and why i chose gvsu over the other two. But she didn't.

V.o Did you write and test

Me No

V.o what year did you finish

Me 2016 naso this white woman continue typing non stop wonder wetin she dey type

V.o what year did you finish your secondary level

Me Wanted to fumble at this point when i forgot i finished 2007. Told her...Sorry can you please come again. Naso i quickly adjust myself....I finished 2007 and wrote Neco exam 2008.

Vo Did you write jamb

Me Yes


V.o What have you been doing since then.

Me I worked in my father's farm as an assistant supervisor afterwards i got admission to University of Ibadan. After my Bsc program i work in my mom school as a teacher. She nods.

V.o List the courses you re to offer in this school

Me To be honest cold embrace me all of a sudden cos i completely forgot everything i read. But God over everything, and i started by telling her....Communication law, Communication management, Leadership&Organisation, Empirical methods in communication, i forgot the rest and i mentioned this listed ones twice lol. Cos these
VO doesn't want you to stop talking.

V.o Okay Okay

V.o What will this course do for you

Me Na for here i finish work!! This course consist of listening, speaking, reading as well as writing. I need to be highly skilled in all these areas to excel as a successful lecturer. And this course will expand my understanding of the world and mass media and prepare me to tackle most complex global, cultural, political, business challenges we re facing in this country........She keeps gazing at her system typing.

V.o who is your sponsor

Me My mom

V.o what does she do? she owns a farm right?

Me I knew she wants to twist my brain here, i quickly said no....She owns a school. Naso she nod. werey ree ooo�

V.o You have relatives in the US

Me No

Vo She keeps typing for almost 3 min as well as gazing at my passport.

Me Deep down my heart, i was panicked and praying. God i must not go home with blue paper. God pls...God pls..Naso i begin dey beg God lol

Vo What i heard next was.... i will be approving your visa. I swear down i couldn't hear any of her accent again. Naso she carry my I20 begin dey check am again, for my mind i was like...yay jesus jesus...eventually she gave me a white paper circled on a specific address and one Usa education seminar flier and she returns my I20.. You will need this at the Port of entry.

Me Thank you ma ..

All i know is God is involved big time. Juju no fit do am, prayer and fasting is the key to every success in life. Dress well..Trust me it works, Eye contact sum it up as well....And these Vo need key fact of your ambition, no need for story cos they re well trained for that imo. But the end product is God's favour. Thank you nairaland! Thank you everyone!