₦airaland Forum

Spanishmario:
Just came across this thread, I’m planning on starting my journey by taking the GRE first. Would appreciate any tips from everyone in the house.

Thanks

You will do well to read the thread from 2017, That should be from page 150 or thereabouts.

I didn't know there are a lot of applicants on this thread. I am seeing good choice of schools. Hopefully, Fall 2019 will have many successful applications with full funding.

Chykes4micheal:
Hello nairalanders, happy new year

Please i need anyone's assistance in a question i wanna ask. Someone is presently helping Me to get a visa through Nigeria ministry of foreign affairs. She said people don't really know about it but i has worked for some people. And as i am talking to you i have already been scheduled for an orientation next month ending.

I just want to know how true it is and if you know someone that have gone to the united states via this process. Thanks

And how much have you paid the person? The answer to that will go a long way to determine the authenticity of the process.

sexybaby22:
Oh really,

Its Islam that has no contradictions, with your forced child marriage, terrorism, encouragement of slavery and illiteracy and backwardness and that will provide him clarity?

You must be a potential terrorist yourself.

You are so rude and uncouth. The fact that Nairaland is a faceless forum doesn't give you liberty to address people without manners. Stay off my mention because I never quoted you.
This is the only time I will reply you. I have too much dignity to roll in the mud with you.

mainanalyst:
Hi everyone, I will try not to make this post a lengthy one.

I was born into a Muslim family and raised as a muslim. My wife met me as a practicing Muslim way back 2005 when we were both undergraduate in one of Nigeria's federal Universities. Recently, i started losing interest in religion, started seeing it as a source of division among humans ( like Muslims attacking Christians and vice versa). The idea of people burning in hell and some people enjoying in paradise makes no sense to me if God is really loving as claimed by theists.

But my wife is not comfortable with my religious views, infact she has started seeing me as hellbound ( don't blame her though, a true Muslim hardly marry from other religions talkless of marrying a freethinker like me ). I can see that the love she has for me is gradually reducing simply because I chose not to hold any religious views. I have no problem with her religious views, sometimes when she is far asleep, I will wake her up in the morning to observe her solat.

How do I make her understand that I can be a good husband to her without having any religious beliefs ?
The only thing she reads about are stuffs pertaining to Islam, she hardly read about science or other non religious topics. She is one of the people who believes that no human can be morally upright without having the fear of God or subscribe to religious ideas.


Just of recent, I thought of leaving Nigeria to any western country so as to be able to live my life peacefully without anyone questioning my religious views or tag me as an infidel. But I can't just leave everything behind just because my woman is not comfortable with my religious views and has been quarrelling with me on it.

How do I make her live with me peacefully without her feeling uncomfortable? Has anyone experienced this before ? How did you manage the situation ?

You are being unfair to your wife. This is not what she signed up for. She would probably not have married you if you were in the present state of thinking when you guys met. So it is well within her right to feel disgusted about the present state of affairs.

But OP, how can you lose your faith? Don't you see all the beauty in the world? The orderliness and diversity of creations and animals. Behind every creation is a creator. All of the things in this world and beyond couldn't have come from nothing.
I want you to understand that everything you have and enjoy is a blessing from your God and creator. Your sight, your limbs, your wealth, your very being and existence, the food you eat and enjoy. The thinking faculty you are using to doubt his existence. The love you have for your wife, that special indescribable feeling when you make love to your wife. All these are a blessing to you from him. And they are as real as he is.

And he has only asked one thing from you in return for all these innumerable blessings; That you worship him only and not associate any partner with him. And Allah has also told you how to worship him by sending Prophets to guide you. The last of whom is Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him). And he revealed through his Prophet that whomever reject this guidance and deny all these blessing will be punished. That is the truth, and will always be the truth. And nothing can change the truth.

No amount of free thinking will be accepted as an excuse from you when you meet your Lord. He is the one that created you whether you accept it or not. That fact doesn't change whether you believe or disbelieve in Allah. And he will judge you based on the criteria he has given you and clearly stated. There is no justice in this fleeting life. Verily the final recompense and Justice is with our Lord in the hereafter.

I pray that Allah makes us among the successful ones and die in the state of belief as Muslims.

Les:
Any kids? Just checking out stuff that could tie you down in case you wanna leave.

Yes you might consider leaving for the sake of your life and sanity.

BTW, have you tried knowing Jesus personally?

And what has the bold got to do with anything. Didn't you read where he said they are Muslims.? If he is struggling with accepting God existence despite his Islamic background, is it Christianity with its many contradictions, lack of genuine spirituality and excessive focus on worldly material wealth that will provide him clarity?

baddo:
https://punchng.com/thousands-of-nigerians-to-miss-visa-appointments-as-us-embassy-closes-indefinitely/


US embassy closes indefinitely!!

Not true, It is the American center in the Embassy, not the whole Consulate/Embassy. Visa interviews and issuance are not affected.
A simple phone call to the Embassy by the Punch correspondent would have prevented this shoddy-clickbaiting-blogging disguised as journalism.

npmi:
Says who, it has been shut down till futher notice, no activities will be carried out there.

And where did you get this information from?What about the activities and visa interview that were carried out there yesterday while the Facebook post was up?

Sapalo007:
Thousands to miss visa appointments as US embassy closes indefinitely

https://punchng.com/thousands-of-nigerians-to-miss-visa-appointments-as-us-embassy-closes-indefinitely/?fbclid=IwAR2N4ACfZD17hVGJ2UO81qv87e7SnIGC6jJQxOwLNjF5iQhJ09-PAMMbtrA

The journalistic standard like most things in Nigeria is really appalling. This is the full quote from the Facebook page of Nigerian embassy: "Due to the current U.S. government shutdown, the American Centers located in the Embassy, Abuja and Consulate General, Lagos are unfortunately closed. They will re-open once the U.S. government shutdown is resolved. Sorry for any inconvenience to our valued patrons."

What is being referred to here are the American Centers which are cultural/research centers that are part of the Embassy and Consulate in Abuja and Lagos respectively. It is the American Centers that are closed and that's why patrons(member) were singled out for apologies(Are visa applicant patrons) ?. Normal consular activities, Visa interview, and issuance are not affected. At least for the time being. This is the link to the American center someone posted earlier. https://ng.usembassy.gov/education-culture/american-centers/

Very misleading topic and the reading comprehension of a lot of people on this thread is disheartening. It is " the American center" in the Embassy that is closed, not the whole consulate or the embassy. This does not affect visa issuance and other consulate activities not involving the American center.
America Centers are cultural /research centers that are part of the embassy. That's why they apologized to their patrons(members). Are visa applicants patrons of US embassy, Consulate, or American Center.? Lalasticlala, Justwise or other mods should please correct this so as not to mislead people.

Herlertah:
Thank you. I hope for that too

In general, Nairaland is funny

I sent you a pm.

Pefuele:
Did you transfer your SEVIS ID to the new booking?Check the embassy websites you will see days they will not work.I know the embassy also works on Saturday so you can do your calculations from that day.To reschedule you will have to pay another VISA fee.Yeap,you are eligible for expedient appointment subject to being granted by the embassy....

I don't think he has to pay another VISA fee.
@jerrypeacelinks, wait for 3 business days and try to reschedule with your current receipt before paying another Visa fee.

Gewezzy1:
Hello house please in a bad state, my uncle that was supposed to sponsor me, called and said he doesn't have sufficient money again, so he can't release 6 his bank statement.... Trying not to worry but I'm down right now, eyes are swollen. Please what do i do can i use someone else? My interview is scheduled for 9th of January

How do you plan to pay your fees when you get the US.. ?

doziej84:
Who in the house has ever submitted an application to the University of Texas, Dallas.

I'd like to know if you paid the $50 fee for credential evaluation after being admission offer or did you pay during the formal application?

I think the total application fee is $100 as charliejose mentioned and it is to be paid before admission. You should endeavor to use the search button.

ismailibnbashir:
"Most muslims carry their deen on hand and carry their worldly affairs on head" i.e. They can quickly throw away what is in the hands to hold firmly what they have on head, what it means is that most muslims always ready to sacrifice their deen for the wordly affairs. How many muslims have compromised their deen just to achieve a certain position in this world, some will tell you Ustaadh before you can work here you have to shave this your bear, your trousers/pants have have to go down. Likewise in sisters side you have to have remove your Hijab hajjia, your dresses have to looked smart and after accepting the earlier conditions later they will tamper with your 5 daily salaat and other religion activities and shaytan that has promised to be misleading us will bring it to our mind that its "Dharoorah" meaning " necessity" we will quickly be quoting the ruling which say " Ad-dharuroot tubeehu-l-ma'adhooraat means Necessities make unlawful to be permissible"but my brothers and sisters before this can be applied we have to understand when will something become necessity, what is the proportion of this necessity because some of us are ignorant the corollary which says " Ad-dharooraat Tuqaddar biqadarihaa means the state of necessity should be dealth with in proportion of its measure " we need to understand that the two rulings are inseparable when the true necessity has been confirmed then we should not go beyond its limit. Rosoolullahi sallah Allahu alayhi was-salaam said " there will come a day where a muslim holding fast to his religion is like he who gripping a hot coal "( At-tirmidhiy ). But if we can be patient Allah will surely give us the best Allah says " Surely Allah is with those who are patient " and in some other verses Allah says " ... Give glide tidings to those who are patient" . As today is Jumua don't let us forget its etiquettes such as reading suratu Kahf, take your ritual bath, be earlier to Jumua Masjid, send many salawaat to Prophet (salatu Ibrahimiyyah) and don't talk why khutubah is on. May Allah accept our Ibaadah, grant us the understanding of His religion and make among those that will hold firm to sunnah Ameen wassalaam alaykum warahmatullahi wabaarakaatuh

The above is what you wrote on another thread. I hope you realize how much you are going astray. The relationship you are involved in is not allowed in Islam and will not do you any good in this life and the hereafter. You have no business being with the lady, she is not good enough for you and only taking advantage of you.

Please stay away from her and all romantic relationship for now. When you are ready to marry you will find a lovely Muslim woman who will love you and whom you will love you in return. I pray that God guide us all and protect us from Zina(Adultery and fornication).
NB: It will be irresponsible of me not to say this. Please, work on improving your English.

Eporshe:
Guys, i was denied visa at Lagos embassy despite my full tuition waiver and 1,086 dollars monthly stipends.

Here is the transcript.

Me: Good morning
VO: frowning

VO: your pass and I-20
Me: pass

After typing for what I believe is my service
Is service number, he then ask why do I want the school

VO: So why WIU?
Me: Aside the fact that this school is known for its groundbreaking research in Aquatic biology, which attracts me, I have been offered a Teaching assistantship with full tuition waiver and monthly stipend; Also, WIU is located along Mississippi River in moline, where the school has been able to carry out series of research on aquatic ecosystems protection and fisheries management control. Which is in line with my research interest. I have also been offered a lifetime academic opportunity to engage in aquatic research and have international university teaching level experience, which will enhance my chance to continue to the post of assistant lecturer at university of Lagos.

VO: but your uncle will paying your deficit
Me: yes with my mum.

Vo: Have you traveled before,
Me: No

Then he typed and gave me blue paper.

What would you advise to reapply or differ and pls what's the best possible date I can get.

Sorry about the delay. The interview was surprisingly short. Is there any background information that might have worked against you like previous denials? Did you apply for MSc or PhD?

You should reapply and stick to the sponsor on your I-20 except he doesn't have enough funds in his account. You will get it next time.

gaddafe:
This is one of the reasons the American govt refused to sell weapons to Nigeria in the first place. As you can see the military don't have the intension of using these weapons on Boko haram but on civilians. When amnesty international was crying about this we thought they were saying nonsense. See how unarmed people were killed like chickens. I now see why boko haram might never come to an end because even as a Christian after seeing that video one will definitely have sympathy on the Moslems and will be easily swayed to take up arms against the state. We are not safe in this country at all

Any decent human being should be outrage irrespective of religious persuasions. This is about the dignity of human being and sanctity of human life. The life and humanity of the President or anyone is no more important than that of the people that were gunned down. This is cold blooded murder. He celebrated his birthday yesterday while the victim families continue to mourn their loved ones. The contrast couldn't be more stark.

Nigerianization:
The Nigerian government generally are usually in the habit of defending the impunity of their agents and officials.
Remember that similar accusations trailed the Obasanjo presidency in Odi and Zaki biam
Yar'adua and the mysterious killing of Mohammed yusuf
Jonathan and the accusations that he was trying to reduce the northern population etc.

Truth is
The Nigerian army needs serious reforms and reorientation on the sanctity of human lives but an institution that hardly values the lives of its own men will never value that of a 'bloody civilian'.

The Nigerian government since 1999 have been pampering the military to prevent them from plotting another coup.

The Jonathan government that tried to ensure a bit of sanity in the army could not because the trial of those soldiers that committed mutiny was politicised. I remember MURIC leading the campaign against the trial of the soldiers and buhari pardoning them on assumption of office to score cheap political points.

The hypocritical MURIC has not issued a single statement condemning the extra judicial killing of its brethren.
I think they should just change their name to SUNNI RIGHTS CONCERN (SURIC).

The tiger we are rearing as pet in this country may soon consume us all if care is not taken.

We voted for change but got a change of tactics from coded oppression by the military to a bold and daring massacre of unarmed civilians from IMN to IPOB. Now the only voice that speaks loud enough for the oppressed - Amnesty International has been given notice to quit the country by the same military, and the presidency seconded the motion.

Anybody that turns a blind eye to this reign of impunity by the military will have his or her loved ones directly affected so that they will feel what others are feeling.

Patriotism is not a love for the president or the ruling party but for the country and its citizens both rich and poor. A patriotic citizen will WAIL when things are going wrong because even with the best of intentions, a government can still make mistakes.

Buhari has a golden opportunity, as a retired general in the army, to address some of these issues but as Aisha has WAILED RECENTLY, the husband has relinquished control of the country to two people.

With tears in my eyes, I appeal to everyone of good conscience to please look beyond parties and candidates but to consider the best interest of the Nigerian people in the campaign and agitations.

Nigeria is bigger than buhari and Atiku
Let us support our candidates with conscience and godliness.
God help Nigeria.

You spoke my mind eloquently. I watched the video with tears in my eyes. We need a soul searching in this country to define our values and what we represent. This barbarity and savagery cannot be allowed. This goes beyond politics. The Nigerian populace has to demand real changes and accountability from our leaders. They do this because they believe they can get away with it.

Why is the President and the Presidency not being held accountable for these crimes against humanity. Watch the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6-6wV0agvs

ollypapi:
Pls house,on my i20 under the section student attestation,will I sign under my name cos I can see bodly that it is also written that parent or gurdian,and student must sign if student is under 18yrs

My question is I'm above 18yrs,do I need to sign??

Thanks all

I read your other post. Just leave it as it is. It won't affect you and your I-20 will be returned to you no matter the outcome of your interview.

cheerios:
@justwise and other contributor..

Please..help out..i got stucked while filling my ds 160.what do i fill in primary occupation? Couldn't find an option to best describe my job..i work in a logistics firm as junior operations Manager..how do i input this.?thankx


Here all options.
Primary Occupation
AGRICULTURE
ARTIST/PERFORMER
BUSINESS
COMMUNICATIONS
COMPUTER SCIENCE
CULINARY/FOOD SERVICES
EDUCATION
ENGINEERING
GOVERNMENT
HOMEMAKER
LEGAL PROFESSION
MEDICAL/HEALTH
MILITARY
NATURAL SCIENCE
NOT EMPLOYED
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
RELIGIOUS VOCATION
RESEARCH
RETIRED
SOCIAL SCIENCE
STUDENT
OTHER

And if i select OTHER..it further provide space for me to type..please help..

So sorry for posting it here..

Then select OTHER and type "Logistics" or "Logistics Operation Manager".

Enasdan:
good morning house, how safe is this statement,

me: how much is your tuition for your first year?
me: $22,000
Vo:who is paying for your education?
me: my aunt, my mother elder sister
vo: who will pay for your second year?
me: my school New England university, do grant graduate internship assistance for all international student in the second year, I will be granted graduate internship assistance in my second with support from my aunt in Nigeria.

please kindly scrutinize and make necessary corrections and suggestions. thanks

Stop worrying about proving that you have funds for the second year or you will end up shooting yourself in the foot.
What is required of you is to have enough funds to cover your first year expenses as stated on your I-20. The VO will not ask you for fund that exceed that. Have you seen anyone asked the question in bold? You need to relax and don't create unnecessary problem for yourself.

Chorismate:
Good evening all.

I trust we all looking forward to a restful weekend.
I am abit worried with regards my application.

The gras cord of program I applied to confirmed that decision will be out 28th November. Semester starts 7th January. Do you guys think I'd be able to make this resumption date?

Thanks and looking forward to response

You should be able to make it if you get accepted. Your biggest challenge will be getting an interview date at the Embassy, but you should be able secure one by using expedited appointment.

jegz50:
Good Day House,

I have followed this page from 1st post, to have an in-depth info about schools and funding opportunities.

I humbly present my profile for school suggestions and any tip to secure funding for fall '19.
I have actually completed applications to PhD Chemistry in the schools mentioned below. Hoping to apply to any more recommended schools on here.

*My little advice to anyone preparing for the Gre and Toefl is to ensure you start well ahead of admission deadlines.. Take the exams early enough so you can have enough time to prepare all application materials.

Undergrad: 3.45/4 (Unofficial WES evaluation)- Industrial Chemistry
GRE: 312 (VERY terrible exam experience)
TOEFL: 103
Publications: 1 (Currently under review with two journals)
Research Experience : About 2 years working in the Oil and Gas
Conferences: A handful
Schools applied: VCU, FSU, MSU, LSU, Univ of Utah, Tulane Univ and University of Alabama.

Contacts have been made with some POIs in about five of these schools...Mostly positive and was asked to apply.

What is your take house ....CC @Scholastica16, @Time2Smile, @kayceerilyn, @Sheeda995, @Ndawe, @Temmitats

You are the right track. Keep the communication going and try to submit your applications early.

Ezehrobinson:
Ok,
Thanks.
I understand short time notice.
However, i just need you to please read through. About five individuals have raised some review notes which i have corrected.
I believe your review would be minimal.
Thanks

I have replied your mail. Let me see what I can do.

Ezehrobinson:
Good morning boss.
I've been following your progress thus far. Please can you spare few minutes from your tight schedule and peruse my SOP which I intend submitting on 5th of this month.

Thanks.
Robinson
Ezehrobinson@gmail.com

This is not a good time for me and the 5th is already here. It is just too short of a notice.

ifyalways:
Hello all. I'm still stuck on this questions .

1. Please list all courses you are taking this academic year. If you are not currently enrolled, please list courses from your most recent academic year.(Options of number 1 to 15) does this mean the number subjects he sat for in WAEC Or i should leave that space blank?

2. Please select the course scheduling system your institution is using (Options of semester, Trimester and quarter)

3.Course title (Does this mean the subjects he sat for in WAEC?)

4. Course Level (Options of Honors, High Honors, Intensive,None, International baccalaureate, Pre-IB)

5. Course Schedule (Option of full year, First semester and second semster)

PS : Applicant is applying for undergraduate course and have only WAEC result, seating for SAT IN Oct

To the best of my knowledge
1) The most recent academic year should be SS3. Thus, the courses here should be those the student took in SS3/WAEC.

2) Nigeria uses three(3) terms in a year, so it should be Trimester.

3) The title of the courses in 1 above.

4)I don't know, but none will work here.

5)Full year. The SS3 final exam and WAEC is based on a full year's work.(Actually 3 years of study)

Congratulations @ Quoran, Stanford is huge. I am sure you will be fine.

Qathafi:
Thanks for the initiative but I think a WhatsApp group as suggested by some would be much better. We can share information and study materials much more easily. I have created a WhatsApp group but after posting the link to it here, the full link does not appear here. So I guess I'll just message it to those interested.

Thanks to all gurus in the house who have kept this thread going and to DanjaNinja for starting this thread. I was preparing to write the GRE in December and started studying this August, but I have realised I wouldn't have much time to build up other aspects of my profile the way I would want to. Thanks to all for the information. #Fall2020

And if previous applicants made use of Whatsapp groups how will you be able so access the wealth of information here?

jamanuka:
I was actually surprised at that score to be honest. However, I didn’t do anything special apart from what I already shared.

Maybe constant practice and understanding why exactly I got a question wrong and work to avoid such made the difference.

The secret to high score in GRE right here.

Glocal1:
That would be a good decision. However, do not give up on your prospect of graduate studies in the US.
If possible, enrol in Nigeria for a MSc, and graduate with a PhD grade. You can then apply for fully - funded PhD in the US.
Work and improve your savings account. Improve on other areas of life while still in Nigeria.
On the other hand, you can improve on your profile by re-writing the GRE and TOEFL to improve your scores and increase your chances of admission to top tier schools.
Search for funded programs.

You are at your prime, don't just give up.

I sincerely wish you the best.

@ Hushee, Please take this advice. Don't give up on your dreams.

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. I had my first interview on the 9th
VO: (Started typing for what seemed like eternity, I saw God/devil white/blue paper and my passport was placed beside both of them I was praying in my heart lord please don’t let me cry again today please lord) Finally my booobooo said those sweet words YOUR VISA HAS BEEN APPROVED you will pick up blabababla in 3 days blalabla I couldn’t curtail the excitement that I had to stamp my left feet on the floor like Nigeria police lolzzzz
ME: smiling sheepishly thank you sir! Thank you sir! Do have a lovely day immediately I came out of the door was jumping and running to go tell my family the good news one of the security men told me to take it easy because those soldiers outside would extort money from me immediately 'I bone face lolzz'

Tips! Tips! Tips!
*As always advised here personalize your response let it be unique and always drive it home.
*If you ain’t convinced with your response there’s no way you can ever convince a VO except a miracle happens.
*I know many would say the VOs don’t look at your dressing but I will say this, dress the way you want to be address all of these factors comes into play. I saw a babe an F-1 applicant that flew are long Brazilian hair, wore a polo and jean with sneakers hmmmm last last she became a Chelsea fan.
INDEED THE STORM IS OVER!

Congratulations. Very detailed and enjoyable transcript.
I can assure you that her denial didn't have anything to do with her sartorial choice. She dressed the way a typical American student would, maybe minus the Brazilian hair.

LolaCole1:
Hello Good people,
Pls i need you to put me through somethings.
I finished with a cgpa of 3.35/5.0 is it possible i get admission into Universities in US particularly in health sciences, i have been searching and all i see is 2.8/4.0. Maybe there’s anyone that knows about a school or two that gives admission to people with second class lower in health sciences. (I’m aware i need to take Gre will that neglect the fact that i graduated with a 2:2? )

Pls is it possible i take another degree despite the fact that I graduated from secondary school 2010?

Thanks.

You should convert your GPA to 4 point grade using online tools like WES. I am sure your 3.35/5 would be higher than 2.8/4.0

https://applications.wes.org/igpa-calculator/