₦airaland Forum

Hello house, Please I need someone to help me pay an application fee of $30 in formal of a check or money order. I would reimburse the equivalent in Naira to a Nigerian bank account. Thanks

Scholastica16:
Did you recently write GRE or TOEFL? Come and share your experience with us telling us your study tips, mistakes, lessons etc. It would go a long way in helping someone else who would visit this thread in future.

Did you recently apply to schools in the USA? Come and share your application experiences with us. Of your own volition, you may tell us your profile and the schools you are aiming for etc. If you have gotten any feedback please let us know as it could guide someone else who may be considering applying to said school at a later time maybe a few years ahead.

A number of people have taken tests recently and have not given any feedback on their scores and experience, not nice at all. Please let us learn to give back.

Guitarlife:
Its federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. And yes thats the official transcript cos I had it sent to my office so I know thats what they will send abroad too.

I still dont know what to do now. Am just confused and kinda disturbed.

And what of the other angle of using the grade classification of my undergrad ?

Tho I had my BSc in a differwnt school but the transcript carries grade classification.

You seem to worry yourself too much. While the ideal situation would have been for the transcript to include grade classification, but the truth is it doesn't. Are you now going to allow that to be an impediment to your dream? I am pretty sure a number of alumni from your school has used the transcript in its current format and have been admitted to various universities abroad. The universities you are applying to would be able to do an in-house evaluation. And if it is of any help, your grade classification is the same as almost all schools in Nigeria. A is 70 and above, B is 60 to 69 and so on.

aanexplus:
Still in vexation mode, Illinois Institute of Technology is a scam. They evaluated my app without reference letter. I mailed them twice complaining about this issue but they never send those letters and they evaluated me. Imagine.
# money wasted

Hello, from a few things I have read on online, the initial admission letter for most MSc doesn't include funding. Sometimes funding can still be given to MSc. students after admission. Was it stated categorically in the admission letter that you have been admitted without funding? If so, mail them and let it be known that you are willing to accept the offer, but you would not be able to attend unless you are funded. Sometimes this school wants to see if one is in dire need of funding. There is a lot of money concentrated in few hands in this country that some are willing to pay the exorbitant fees, Let them know you are not one of those.

towbaynah:
Good day everybody,

Having a not-so-slight issue here. KSU is asking for my M.Sc certificate. The certificate is not ready and won't be ready anytime soon. They said they won't begin to evaluate my credentials until they have it. Here's the fraught correspondence exchanged with the admissions counselor.

Dear Towbaynah,

Thank you for submitting your materials. However, we still need your degree certificates from both of your degree certificates. These documents are needed to complete the credential evaluation. The application remains incomplete until this is received.

Remember, submitted documents must be scanned copies of the originals. We cannot accept documents that have been downloaded from the internet or are otherwise unofficial.

Please send your documents to Bleep@kent.edu as a PDF attachment.

Best regards,

Bleep

**********************************************************


Hi Bleep,

Thank you for notifying me on time about my missing documents.

The certificate for my M.Sc. Degree is not ready for collection, rather a notification of result was issued pending the time the certificate is prepared.

Thus, I have attached a PDF of my Bachelor's degree certificate and the notification of result for my Masters degree.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Towbaynah

**********************************************************

Dear Towbaynah,

Thank you for submitting these documents. However, we still need an official degree certificate for your Master’s degree, not just a notification of higher degree result.

Once this is received we will be able to complete your credential evaluation.

Best,

Bleep

**********************************************************

What should I do about this? This is really disturbing. Here I was thinking I've completed everything about application.

I think you should be unequivocal in your reply that it takes a number of years for degree certificate to come out. Let them know this is a developing country where things don't run so smoothly. Let them know they you wouldn't be able to provide it because it is in existence yet. Maybe you can get a letter from the registrar of your school to provide further evidence.

By the way, was the degree certificate listed as part of applicatios documents in their requirements?

Cephas0009:
I have been unable to login into this thread 4 d past couple of days

Hello, How were you able to pay University of Houston application fee? I read post about your difficulties paying last time around
cc Scholastica16

LagosNIV:
There has been a lot of confusion surrounding the recent Executive Order on immigration signed by President Trump. The only change that affects our Nigerian visa applicants at this time is that Dropbox renewal is only available to applicants who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application.

Thank you for your clarification. Like you rightly said the executive order doesn't really affect Nigerians now, but what about the future? . A very disturbing precedent has been set. And I am feel with trepidation, especially as a Muslim, that it only takes a stroke of the President's pen to obstruct my dreams. #Iamworried

tuffpuff:
Good morning Friends,
I checked my email this morning and was greeted with a rejection from Emory University.
I scored more than the minimum TOEFL and GRE requirements.
I'm wondering if its my 3.5 AWA score or SOP or LORs.
To be candid, I didn't choose schools wisely, never considered that it was a private school with acceptance rate of about 25%. I saw all these after my applications. Unfortunately, of the remaining two schools, one is also private. Looks like am missing Fall'17 already.
Wish I was on this great thread even prior to taking my tests and subsequently making my applications. Its hurting!
I'll ever remain thankful to all members of the thread. I've learnt a lot from you all. I shall keep the house abreast of the rest.
#GodBeWithYou#

No, no, no, no I don't agree with the bolded. You have to do away with that mindset, where is your faith and resolve? Why did you apply to 3 schools,is it not to spread the risk? You got a reject which means you still have 2 schools which would probably give you admission. Please you have to be a lot more positive and optimistic. I read your test transcript and you seem to hint that some forces are against you. I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. Let me put it this way "You would meet God where you put him" . If you believe you would get admission after putting in the necessary work, then you would, but if your attitude is defeatist, then ..........................

Cephas0009:
Evening friends... I understand the primary purpose of this group is to provide necessary information that will help members ace the GRE and we av done well in this regards. However, the main goal is to secure admission (with funding) . Please I suggest we discuss our admission applications, efforts we av made in reaching out to faculties n possibly the status of ouuur application if any yet. I believe we can learn one or two things from each other's experience so far. I also understand individuals can want to be discreet with their applications until fruition, it's fine.


I applied to UofH n KSU for fall 2017. I completed both applications last year. I had admission for MS Mech Engr Fall 2016 in SDSM&T and SIT last year but I didn't pursue further since neither came with funding option, I deferred SDSM&T to fall 2017 n m still hopeful of securing the service of a faculty for a potential GA. The few times I have gotten replies to my email is when they want to explain that they r not taking new research students.

How is it going from ur end Sirs & Mas?
Cc: Scholastica16, drhopeful, Time2smile, the whole house.

SirRiddy, thanks 4 d support always ... God bless bro

I agree with you on discussing the state of our applications. I am quite miffed right now because I have not submitted any of my applications. I am yet to get my undergraduate transcript that I requested almost 2 months ago. I have put so much into this and I won't let any sloppy school be my obstacle. I have mailed grad coordinator at UH to inform her about the delay and inquire if I can submit the transcript after the application deadline. The other deadline at LSU health centre is March 1, although I want to submit much earlier than the deadline.

@Scholastica16 , Yes, I am applying to only 2 US schools, I didn't start my application process early enough so I wasn't able to meet most deadlines coupled with the cost of applying to different schools. I am cautiously optimistic of getting in to the two schools if only I can be able to submit this damn application. In addition, both guarantee funding for all admitted PhD students in my course. (I Would never apply to a school that's equivocal about funding)

N.B: I would really appreciate anyone willing to help me go through and critique my SOP before I submit. Thanks.

Lowoa:
@Time2smile Please I need past questions of GRE and TOEFL. Thanks

Please go through the thread https://www.nairaland.com/1832477/how-achieve-high-scores-gre You can read from page 100, although I would really advise you to read from the first page to the last. Go to ETS website https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/ and download official materials for GRE.
Check Notefull videos on YouTube for TOEFL and get official guide and practice questions from https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare Free materials are towards then end of the page. The links to other materials and tips can be found on the thread I mentioned earlier.

Hisvoice:
Wooooooow. I am seriously impressed. Words can not be enough to appreciate this kind gesture, but my prayer is that God will support you in any project of your life. Please 'House', help me appreciate this virtuous woman. I am very grateful. I take up the challenge, and by His grace, I will not disappoint. 'Mo dupe o'

Another act of benevolence from Mama of the good thread LagosismyHome. Thank you ma'am. Givers never lack. @Hisvoice you might want to check out https://www.nairaland.com/1832477/how-achieve-high-scores-gre/175 . We have been helping each other ace the test. I believe you can do this.

Tunmise100:
GUYS PLS HELP WITH THE LINK TO CHK 4 D DEADLINE OF UNI OF HOUSTON. A SCHOOL I INTEND APPLYING TO.

Go to the your Dept Graduate admission site, The deadline would be there.

Quite Impressive

Scholastica16:
LOL. Thanks chief. Are you done with your applications? UofH's deadline should be February 1 or 15? I applied there too.

Not yet done, putting finishing touches. Deadline is February 1 for my course and 15th for yours. Documents can be submitted up to 2 weeks after the deadline in both cases. How many schools did you apply to 7, 8? I envisage a situation where you will have a hard time selecting where to attend when they all bombard you with admission and funding.

Walspring:
Some set of people here who are lovers of this thread have come together and decided to give back to this our great thread by given discount to intending student that are willing to write GRE or TOEFL or SAT in order to use it and get funding or assistant-ship from the schools they are applying to.

Only 10 people will benefit from this initiative and with genuine reasons. You can book down any slot at all and this offer will last in the middle of February 2017 which is Valentine's day..

Do not PM or send me private message because it going to be an open offer right inside this thread, also do no ask me who are these people because they wish to be anonymous.

#Onelove
#Onefamily

Where was this offer when I was preparing for GRE and TOEFL?. It is all good sha. Like someone mentioned, The criteria for selection should be clearly stated. It is not enough to tell people to prove themselves, how exactly do they prove themselves? Wish those that benefits all the best.

I would like appreciate everyone that contributes to this thread in a positive way. I believe my successful Visa transcript would be in this part 11. I have been mostly a silent reader while getting ready to migrate to this thread from the GRE thread. We can do this, Yes We can.

Scholastica16:
Thanks to everyone who kept asking and showing concern. My TOEFL was released today.

(R 29 L 29 S 26 W 28) composite: 112

Whoa, Congratulations. Such a brilliant score, I agree with you on the TOEFL writing, I don't know what they are smoking over at ETS.

I think we should move on from the fact that O'Green failed to report his scores ad experience. As much as I don't agree with his decision, He is not the first nor will He be the last to do so. Some even neglects the thread entirely once their test is done. This thread has always been courteous and civil, please let keep it that way.

I got my official GRE scores and AWA score is 4.5 I am a tad disappointed as I was hoping to emulate Scholastica16 90 something percentile score. The 4.5 is 82nd percentile which is more than good enough for my field. Forward and upwards.

I am having a challenge getting suitable referees. Those I would like to use are not responding to their emails, and most schools require online submission of letters of recommendation preferably through institutions based email addresses. Can I get letters from someone who is not my former Lecturer?. Suggestions are needed please.

aamstih:
Oga, congrats on your 'WOW' score, I was aiming for 320 but you've just made increase my target to 330 .

Pls at bolded, are you in anyway referring to the stipend that you would receive as a TA or GA?

Congratulations on your great score once again.

The minimum funding I have seen for PhD students in my field (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) is a living stipend of $21,000 per annum, that is in addition to full tuition waivers and usually health insurance. Some require working about 20hrs per week as a TA while some do not even require any teaching assistantship duties at all. Generally, Life sciences are well funded. Also,it is easier to get funding for PhD compared to Masters in any field. I hope I have answered your question.

Tunmise100:
My name is tunmise just finished frm the unilag wit a cgpa of 4.5/5.0 and planing to write my GRE exam in june. pls help me with the advice i need and preparation strategies to get at least 330.
pls also help with the price of the gre exam nw in naira. needed urgently

Follow Scholastica16 advice and check this guide on how to achieve a high score https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-ii97JplpxMTVhRZGplOEhPaVE/view?usp=sharing

tuffpuff:
@Time2Smile:
A big congratulations to you!!!
What a score!!!
What a triumphant entry into the new year!!!
May you keep having uninterrupted smiles!!! You shall have better smiles...smiles that widen from ear to ear.....lol! Congrats dear.

@Hushee:
Thank you very much. I'm greatly inspired.

@ Scholastica16: It is well with you. I pray your scores are released in earnest.

drhopeful:
Time2smile, your moniker says it all! It's TIME for you TO SMILE! Those scores are super duper perfect! Congratulations!

sirRiddy:
Time2Smile congratulations on your excellent scores
and thank you for sharing your experience.
Wish you all the best with admission and funding
and please keep us posted too

Cephas0009:
Congratulations Time2smile... All d best with admission

layez:
Congrats Time2shine...awesome score,more grace and strength on the nxt phase

A big thank you to everyone, I really appreciate you all. All the best to everyone of us as we pursue our goals and dreams.

happyday:
Great! Lovely! Congrats! What are your stats, if I may ask? Let God take all the glory.

OluDare01:
what's your major?

BSc. Biochemistry 4.33/5
MSc Biochemistry PhD grade GPA between 3.5-3.6/4 (A bit tricky to convert)
Applying for PhD Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Do you have any recommendation for me @OluDare01?

seeker88:
Wow!!!.......see scores oo
What a performance! U really dealt with GRE....congratulations bro, wishing u all d best in your school applications. Please make good use of this stellar score......it wouldn't be a bad idea to hear u talk about ur experience in MIT, Stanford, UCBerkley n d likes by this time next year

Thanks, unfortunate the deadline for most top schools has passed and I can't really wait till Fall, 2018.

iCool:
Manhattan 4th edition - https://docs.google.com/uc?id=0B6FBl1JdVum6Um4yRTdNN1gxa2c&export=download



Gruber, Nover, Baron, ETS Quant & Verbal Practice booklets - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zmshe3dzsdkzwfe/AADzNPplTrgqrYdS4IfNZ7zZa?dl=0


Good luck to you.

This has been posted a number of times on this forum. Let's search previous pages for prep materials. It is not too much to read from first page to the current page for prospective test takers. Believe me there is a wealth of invaluable information in those pages.

Magoosh video can be downloaded from 4shareddotcom(below is a screenshot of the download page). There is another set of Magoosh video that contains over 500 questions for each of Quant and verbal but the download link is no longer working. If any anyone can find a link please kindly post it.

Anyone in Osogbo or Ibadan can connect with me for complete materials.

happyday:
Great! Lovely! Congrats! What are your stats, if I may ask? Let God take all the glory.

Hi all, Scholastica16 is right. I was banned when I tried to respond to the above request by happyday. Funny enough the post didn't even contain any weblink. Apologies to anyone that quoted me and I couldn't reply. I do plan to give a detailed description of study plan in earnest. I just got home from a long trip and I am knackered.

I really find this traumatising.

iCool:
T2S, What course are you applying for?


That your verbal score na die!!!

PhD Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I have MSc. in Biochemistry from a Nigerian University. My practice Verbal was usually around that range but todays Verbal was something else, would not have complained if I reported 160. The free text completion questions were not simply there and I am sure I missed at least one Sentence equivalent. Not really about vocab, at times it felt like a puzzle.

Scholastica16:
@Time2Smile,

Impressive! Both percentiles in the 90s with a stellar TOEFL to boot. Congratulations. This guarantees you would never need to take the GRE again.

You mirrored my thought. That is was I was saying to myself after the exam. I wouldn't have to take this exam ever again. Hopefully AWA comes out fine. Now to concentrate on other part of application. What is the latest on your TOEFL.?

I want to appreciate everyome on this forum. Special thanks to iekene, who shared his magoosh login with me. I wrote GRE today and the Quant and verbal results were quite good. Once again I am really grateful.

I got to the center where I met young and not so young people. I jejely took my seat, there were some people pouring over a big textbook, probably Kaplan, I was like na now? I got Lucozade boost and Gala. I would need all the energy I can get. I was checked in and assigned to station 28B. Once seated I said a small prayer and psyche myself, This is the culmination of 3 months of assiduous prep,I must not blow it, No fighting any question, If you don't know it move on to the next question, I remembered myself. With that I started.

First essay was on something about leaders, I attacked it and was able to conclude with 3 minutes left and used the remaining time for review. Next was argument, It was about questions to be answered, I couldn't come up with sufficient points immediately, so wrote my introduction first. Read it again and realized a survey was cited. That provided the impetuous and was able to write come up with good questions. Rounded up with about a minute left.
The AWA flew by and in no time I was faced with the nitty-gritty. All through my prep my Verbal was quite strong so was hoping for VQVQV, but lo and behold the first section was Quant. I muttered to myself, "ETS never Make it easy, do they"? I got on with it and started well, got to number 5 and there was a hiccup, the question had a trap but I couldn't figure it out immediately. I chosed the obvious answer, marked it and moved on. It went really smoothly and I finished with about 7 minutes on the clock. I went back to the trap question, figured it out and quickly reviewed all other questions.

I moved on to the first verbal and was like this is my time to shine. The first two text completion questions disabused me of that notion. No one does text completion quite like ETS. I plodded through the verbal but I didn't enjoy it and was frankly not sure of a number of the answers. I finished right on time, No time for review. I took my break, gulped down some Lucozade and stretched my legs. The guy I sat beside in the morning asked how am I finding the exam, He said the time was moving too fast. I didn't even know what to say. I got back to my seat just in time for start of second Quant. It was going pretty smoothly until maybe the 8th question when I realized it's most likely experimental because the questions were simple (surely I didn't mess up the first Quant, did l?) and not really varied. My suspicion was confirmed when I got to the data interpretation and saw another pie chart. ETS would never give someone pie chart twice, they aren't that nice. I finished before time was up and braced myself for 2nd verbal where I was looking to make amends.

The second verbal was even more difficult than the first. I did the RC pretty well and am sure I have seen similar passages during my prep. I finished right on time and was like this verbal get as in be ooo. Next was the final section which I was sure was second Quant. And I was right because it was noticeable harder than the previous 2 Quant. I did it to the best of my ability and got to the last question with few minutes left. Reviewed the few I could and watched as the timer counted down.
I sat back in my chair and reported my score. I closed my eyes and when I opened it my result was on the screen Verbal 165, Quant 165. I had to stop myself from screaming in delight as other test takers were still working. I sent scores to 4 schools and left the hall with a wide grin planted on my face.
I thank Almighty God for his grace and mercy. I would also like to appreciate everyone on this forum, it would not have been possible without your help and guidance. Scholastica 16, drhopeful, happyday, Femi321, sirriddy, ChemEngr, iCool, cupsy and others. The last 3 months has been hectic, but it has been worth it. Gracias.