Thank you once again and God bless!
Don't be surprised that I still remember you. You were the only one that helped review my transcript then. Besides, I visit here everyday to learn.

fairheart:
Congratulations to you bro. You are a perfect example of NEVER GIVE UP! 4th attempt! Now, those who have been refused once, twice or 3 times can see what I have been saying. Denial is not always permanent. God bless you and enjoy your studies. It is surprising you still remember me.

dumbiri99:

Nice.
You had the fellowship last year too?

Yes

Passion2009:



Wow! You were really drilled. Congratulations!

So, you were admitted to study at GSPIA(University of Pittsburgh right? Which program? And why did you pick GWU ahead of GSPIA? Did GSPIA not offer you any funding?

Yes. MPA program. Reasons are: My interest in Prof. K Newcomer's research, aligning curriculum with my interest and the little funding I got.
No funding from GSPIA

BIMestBabe:


Hello, please, is there a part in the DS 160 form where you can fill in when you completed BSC?

Yes, there is. That is the 'Education Section'. However, I have heard that this section do not come up for female applicants.

dumbiri99:
is this what you said last year?

What I said last year was different. Although, it was about consulting, but in different area. I also did not add working for an International Development Organisation last year.

VISA APPROVED @ 4th attempt

Date: Friday, 21st June 2019
Location: Abuja
Time: 7:30am Appointment
Status: Was on AP till 25th June when it turned ISSUED.

BACKGROUND
Previous attempts: 2 attempts in December 2017 for Ball State University (for Spring 2018) and an attempt in July 2018 for George Washington University (for Fall 2018) ....All at Lagos Consulate.

I posted past transcripts when I needed help in preparing for my 3rd attempt. I also posted my proposed transcript for the 3rd attempt, but I did not post the outcome because I was quitting then. Although there was no much difference between the proposed transcript for the 3rd attempt and the outcome other than that not all the questions I prepared for were asked.

However, I requested my admission be deferred to the following term (Spring 2019) only to be informed that admission to the program is strictly for Fall Terms. I requested it be deferred to Fall 2019.

Finally when I decided I was going to try the 4th time (which I promised it would be the final), I returned to this thread as a full-time reader, I chose not to ask any question because there are answers to all the questions that anyone would want to ask here already. I read every posts everyday 'as e dey drop'. I researched more about my school and program. I looked for unique features of my school and program, which I integrated into my proposed transcript. I did not post my proposed transcript because in my head, I was not returning to the embassy the 4th time for an interview but to go and talk (have a conversation)

I chose Abuja this time because I learnt there is a bit of serenity over there than Lagos; like not too crowdy and you could sit for a little while before joining the queue for interview (important for someone like me that doesn't like stress).

I had my conversation with the VO, an elderly white woman at window 6. I was the 3rd she attended to that morning, the two before me were denied.

APPROVAL CONVERSATION

Me: Good morning Ma (VO did not answer greeting. I guess because of her experience with the family she interviewed before me. The old man was reluctant to leave the window after she denied him and his family)
VO: Pass your passport and i20
Me: I obliged
VO: Why do you want to study in the US?
Me: I want to study in US because the US have one of the best educational systems in the world. Also, I like to be taught by world class professors, which would make become a world class program monitoring and evaluation specialist.
VO: How did you hear about this school.
Me: I conducted internet search for top MPA programs in the US, I reviewed the result with USNews.com, Webometrics, Times Higher Education, Princeton Review and the website of the Network of Schools of Public Policy Affairs and Administration, I then streamlined the result based on my area of specialization.
VO: So why this school?
Me: My decision to attend GWU was firstly informed by the opportunity to study under professor Kathryn Newcomer, who happened to be the year 2017 president of American Evaluation Association. She is currently having a research on Public and Nonprofit Performance Measurement and Evaluation which is inline with my area of interest as I am interested in looking into Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with the use of Objective Indicators. Also, the MPA curriculum at this school is such that will equip me with administrative-cum-managerial skills and an in depth understanding of the modern principles and techniques of program evaluation and policy analysis which I will be needing to run a consulting firm back home in proffering solution to the challenges of inadequate monitoring and evaluation framework..(wanted to add the 3rd point which is about my $20k fellowship award, but she cuts in)
VO: When did you had your BSc
Me: January 2013....(she looks on her screen and nods, I guess she confirmed what I filled in my ds160)
VO: So what have you been doing since then?
Me: I went for NYSC program, after which I started working in June 2014 at ABCD as EFG where I am responsible for HIJKLMNOPQR (she cuts in before I could finish stating my job roles. She kept her eyes on her computer screen and nodding her head while answering this)
VO: Did you applied to other school?
Me: Yes, I did
VO: Which other school?
Me: Uni of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Uni of Georgia at Athens
VO: You got admitted into all?
Me: No, I got admitted to GWU and Uni of Pittsburgh.
VO: Tell me about this program?
Me: This program focuses of the process and products of government and nongovernmental organisations decision making. It is also meant to development and enhance the ability to analyze ramifications of public programs and policies. It comprises of courses like .........I listed about 8 courses( I maintained permanent eye contact while answering)
VO: What's your study plan?
Me: I will be studying for a total of 40 credit hours courses, out of which 12 credit hours are core Public Administration courses, 25 credit hours of concentration and elective courses with a capstone seminar of 3 credit hours at the final semester. I will have to maintain a CGPA of not lower than 3.0 throughout the 4 semesters of the program which I will complete in May 2021 after which I will return to Nigeria
VO: What do you want to do with this degree?
Me: I want to consult for public and nonprofit organisations in the area of Program Monitoring and Evaluation as well as offering policy advice to policy makers in taking the best decisions as it affect program success in this part of the world. I would also love to work as a Country Program Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at one of the international development organisations around. (we're both looking at each other eyeballs-to-eyeballs as I answer this)
VO: You were denied sometimes ago?
Me: Yes
VO: Why
Me: Well (with smile), I think I was probably not able to convince the Consular Officer that interviewed me then that I am qualified for this class of visa
VO: OK, you took GMAT
Me: No, I took the GRE
VO: Oh, OK, what's your score?
Me: I had 282
VO: OK, What about TOEFL?
Me: I didn't take TOEFL ....(we both looking at each other eyeballs-to-eyeballs)
VO: Is your wife joining you?
Me: (With big smile) That is not in the plan, because of her job. However, I will make it up to my family during school holiday.
VO: OK, who will be sponsoring you for this program? GWU is one of the most expensive schools in the US.
Me: I have a Global Initiative Fellowship Award of $20k and my elder brother will...(she cuts in)
VO: Listen, this school is expensive, you will be having a deficit of $41+
Me: Yes, I know, my brother have what it takes to take care of the deficit.
VO: OK, what does he do?
Me: He is into petroleum products marketing. He is also in charge of the management of my late father's real estate investment
VO: Do you have his bank document?
Me: I have his statement of account
VO: Pass it
Me: Passed (VO checked thoroughly, from opening balance, through the transactions to the closing balance, and checked the account name if it corresponds with what I filled in my ds160)
VO: Now listen, (looking into my eyes) I will keep this with me, we will have to check to be sure it is not fraudulent. If it is fraudulent, you will be banned for life from entering the United States. Do you want me to continue?
Me: Please go ahead ma (while looking into her eyes)
VO: OK, I will give you these papers (the white pick up location paper and a congratulatory-small white one). You will have to keep your i20 with you at all time when traveling and make sure you enter the US before the start date of your program.
Me: Nodding, OK Ma (while packing my stuffs) Have a good day Ma....couldn't wait to hear her respond.

CREDITS:
....To God for the grace
....To 'My Special One' for the unending supports
....To fairheart for helping to review my proposed transcript prior to my 3rd attempt then
....To walspring for assisting in registering for my GRE around early 2018
....To everyone that has ever posted on this thread; be it questions, answers, suggestions, opinion, even 'drama'. Believe me, it all helped. THANK YOU ALL


LASTLY.
Will I be able to get Okada or Keke to take me from Washington Dulles International Airport to my school?

Oh, I hope this is not too late.

I know of one Optima Hotel at 14 Makurdi Street, Garki. It is about 7-10mins walk to the embassy by a short-cut.

To access the hotel from Area 1, join a cab heading to Wuse, tell the driver you will alight at Ministry of Defence MOD Junction (which is opposite the Embassy street) for #100. From there cross to the other side of the road and take a walk back you will see a an untarred road which has like a flyover bridge under construction, just walk down the street and keep your eyes on the left side, you will see the hotel building. Locate a foot path (at your left) to navigate to Makurdi Street.

Better still, if you arrive early a day before your interview, and you decide to visit the embassy to know the environment before the D day, you may ask anyone of those hustlers at the embassy for the direction to the hotel.

I can help with the hotel phone contact and email....I should be able to get that from the receipt I have with me.

I hope this helps.

Best of luck

2unji:
Hello guys!!! Pls i need an affordable hotel around abuja embassy. Am at area1 stranded�

Thank you.
You may want to check again please.

Delaztyx:
I already replied you.

Delaztyx:
Abuja office full today see peepo....lord..Any way we thank the lord for his mercies it was sucessful..

Congratulations.
I am trying to connect with you. Kindly check your PM Sir.

Nahum777:
He refused to tell us the price per night. That guy is something else. He purposely refused to reply my messages to him here just because I criticized his transcript. It's crazy. From what I know you have to pay $33 per night. That's quite pricey.

I know of one 'Famous Guest House' at Lawson Street in Obalande (get a bike at Obalende bus stop to take you there at #100). It was 4k per night as at last December. It is not a classy one, but you can comfortably rest your head till morning time. In the morning, you will see Keke riders shouting 'Adeola Odeku' at the front of the guest house, board one and stop at Walter Carrington Crescent junction for #100

enthusiasm:
Hi everyone,
My visa was approved this morning, I'm so grateful to God! I learned a lot on this platform and I pray for the Grace of God for those yet to interview.
I'll post my transcript soon. Cheers!

Congratulations!

I beg you all to help me look at this please

Amme018:
I wish I knew about this thread earlier.

I was referred here by a friend in May, I have been a guest reader not until now. I read from page 1 of Part 12 to this page of Part 13, and I have learnt so much. You guys have been so wonderful, you have assisted and put so many people through the process of getting their Visa approved, and I am hopeful that you all will help analyse my case.

I was at the Lagos consulate twice in December last year for Spring 2018 entry and my visa was not approved on the two occasions. I am making another attempt next month. I have some modifications in my profile. I would like to share my proposed interview transcript for you all to help me analyse it. I AM OPEN FOR YOUR CORRECTION, OPINION AND ADVICE. Before I share my proposed transcript, here are the transcript from the previous interviews

1st Interview
V.O - Good morning, pass your passport and i20
Me: good morning, I passed what he requested
VO- Where are you going in the US?
Me- I'm going to Muncie Indiana for my MPA program at Ball State University
VO- how did you hear about the school?
Me- it was recommended for me by my undergraduate prof who is also my mentor, and I researched about the school and other schools using US news world report.
VO- how many schools did you applied to
Me- 2 schools, University of Missouri Kansas City and Ball State University.
VO- how many admits
Me- the two schools
VO- why Ball State?
Me- the MPA curriculum at BSU is such that is designed to equip students with the theoretical understanding of public policies and of the principles of management and administration of the public sector; this is quite in-line with my career plans. More so, Dr Brandon Waite will be having a research on A Policy Perspective of the Development of Indiana Counties. This research matches my area of interest.
VO: Why MPA?
Me: I want to study this course in order to acquire the knowledge of the modern principles and practice of public policy formulation, implementation and administration of the public sector which will broaden my knowledge with the modern strategies for developing communities and ensuring social equality with global best practices that can be modeled for use in Nigeria.
VO: What's your highest degree and when?
Me: BSc Secretarial Administration, 2013
VO: What have you been doing since you graduated?
Me: I completed the compulsory 1 year NYSC program in May 2014 and started work as an Administrative Officer at XYZ Local Government Council in June 2014
V:O: What do you do where you work?
Me: I am responsible for coordinating the implementation of the council's decisions and circulating the reports to those who are affected by it. I am a key coordinator of program of activities within the local government area (he cuts in)
VO: Did you write any test?
Me: No. The GRE was not required for applicant with an undergraduate CGPA of 3.5 and above.
VO: Who is your sponsor and what does he/she do?
Me: My mom, (told him what she does)
VO: Are you married?
Me: No
VO: Do you have a child?
Me: No
VO: Sorry, (then gave me a blue paper)

2nd Interview
Me: Good morning
VO: Pass me your passport. ( I passed passport with i20)
VO: What are you going to do in the US?
Me: I am going to pursue a Masters Degree in Public Administration with concentration in Community and Economic Development at Ball State University, Muncie Indiana.
VO: How will this degree benefit you?
Me: This degree will adequately prepare me for a senior role at my current place of work where I will be able to determine the best and most effective strategies and processes for sustainable development. Also it will equip me with the valuable skills and knowledge to establish a consulting firm where I will be consulting for government at all levels and other organizations in the areas of public policy analysis, and the design, monitoring and evaluation of developmental programs
VO: how many schools did you applied to
Me- 2 schools, University of Missouri Kansas City and Ball State University.
VO- how did you hear about the school?
Me- my undergraduate prof who is also my mentor told mW about the school, I also researched about the school and other schools using US news world report.
VO- how many schools did you applied to
Me- 2
VO- Are you married?
Me: No
VO: Do you have a child?
Me: No
VO: Sorry, I can't approve your visa, you may apply later. Gave the blue paper.

Now, what has change in me profile:
New School- George Washington University (currently ranked 56 in National University by USnews, MPA program is ranked 13th in US)
GRE: I wrote the GRE ( I had 282, very poor score. I barely had time to prepare because of work schedule).
I have $20,000 fellowship award.

Proposed transcript:

VO: Where/Why are you going in (to) the USA?
Me: I’m going to Washington DC for my MPA program with concentration in Politics, Policy and Administration at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, of the George Washington University.

VO: I can see you were here last year, what has changed in your application?
Me: I didn’t have a standardized test in my previous application but now I have the GRE, and my application is now for another school; George Washington University.

VO: How did you hear about this School?
Me: The George Washington University is one of the three (3) schools recommended for me by my undergraduate Professor after my last application. I used US News, Times Higher Education, Webometrics and the website of Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Public Administration (NASPAA) research about the schools and other schools.

VO: How many schools did you applied to?
Me: I applied to three (3) Schools: University of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, University of Georgia Athens, and The George Washington University

VO: How many admits?
Me: Two (2) Universities: University of Pittsburgh and the George Washington University offered me admission, while University of Georgia’s decision has not come through

VO: Why George Washington University?
Me: The MPA program of The Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration of George Washington University is well ranked (13th) in the US. It has a small class size and the curriculum is in line with my career goals. Also, I am fascinated by Prof Elizabeth Rigby's research on the Interplay of Politics, Policy, and Social Inequality; her research matches my area of interest. I was also offered tuition fellowship award of $20,000 which is renewable for one (1) additional year.

VO: Tell me how you got the tuition fellowship award?
Me: I wrote an essay describing how this program will help achieve my career goals. This essay and the quality of my application profile got me this tuition fellowship award.

VO: What will this degree do for you?
Me: This MPA will give me the theoretical and practical knowledge of the intersection of Politics, Policy and Administration which will adequately prepare me for a senior role at one of the Federal Ministries here, where the analytical skills, administrative/leadership skills would be of great use in addressing policy management issues. Also this MPA will set my feet on the road to achieving my long term goal of holding a high political office in Nigeria.

VO: Why USA?
Me: The United State is well known for her tremendous academic structure. Studying in the US particularly in a prestigious university in the US capital would give me the much need international exposure and acquaintance to the modern principles and practices of politics and policy management, which will make me stand out when I return.

VO: Tell me about this program?
Me: This MPA focuses on the intersection of politics, policy and administration. It is a 40 credit hour program comprising of 25 core credits, 12 credit hour of concentration courses and 3 credit hour of elective courses, which I am meant to complete in 24 months and maintain a CGPA of not lesser than 3.00 through the 4 semester duration.

VO: Tell me some of the courses you would be taking?
Me: I would take courses like Economics for public decision making, Leadership in public Administration and public policy, Policy Analysis, Public and Nonprofit program evaluation, Policy formulation and administration, Federal government regulation of society, political data analytics, current topics in public policy, Introduction to public service and administration, Perspective on public value, Introduction to project management, Law and public administrator, Public budgeting, revenue and expenditure analysis, Financial management in public sector and a Capstone Seminar in the final semester.

VO: What’s your highest qualification and what year?
Me: I have BSc. Secretarial Administration, 2013

VO: What have you been doing since you graduated? I completed my NYSC program in June 2014 and I have been working as an Administrative Officer at XYZ local government council, ABC state since that time

VO: Have you traveled out of the country before?
Me: No
VO: Are you married? No
Me: Do you have a child? No
VO: Who is your sponsor? Me: My Mom
VO: What does she do? She deals in sales of imported building materials and she is a major distributor of Dangote Cement in Osogbo, Akure and Ibadan

I beg you all to help me analyse and critique my case and my proposed transcript. Thank you in anticipation.

Please how do I make my post to be visible on here? I posted a message detailing my case on here 2 days back, I think it is hidden. Please help

I wish I knew about this thread earlier.

I was referred here by a friend in May, I have been a guest reader not until now. I read from page 1 of Part 12 to this page of Part 13, and I have learnt so much. You guys have been so wonderful, you have assisted and put so many people through the process of getting their Visa approved, and I am hopeful that you all will help analyse my case.

I was at the Lagos consulate twice in December last year for Spring 2018 entry and my visa was not approved on the two occasions. I am making another attempt next month. I have some modifications in my profile. I would like to share my proposed interview transcript for you all to help me analyse it. I AM OPEN FOR YOUR CORRECTION, OPINION AND ADVICE. Before I share my proposed transcript, here are the transcript from the previous interviews

1st Interview
V.O - Good morning, pass your passport and i20
Me: good morning, I passed what he requested
VO- Where are you going in the US?
Me- I'm going to Muncie Indiana for my MPA program at Ball State University
VO- how did you hear about the school?
Me- it was recommended for me by my undergraduate prof who is also my mentor, and I researched about the school and other schools using US news world report.
VO- how many schools did you applied to
Me- 2 schools, University of Missouri Kansas City and Ball State University.
VO- how many admits
Me- the two schools
VO- why Ball State?
Me- the MPA curriculum at BSU is such that is designed to equip students with the theoretical understanding of public policies and of the principles of management and administration of the public sector; this is quite in-line with my career plans. More so, Dr Brandon Waite will be having a research on A Policy Perspective of the Development of Indiana Counties. This research matches my area of interest.
VO: Why MPA?
Me: I want to study this course in order to acquire the knowledge of the modern principles and practice of public policy formulation, implementation and administration of the public sector which will broaden my knowledge with the modern strategies for developing communities and ensuring social equality with global best practices that can be modeled for use in Nigeria.
VO: What's your highest degree and when?
Me: BSc Secretarial Administration, 2013
VO: What have you been doing since you graduated?
Me: I completed the compulsory 1 year NYSC program in May 2014 and started work as an Administrative Officer at XYZ Local Government Council in June 2014
V:O: What do you do where you work?
Me: I am responsible for coordinating the implementation of the council's decisions and circulating the reports to those who are affected by it. I am a key coordinator of program of activities within the local government area (he cuts in)
VO: Did you write any test?
Me: No. The GRE was not required for applicant with an undergraduate CGPA of 3.5 and above.
VO: Who is your sponsor and what does he/she do?
Me: My mom, (told him what she does)
VO: Are you married?
Me: No
VO: Do you have a child?
Me: No
VO: Sorry, (then gave me a blue paper)

2nd Interview
Me: Good morning
VO: Pass me your passport. ( I passed passport with i20)
VO: What are you going to do in the US?
Me: I am going to pursue a Masters Degree in Public Administration with concentration in Community and Economic Development at Ball State University, Muncie Indiana.
VO: How will this degree benefit you?
Me: This degree will adequately prepare me for a senior role at my current place of work where I will be able to determine the best and most effective strategies and processes for sustainable development. Also it will equip me with the valuable skills and knowledge to establish a consulting firm where I will be consulting for government at all levels and other organizations in the areas of public policy analysis, and the design, monitoring and evaluation of developmental programs
VO: how many schools did you applied to
Me- 2 schools, University of Missouri Kansas City and Ball State University.
VO- how did you hear about the school?
Me- my undergraduate prof who is also my mentor told mW about the school, I also researched about the school and other schools using US news world report.
VO- how many schools did you applied to
Me- 2
VO- Are you married?
Me: No
VO: Do you have a child?
Me: No
VO: Sorry, I can't approve your visa, you may apply later. Gave the blue paper.

Now, what has change in me profile:
New School- George Washington University (currently ranked 56 in National University by USnews, MPA program is ranked 13th in US)
GRE: I wrote the GRE ( I had 282, very poor score. I barely had time to prepare because of work schedule).
I have $20,000 fellowship award.

Proposed transcript:

VO: Where/Why are you going in (to) the USA?
Me: I’m going to Washington DC for my MPA program with concentration in Politics, Policy and Administration at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, of the George Washington University.

VO: I can see you were here last year, what has changed in your application?
Me: I didn’t have a standardized test in my previous application but now I have the GRE, and my application is now for another school; George Washington University.

VO: How did you hear about this School?
Me: The George Washington University is one of the three (3) schools recommended for me by my undergraduate Professor after my last application. I used US News, Times Higher Education, Webometrics and the website of Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Public Administration (NASPAA) research about the schools and other schools.

VO: How many schools did you applied to?
Me: I applied to three (3) Schools: University of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, University of Georgia Athens, and The George Washington University

VO: How many admits?
Me: Two (2) Universities: University of Pittsburgh and the George Washington University offered me admission, while University of Georgia’s decision has not come through

VO: Why George Washington University?
Me: The MPA program of The Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration of George Washington University is well ranked (13th) in the US. It has a small class size and the curriculum is in line with my career goals. Also, I am fascinated by Prof Elizabeth Rigby's research on the Interplay of Politics, Policy, and Social Inequality; her research matches my area of interest. I was also offered tuition fellowship award of $20,000 which is renewable for one (1) additional year.

VO: Tell me how you got the tuition fellowship award?
Me: I wrote an essay describing how this program will help achieve my career goals. This essay and the quality of my application profile got me this tuition fellowship award.

VO: What will this degree do for you?
Me: This MPA will give me the theoretical and practical knowledge of the intersection of Politics, Policy and Administration which will adequately prepare me for a senior role at one of the Federal Ministries here, where the analytical skills, administrative/leadership skills would be of great use in addressing policy management issues. Also this MPA will set my feet on the road to achieving my long term goal of holding a high political office in Nigeria.

VO: Why USA?
Me: The United State is well known for her tremendous academic structure. Studying in the US particularly in a prestigious university in the US capital would give me the much need international exposure and acquaintance to the modern principles and practices of politics and policy management, which will make me stand out when I return.

VO: Tell me about this program?
Me: This MPA focuses on the intersection of politics, policy and administration. It is a 40 credit hour program comprising of 25 core credits, 12 credit hour of concentration courses and 3 credit hour of elective courses, which I am meant to complete in 24 months and maintain a CGPA of not lesser than 3.00 through the 4 semester duration.

VO: Tell me some of the courses you would be taking?
Me: I would take courses like Economics for public decision making, Leadership in public Administration and public policy, Policy Analysis, Public and Nonprofit program evaluation, Policy formulation and administration, Federal government regulation of society, political data analytics, current topics in public policy, Introduction to public service and administration, Perspective on public value, Introduction to project management, Law and public administrator, Public budgeting, revenue and expenditure analysis, Financial management in public sector and a Capstone Seminar in the final semester.

VO: What’s your highest qualification and what year?
Me: I have BSc. Secretarial Administration, 2013

VO: What have you been doing since you graduated? I completed my NYSC program in June 2014 and I have been working as an Administrative Officer at XYZ local government council, ABC state since that time

VO: Have you traveled out of the country before?
Me: No
VO: Are you married? No
Me: Do you have a child? No
VO: Who is your sponsor? Me: My Mom
VO: What does she do? She deals in sales of imported building materials and she is a major distributor of Dangote Cement in Osogbo, Akure and Ibadan

I beg you all to help me analyse and critique my case and my proposed transcript. Thank you in anticipation.

Cc:
@LagosismyHome
@theamerican
@Childinho10
@Walspring
@Femi312
@bigfrancis21
@folmus
@OluDare01
@imperiouxx
@Twoods
@Ijebuboy525