technolee:
Innovativeame, I mailed my school and they replied that it is not possible for another I-20 to be issued. They however referred me to fmjfee for fee transfer. I mailed fmjfee this morning at 7am and I got a feedback that the fee has been transferred around 5pm. I am good to go now. Flight booking is next. When are you planning to leave?

I told ya! Congrat bro. I was told it's a new policy from SEVIS not to issue another I20 with the exact same sevis ID number. Log on to fmjfee to print ur new sevis receipt. Pm me let's please, let's discuss the travelling plan.

Anyone in kentucky?

imperiouxx:
It's good that Everest Institute has been shut down.

Other for profit schools will have the same fate one day. So don't waste your time on VIU.

http://news.yahoo.com/corinthian-colleges-shut-down-28-114101514.html

Just read the article and if you look at the comments left ,it seems even the Americans are very skeptic about these colleges

pcbo:


Just read the article and if you look at the comments left ,it seems even the Americans are very skeptic about these colleges

When are you traveling Charlie

sofadj:
Anyone in kentucky?

Just chickens

sirRiddy:
jbonito
1. Good you have decided to go for a better school. For the GPA requirements, it is 3.0 out of 4.0.
2. Full tuition waivers go to the best students in most schools and they are quite competitive. Most international students secure graduate assistantships if they have any form of funding at all. From my research, it is actually tough getting funding in the first semster. To know your chances of funding, send a mail to your program coordinator and ask about funding. To know if they require WES, you need to contact the graduate school and ask them that question.
3. If you are aiming for next Spring, you need to start working at it now as there is not much time left.
4. Check your program to know if GMAT is acceptable. Some programs require the GRE instead.
I do not have information about MPA programs. Maybe guys in this area can help with any information.

https://www.publichealth.uga.edu/ehs/graduate
http://www.etsu.edu/cph/academics/graduate/mphhome.aspx

You can check this out for MPA

slimmy05:
When are you traveling Charlie

Will leave on 15th july ,am now looking for affordable airline ticket to book, since i heard airline tickets are expensive during summer

pcbo:

Will leave on 15th july ,am now looking for affordable airline ticket to book, since i heard airline tickets are expensive during summer

try Qatar, royal air maroc, emirates or Turkish airline. Where are you heading to?

my appointment is on 4th of May.... please I need help and guide on what to do and what not to do...

thanks, it will be appreciated

EdetMavo:
my appointment is on 4th of May.... please I need help and guide on what to do and what not to do...

thanks, it will be appreciated

read the thread, part 5

Indonesia has finally executed the drug convicts on the notorious Nusakambangan island prison, including the four Nigerians.

Nigerians abroad with criminal intent must know that not all nations are lawless. If you use your hands to carry drugs enter some countries especially in Asia, e mean sey you don sign your death warrant be that. If you are overseas and you are into crime and you are reading this post because you have not been jailed or sentenced to death, I will advise you to stop the crime now and do something legal to survive even if it means frying akara in Taiwan or America. Yes, sell the akara to fellow Nigerians if Taiwanese or American people no fit chop am, Nigerians will buy it. No go carry drugs o . For my dear brothers and sisters in foreign nations who are almost into crime to survive, I beg you o, if to chop for dia no easy, please go back home and restart there. Let those who will laugh at you laugh, it is better than for you and your family to be ridiculed before the world and killed like a lizard wey no get local government. If abroad no match your genotype, go back home. Patapata you go sha see garri join with kulikuli with Ayefele song in the background. Afterall, all the Nigerian billionaires made their money here in Nigeria and they live here, from Dangote to Otedola to Adenuga so wetin you dey find to dey carry drugs for Vietnam? On top how mush? N300,000 max. If abroad no agree with your spirit, please deport yourself , Shun crime and protect your dignity. Talk to people, seek advice and ignore bad friends. If someone says they have a shady business that will bring you millions, let them do it themselves. Do not waste yourself, we have all suffered too much not to enjoy the new Nigeria. Nigeria will be great.

Credit

my ds-160 status shows NO STATUS...
I'm worried cos my appointment is 4th May...
Does it mean anything?

Comment pls

innovativeme, @slimmy05, @imperiouxx
here's how mine was.

Me : Good morning madam (smiles)
V.o : good morning (smiles back)
V.o : how did you get to know about this school?
Me : my uncle told me about it and I went online and did some research about the school and found out that the school has state of the art computer labs that is at the students disposal to practice the theorical aspect of what is being taught and the curriculum is profound in the course I want to study, they also assign staff to student for academic guidance in order for them to excel in their course.
V.o : why do you want to study this course?
Me : I want to study this course because I have passion for it and so that it will equip me with the skills and knowledge that I need to contribute to my country, for example we always have electricity problems which we can solve by upgrading to a smart electric grid which is the modernised electric grid that uses analogue and digital information to gather data about the rate at which consumers use electricity and from that we can find a way to maximize the efficiency, relativity in the production and distribution of electricity.
V.o : what have you been doing after you graduated from secondary school?
Me : I enrolled at a federal polytechnic where I was studying.
V.o : (repeated same question) what have you been doing after you graduated from secondary school?
me : I was doing internship at a computer firm where I was fixing computer hardware and software problems.
V.o : when did you graduate from secondary school?
Me : 2007,
V.o : sorry we can't grant you visa here's this paper it will explain it to you.(section 214b)
Me : OK madam, thanks and have a nice day.

criticism is allowed peeps, want to reapply. my school is resuming on 22nd August. what are ur observations.

icedbeatz:
innovativeme, @slimmy05, @imperiouxx
here's how mine was.

Me : Good morning madam (smiles)
V.o : good morning (smiles back)
V.o : how did you get to know about this school?
Me : my uncle told me about it and I went online and did some research about the school and found out that the school has state of the art computer labs that is at the students disposal to practice the theorical aspect of what is being taught and the curriculum is profound in the course I want to study, they also assign staff to student for academic guidance in order for them to excel in their course.
V.o : why do you want to study this course?
Me : I want to study this course because I have passion for it and so that it will equip me with the skills and knowledge that I need to contribute to my country, for example we always have electricity problems which we can solve by upgrading to a smart electric grid which is the modernised electric grid that uses analogue and digital information to gather data about the rate at which consumers use electricity and from that we can find a way to maximize the efficiency, relativity in the production and distribution of electricity.
V.o : what have you been doing after you graduated from secondary school?
Me : I enrolled at a federal polytechnic where I was studying.
V.o : (repeated same question) what have you been doing after you graduated from secondary school?
me : I was doing internship at a computer firm where I was fixing computer hardware and software problems.
V.o : when did you graduate from secondary school?
Me : 2007,
V.o : sorry we can't grant you visa here's this paper it will explain it to you.(section 214b)
Me : OK madam, thanks and have a nice day.
criticism is allowed peeps, want to reapply. my school is resuming on 22nd August. what are ur observations.

I think that your replies look like something that have been written for you and that you have practiced, they are too long and give details that the VO is not interested in.
You were poor in answering what you had been doing for 7 years since leaving school. VO was not convinced that you intended to go to school if a visa was issued.

slimmy05:
Just chickens

Lol, oga hw fr na. Was told kentucky is no more than a farmland, and boring. How true?

icedbeatz:
innovativeme, @slimmy05, @imperiouxx
here's how mine was.

Me : Good morning madam (smiles)
V.o : good morning (smiles back)
V.o : how did you get to know about this school?
Me : my uncle told me about it and I went online and did some research about the school and found out that the school has state of the art computer labs that is at the students disposal to practice the theorical aspect of what is being taught and the curriculum is profound in the course I want to study, they also assign staff to student for academic guidance in order for them to excel in their course.
V.o : why do you want to study this course?
Me : I want to study this course because I have passion for it and so that it will equip me with the skills and knowledge that I need to contribute to my country, for example we always have electricity problems which we can solve by upgrading to a smart electric grid which is the modernised electric grid that uses analogue and digital information to gather data about the rate at which consumers use electricity and from that we can find a way to maximize the efficiency, relativity in the production and distribution of electricity.
V.o : what have you been doing after you graduated from secondary school?
Me : I enrolled at a federal polytechnic where I was studying.
V.o : (repeated same question) what have you been doing after you graduated from secondary school?
me : I was doing internship at a computer firm where I was fixing computer hardware and software problems.
V.o : when did you graduate from secondary school?
Me : 2007,
V.o : sorry we can't grant you visa here's this paper it will explain it to you.(section 214b)
Me : OK madam, thanks and have a nice day.

criticism is allowed peeps, want to reapply. my school is resuming on 22nd August. what are ur observations.

Sorry about that. Inconsistency was your major problem. Do not re-apply so fast, otherwise you'll get repeated denial. This is strictly based on your data.

icedbeatz:
innovativeme, @slimmy05, @imperiouxx
here's how mine was.

Me : Good morning madam (smiles)
V.o : good morning (smiles back)
V.o : how did you get to know about this school?
Me : my uncle told me about it and I went online and did some research about the school and found out that the school has state of the art computer labs that is at the students disposal to practice the theorical aspect of what is being taught and the curriculum is profound in the course I want to study, they also assign staff to student for academic guidance in order for them to excel in their course.
V.o : why do you want to study this course?
Me : I want to study this course because I have passion for it and so that it will equip me with the skills and knowledge that I need to contribute to my country, for example we always have electricity problems which we can solve by upgrading to a smart electric grid which is the modernised electric grid that uses analogue and digital information to gather data about the rate at which consumers use electricity and from that we can find a way to maximize the efficiency, relativity in the production and distribution of electricity.
V.o : what have you been doing after you graduated from secondary school?
Me : I enrolled at a federal polytechnic where I was studying.
V.o : (repeated same question) what have you been doing after you graduated from secondary school?
me : I was doing internship at a computer firm where I was fixing computer hardware and software problems.
V.o : when did you graduate from secondary school?
Me : 2007,
V.o : sorry we can't grant you visa here's this paper it will explain it to you.(section 214b)
Me : OK madam, thanks and have a nice day.

criticism is allowed peeps, want to reapply. my school is resuming on 22nd August. what are ur observations.

Bro, I'm sorry for the booking fee you've lost. You are gonna get it the next attempt. Quickly, there was no coherence in your response to second to the last question. The VO asked the same question twice to be sure you know what you are saying, sometimes they ask the same question twice but differently. You should have still held on to your response but buttress more on why you enrolled in for the polytechnic . In addition, I guess saying your uncle told you about the school, wasn't too fantastic, however, you redeemed yourself by stating that you did your research online. At this point, relax, reschedule your appointment for June (suggestion though). By God's grace, you SHALL get. Also, remember that how you fill your DS-160 form matters greatly. All the best bro

I am back, as I said I would come back to Nairaland to give details after my interview (even though some notorious people here wanted to tear my head off just because I didn't mention the name of the school / program, as if say I wan chop am! Na wa for patience).

I got my visa this morning, thankfully. Here is my transcript as I remember it. The whole thing took like 3 to 4 minutes.

VO: Good morning, how are you today?
Me: I'm fine thank you. Good morning.
VO: May I see your passport, I-20 and SEVIS documents?
Me: (hands them over)
VO: Please place your right four fingers on the scanner...
Me: (does as requested)
VO: I see you're going for a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics. Why the University of Notre Dame?
Me: There are only a small handful of programs in the world with my current research interest i.e. in silico research in Computational Haemodynamics. Of the better programs, Notre Dame is one, and Stanford is another. Stanford is just beginning its own Computational Medicine program this Fall. I applied to Stanford as well but sadly I didn't get in. On the other hand, I got into Notre Dame with full funding and it has my exact research interests.
VO: Computational Haemodynamics?
Me: Yes, the study and computer simulation of the Mathematics and Physics / Motion of Fluid-Structure Interaction in Blood Flow. It has diverse applications in the treatment of cardiovascular ailments and in other heart monitoring therapies.
VO: (smiles) Wow, the Mathematics and Motion of Blood Flow? (typing fast on the computer, probably googling to see if I was bullshitting)
Me: Yes indeed, the Mathematics and Motion of Blood Flow.
VO: Okay, do you already have a Masters degree?
Me: No, I don't. I got admitted on merit into the University of Lagos for an MSc this January but just as I began registration, I also got the Notre Dame admission in February so I didn't bother resuming at UNILAG.
VO: I see. What was your undergraduate degree in?
Me: Electrical / Electronic Engineering. But I have been working as a programmer and self-studying postgraduate mathematics since I finished at the University, so I have the required background for computational and applied math.
VO: (smiles) How do you hope to fund your way through school?
Me: I received full funding from the department I applied to. It covers a tuition waiver, stipends and health insurance.
VO: (Flips through my passport) So you've never left Nigeria before?
Me: (smiles) No, I've never left Nigeria before.
VO: Congratulations, I'm glad to tell you that your visa application has been accepted. Please pick up your documents at this location (circles location on my documents). Have a nice day!
Me: Thank you. Have a nice day as well.

P.S.
I just took all sorts of documents to the place for nothing, she didn't even look at them. I was also worried about two things but she didn't even ask:
(a) Worried I'd be asked about strong ties to Nigeria, which I don't really have.
(b) Bothered I'd be asked how I will intend to apply my study when I come back to Nigeria (cos I didn't want to lie... well, it's possible sha)

I'm really grateful, especially after seeing her deny every single person that went to her own dock ahead of me. Last last sha, na God win.

Congrats bro. Your transcript is one of the best I have seen here. Good luck to you.

Ripleus2:
I am back, as I said I would come back to Nairaland to give details after my interview (even though some notorious people here wanted to tear my head off just because I didn't mention the name of the school / program, as if say I wan chop am! Na wa for patience).

I got my visa this morning, thankfully. Here is my transcript as I remember it. The whole thing took like 3 to 4 minutes.

VO: Good morning, how are you today?
Me: I'm fine thank you. Good morning.
VO: May I see your passport, I-20 and SEVIS documents?
Me: (hands them over)
VO: Please place your right four fingers on the scanner...
Me: (does as requested)
VO: I see you're going for a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics. Why the University of Notre Dame?
Me: There are only a small handful of programs in the world with my current research interest i.e. in silico research in Computational Haemodynamics. Of the better programs, Notre Dame is one, and Stanford is another. Stanford is just beginning its own Computational Medicine program this Fall. I applied to Stanford as well but sadly I didn't get in. On the other hand, I got into Notre Dame with full funding and it has my exact research interests.
VO: Computational Haemodynamics?
Me: Yes, the study and computer simulation of the Mathematics and Physics / Motion of Fluid-Structure Interaction in Blood Flow. It has diverse applications in the treatment of cardiovascular ailments and in other heart monitoring therapies.
VO: (smiles) Wow, the Mathematics and Motion of Blood Flow? (typing fast on the computer, probably googling to see if I was bullshitting)
Me: Yes indeed, the Mathematics and Motion of Blood Flow.
VO: Okay, do you already have a Masters degree?
Me: No, I don't. I got admitted on merit into the University of Lagos for an MSc this January but just as I began registration, I also got the Notre Dame admission in February so I didn't bother resuming at UNILAG.
VO: I see. What was your undergraduate degree in?
Me: Electrical / Electronic Engineering. But I have been working as a programmer and self-studying postgraduate mathematics since I finished at the University, so I have the required background for computational and applied math.
VO: (smiles) How do you hope to fund your way through school?
Me: I received full funding from the department I applied to. It covers a tuition waiver, stipends and health insurance.
VO: (Flips through my passport) So you've never left Nigeria before?
Me: (smiles) No, I've never left Nigeria before.
VO: Congratulations, I'm glad to tell you that your visa application has been accepted. Please pick up your documents at this location (circles location on my documents). Have a nice day!
Me: Thank you. Have a nice day as well.

P.S.
I just took all sorts of documents to the place for nothing, she didn't even look at them. I was also worried about two things but she didn't even ask:
(a) Worried I'd be asked about strong ties to Nigeria, which I don't really have.
(b) Bothered I'd be asked how I will intend to apply my study when I come back to Nigeria (cos I didn't want to lie... well, it's possible sha)

I'm really grateful, especially after seeing her deny every single person that went to her own dock ahead of me. Last last sha, na God win.

Ripleus2:
I am back, as I said I would come back to Nairaland to give details after my interview (even though some notorious people here wanted to tear my head off just because I didn't mention the name of the school / program, as if say I wan chop am! Na wa for patience).

I got my visa this morning, thankfully. Here is my transcript as I remember it. The whole thing took like 3 to 4 minutes.

VO: Good morning, how are you today?
Me: I'm fine thank you. Good morning.
VO: May I see your passport, I-20 and SEVIS documents?
Me: (hands them over)
VO: Please place your right four fingers on the scanner...
Me: (does as requested)
VO: I see you're going for a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics. Why the University of Notre Dame?
Me: There are only a small handful of programs in the world with my current research interest i.e. in silico research in Computational Haemodynamics. Of the better programs, Notre Dame is one, and Stanford is another. Stanford is just beginning its own Computational Medicine program this Fall. I applied to Stanford as well but sadly I didn't get in. On the other hand, I got into Notre Dame with full funding and it has my exact research interests.
VO: Computational Haemodynamics?
Me: Yes, the study and computer simulation of the Mathematics and Physics / Motion of Fluid-Structure Interaction in Blood Flow. It has diverse applications in the treatment of cardiovascular ailments and in other heart monitoring therapies.
VO: (smiles) Wow, the Mathematics and Motion of Blood Flow? (typing fast on the computer, probably googling to see if I was bullshitting)
Me: Yes indeed, the Mathematics and Motion of Blood Flow.
VO: Okay, do you already have a Masters degree?
Me: No, I don't. I got admitted on merit into the University of Lagos this January but just as I began registration, I also got the Notre Dame admission in February so I didn't bother resuming at UNILAG.
VO: I see. What was your undergraduate degree in?
Me: Electrical / Electronic Engineering. But I have been working as a programmer and self-studying postgraduate mathematics since I finished at the University, so I have the required background for computational and applied math.
VO: (smiles) How do you hope to fund your way through school?
Me: I received full funding from the department I applied to. It covers a tuition waiver, stipends and health insurance.
VO: (Flips through my passport) So you've never left Nigeria before?
Me: (smiles) No, I've never left Nigeria before.
VO: Congratulations, I'm glad to tell you that your visa application has been accepted. Please pick up your documents at this location (circles location on my documents). Have a nice day!
Me: Thank you. Have a nice day as well.

P.S.
I just took all sorts of documents to the place for nothing, she didn't even look at them. I was also worried about two things but she didn't even ask:
(a) Worried I'd be asked about strong ties to Nigeria, which I don't really have.
(b) Bothered I'd be asked how I will intend to apply my study when I come back to Nigeria (cos I didn't want to lie... well, it's possible sha)

I'm really grateful, especially after seeing her deny every single person that went to her own dock ahead of me. Last last sha, na God win.

Congrats. Basically, full-funding was the key to your success. Congratulations once more.

Your interview was in Abuja, right?

sirRiddy:
Congrats bro. Your transcript is one of the best I have seen here. Good luck to you.

Thanks bro. I think I over explained some things cos I was tense, but when she smiled I was able to relax.

DeeTus:
Congrats. Basically, full-funding was the key to your success. Congratulations once more.
Your interview was in Abuja, right?

Thank you.
No it was at Walter Carrington, Lagos.

Ripleus2:


Thanks bro. I think I over explained some things cos I was tense, but when she smiled I was able to relax.



Thank you.
No it was at Walter Carrington, Lagos.

Ok cool

Congrats. I must say your transcript sounds like someone who is a real student and knows whe he is going for unlike some which just sound very scripted and rehearsed.

Notre Dame is a great school, good luck

Ripleus2:
I am back, as I said I would come back to Nairaland to give details after my interview (even though some notorious people here wanted to tear my head off just because I didn't mention the name of the school / program, as if say I wan chop am! Na wa for patience).

I got my visa this morning, thankfully. Here is my transcript as I remember it. The whole thing took like 3 to 4 minutes.

VO: Good morning, how are you today?
Me: I'm fine thank you. Good morning.
VO: May I see your passport, I-20 and SEVIS documents?
Me: (hands them over)
VO: Please place your right four fingers on the scanner...
Me: (does as requested)
VO: I see you're going for a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics. Why the University of Notre Dame?
Me: There are only a small handful of programs in the world with my current research interest i.e. in silico research in Computational Haemodynamics. Of the better programs, Notre Dame is one, and Stanford is another. Stanford is just beginning its own Computational Medicine program this Fall. I applied to Stanford as well but sadly I didn't get in. On the other hand, I got into Notre Dame with full funding and it has my exact research interests.
VO: Computational Haemodynamics?
Me: Yes, the study and computer simulation of the Mathematics and Physics / Motion of Fluid-Structure Interaction in Blood Flow. It has diverse applications in the treatment of cardiovascular ailments and in other heart monitoring therapies.
VO: (smiles) Wow, the Mathematics and Motion of Blood Flow? (typing fast on the computer, probably googling to see if I was bullshitting)
Me: Yes indeed, the Mathematics and Motion of Blood Flow.
VO: Okay, do you already have a Masters degree?
Me: No, I don't. I got admitted on merit into the University of Lagos for an MSc this January but just as I began registration, I also got the Notre Dame admission in February so I didn't bother resuming at UNILAG.
VO: I see. What was your undergraduate degree in?
Me: Electrical / Electronic Engineering. But I have been working as a programmer and self-studying postgraduate mathematics since I finished at the University, so I have the required background for computational and applied math.
VO: (smiles) How do you hope to fund your way through school?
Me: I received full funding from the department I applied to. It covers a tuition waiver, stipends and health insurance.
VO: (Flips through my passport) So you've never left Nigeria before?
Me: (smiles) No, I've never left Nigeria before.
VO: Congratulations, I'm glad to tell you that your visa application has been accepted. Please pick up your documents at this location (circles location on my documents). Have a nice day!
Me: Thank you. Have a nice day as well.

P.S.
I just took all sorts of documents to the place for nothing, she didn't even look at them. I was also worried about two things but she didn't even ask:
(a) Worried I'd be asked about strong ties to Nigeria, which I don't really have.
(b) Bothered I'd be asked how I will intend to apply my study when I come back to Nigeria (cos I didn't want to lie... well, it's possible sha)

I'm really grateful, especially after seeing her deny every single person that went to her own dock ahead of me. Last last sha, na God win.

Not only full funding.

He is also attending a very good schools with high entry requirements compared to many of the schools people here pursue which require no gmat or have low entry requirements.

He sounded like a serious student who ha splats and knows what he wants compared to a others who just read like I want to study abroad.

Also he is going for a PhD which let's face it you must be committed to get i to phd programs and even consider one.

DeeTus:
Congrats. Basically, full-funding was the key to your success. Congratulations once more.

Your interview was in Abuja, right?

Ripleus2:
I am back, as I said I would come back to Nairaland to give details after my interview (even though some notorious people here wanted to tear my head off just because I didn't mention the name of the school / program, as if say I wan chop am! Na wa for patience).

I got my visa this morning, thankfully. Here is my transcript as I remember it. The whole thing took like 3 to 4 minutes.

VO: Good morning, how are you today?
Me: I'm fine thank you. Good morning.
VO: May I see your passport, I-20 and SEVIS documents?
Me: (hands them over)
VO: Please place your right four fingers on the scanner...
Me: (does as requested)
VO: I see you're going for a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics. Why the University of Notre Dame?
Me: There are only a small handful of programs in the world with my current research interest i.e. in silico research in Computational Haemodynamics. Of the better programs, Notre Dame is one, and Stanford is another. Stanford is just beginning its own Computational Medicine program this Fall. I applied to Stanford as well but sadly I didn't get in. On the other hand, I got into Notre Dame with full funding and it has my exact research interests.
VO: Computational Haemodynamics?
Me: Yes, the study and computer simulation of the Mathematics and Physics / Motion of Fluid-Structure Interaction in Blood Flow. It has diverse applications in the treatment of cardiovascular ailments and in other heart monitoring therapies.
VO: (smiles) Wow, the Mathematics and Motion of Blood Flow? (typing fast on the computer, probably googling to see if I was bullshitting)
Me: Yes indeed, the Mathematics and Motion of Blood Flow.
VO: Okay, do you already have a Masters degree?
Me: No, I don't. I got admitted on merit into the University of Lagos for an MSc this January but just as I began registration, I also got the Notre Dame admission in February so I didn't bother resuming at UNILAG.
VO: I see. What was your undergraduate degree in?
Me: Electrical / Electronic Engineering. But I have been working as a programmer and self-studying postgraduate mathematics since I finished at the University, so I have the required background for computational and applied math.
VO: (smiles) How do you hope to fund your way through school?
Me: I received full funding from the department I applied to. It covers a tuition waiver, stipends and health insurance.
VO: (Flips through my passport) So you've never left Nigeria before?
Me: (smiles) No, I've never left Nigeria before.
VO: Congratulations, I'm glad to tell you that your visa application has been accepted. Please pick up your documents at this location (circles location on my documents). Have a nice day!
Me: Thank you. Have a nice day as well.

P.S.
I just took all sorts of documents to the place for nothing, she didn't even look at them. I was also worried about two things but she didn't even ask:
(a) Worried I'd be asked about strong ties to Nigeria, which I don't really have.
(b) Bothered I'd be asked how I will intend to apply my study when I come back to Nigeria (cos I didn't want to lie... well, it's possible sha)

I'm really grateful, especially after seeing her deny every single person that went to her own dock ahead of me. Last last sha, na God win.

beautiful just like sirriddy said is d best transcript i ave seen here. Congrat bro, i tap into dis

ttmacoy:
Not only full funding.

He is also attending a very good schools with high entry requirements compared to many of the schools people here pursue which require no gmat or have low entry requirements.

He sounded like a serious student who ha splats and knows what he wants compared to a others who just read like I want to study abroad.

Also he is going for a PhD which let's face it you must be committed to get i to phd programs and even consider one.

Yeah that's true. But don't criticize anyone who wants to study abroad. Plans differ. You only need to pray for them.

innovativeame:

They don't ! Feel free to use anybody.

Thank you

Congrats Ripleus2. So people can do without PhD in the US without MSc?

Hi everyone! Where can one have some mmr shots, run hepatitis B and TB skin test in Lagos?

worry357:

I think that your replies look like something that have been written for you and that you have practiced, they are too long and give details that the VO is not interested in.
You were poor in answering what you had been doing for 7 years since leaving school. VO was not convinced that you intended to go to school if a visa was issued.

this the real issue with his interview.

DARKLIGHT:
Hi everyone! Where can one have some mmr shots, run hepatitis B and TB skin test in Lagos?

Luth, lasuth

Ripleus2:
I am back, as I said I would come back to Nairaland to give details after my interview (even though some notorious people here wanted to tear my head off just because I didn't mention the name of the school / program, as if say I wan chop am! Na wa for patience).

I got my visa this morning, thankfully. Here is my transcript as I remember it. The whole thing took like 3 to 4 minutes.

VO: Good morning, how are you today?
Me: I'm fine thank you. Good morning.
VO: May I see your passport, I-20 and SEVIS documents?
Me: (hands them over)
VO: Please place your right four fingers on the scanner...
Me: (does as requested)
VO: I see you're going for a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics. Why the University of Notre Dame?
Me: There are only a small handful of programs in the world with my current research interest i.e. in silico research in Computational Haemodynamics. Of the better programs, Notre Dame is one, and Stanford is another. Stanford is just beginning its own Computational Medicine program this Fall. I applied to Stanford as well but sadly I didn't get in. On the other hand, I got into Notre Dame with full funding and it has my exact research interests.
VO: Computational Haemodynamics?
Me: Yes, the study and computer simulation of the Mathematics and Physics / Motion of Fluid-Structure Interaction in Blood Flow. It has diverse applications in the treatment of cardiovascular ailments and in other heart monitoring therapies.
VO: (smiles) Wow, the Mathematics and Motion of Blood Flow? (typing fast on the computer, probably googling to see if I was bullshitting)
Me: Yes indeed, the Mathematics and Motion of Blood Flow.
VO: Okay, do you already have a Masters degree?
Me: No, I don't. I got admitted on merit into the University of Lagos for an MSc this January but just as I began registration, I also got the Notre Dame admission in February so I didn't bother resuming at UNILAG.
VO: I see. What was your undergraduate degree in?
Me: Electrical / Electronic Engineering. But I have been working as a programmer and self-studying postgraduate mathematics since I finished at the University, so I have the required background for computational and applied math.
VO: (smiles) How do you hope to fund your way through school?
Me: I received full funding from the department I applied to. It covers a tuition waiver, stipends and health insurance.
VO: (Flips through my passport) So you've never left Nigeria before?
Me: (smiles) No, I've never left Nigeria before.
VO: Congratulations, I'm glad to tell you that your visa application has been accepted. Please pick up your documents at this location (circles location on my documents). Have a nice day!
Me: Thank you. Have a nice day as well.

P.S.
I just took all sorts of documents to the place for nothing, she didn't even look at them. I was also worried about two things but she didn't even ask:
(a) Worried I'd be asked about strong ties to Nigeria, which I don't really have.
(b) Bothered I'd be asked how I will intend to apply my study when I come back to Nigeria (cos I didn't want to lie... well, it's possible sha)

I'm really grateful, especially after seeing her deny every single person that went to her own dock ahead of me. Last last sha, na God win.

Congratulations bro. I guess u will be doing the expedited PhD program.