Waoh, thanks everyone for the love. Really. Everyone. I wanted to do research, never thought it would be this "challenging". Well, I told the VO I wanted to work on challenging stuff in grad school, so I deserve all I'm getting now. Lol.

200+ pages? Really?? I'm glad this thread is thriving day by day. Let me try and play catch up.

BintBello:
Thanks to everyone for their contributions.

My conclusion: it's not only about how long you practice but also using the right materials and getting the right information about the test.. I used just barron for my practice and I can you that the reading section is a veeerry different from the actual test.. This got me unaware and I lost my balance and confidence for a while during the test.

This, in bold, is the key. Smart work sometimes trump hard work. Well done. Let us know if there's any way we can be of help, on your way up.

Cheers!

uzolexis:


Congrats. Every Nigerian graduate should ace TOEFL though, I mean we have been taught in English from day 1.

Well, we are ESL speakers and writers. Ace writing? May be. But when it comes to speaking, there are a whole bunch of accents. It's one of those culture shock experiences I had when I got here. You can definitely hear them, but then it's hard for them to hear you. Damn, it was frustrating at first. But then, it got better with time. I probably can hold a 5-min convo, without them saying "Say that again!"

dossylvanus:


Maybe our accents are unique. But that's what you get from so called non native speakers. Seriously though Nigerians string better looking sentences than the average native speaker.

I honestly don't know how Jamaica happens to be classified as a native speaking country while Nigeria isn't

It's their language, so they don't care. You're right though. Nigerians generally take the effort wherever they go.

uzolexis:


you know accent does not matter in TOEFL right Everyone has an accent even native English speaking people have different accents.

I'd love to think TOEFL doesn't matter, but in as much as the human graders come from one corner of the planet, they feel well at home with certain accents than others. So, please if you can, try to mirror the native accent as closely as you can. If you can, it'd be good to make the effort.

Gerrard59:



Same I thought until I became more active on Nairaland. Truth is: We don't write and speak proper English. I read a thread sometime ago where the Chinese were looking for English teachers in Africa and listed Ghana, Kenya and either Zimbabwe or South Africa as the countries where prospective teachers should be chosen from.


That said, this GRE, is it only for entry into schools in the US? Can someone use it (GRE) for non-US schools (say Singapore, Japan or South Korea)?

Thanks.

We've a lot of excellent English teachers here in Nigeria, but we don't have an Int'l rep in it. Since secondary schools, I've always heard that Ghanians are super awesome in teaching Math and English. Now, that's some good'ol rep preceeding them.

For the bolded, I advise that you once you think of going to grad school outside Nigeria, take the GRE with the goal of scoring as high as you can. GRE is the US's standard, and apparently, whatever the US makes becomes the world's standard.

dossylvanus:


Sure. But I don't think that these English language proficiency testing companies will ever agree to let Nigeria off. The number of Nigerian students abroad is frightening. It's very big business for these guys.

Nigerian students abroad aren't really many. We can do better. We're only many in a few US states. When you talk about 'many', think India and China.

dossylvanus:



Guy abeg remove the English from pidgin. It stopped being English a long time ago. No Nigerian academic even wants to do research on it.


You're welcome.

Funny fact: I used to think pidgin English is Nigerian, but if a native English speaker thinks you're not doing a good job with his language, they say you're speaking 'pidgin English'. So, it's more like adulterated English.

towbaynah:



Yeah true about the email, most top-rated schools state it clearly on their websites.

Would try to check-in here as often as I can as well. Thanks a lot.

Absolutely!

sirRiddy:
I am a yoruba boy and I understand why I said that.
Because of the way our accent is, some words are not pronounced well.
At the same time, many words were pronounced wrongly for us by our
first teachers in primary school. The English speakers are native speakers
even though they have different accents. Their pronunciation are definitely
closer to the British English than ours.
Yes, the test is for non-native speakers. Nevertheless, your accent matters in TOEFL especially
if it distorts you from pronouncing some words on the Speaking section. I wrote the
test myself and had a 24S.

Exactly what I think, boss.

uzolexis:


My brother don't let inferiority complex kill you o. Have you heard an Italian speaking English? Or a French person speaking English? Or even a hungarian? Their English is heavily accented with their native tongue as a result they don't pronounce some of the words well. Yet they write TOEFL and they pass and they don't laugh at each other cos of their accent. There is nothing wrong in having an accent, everybody has an accent.

popular
I guess it because most outsiders don't have an idea of how a Nigerian speaks English. . .

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

Hi, don't relent. If you applied for MSc for both, funding is always difficult for MSc programs. What do you want to study?

DanjaNinja:


Yes, indeed there is a facebook group and at that time, we thought adding members to that facebook group was a good idea. In retrospect, that was a wrong move. A very wrong move.

Why? Firstly, the facebook group is a private group. All information posted on that group is private and cannot be found through a search engine like google. Incase you dont know, valuable information that cannot be easily found, is useless information.

Secondly, it violates one of the core principles behind the creation of this platform which is to provide a community where people can help one another with useful information on passing the GRE and subsequently getting admitted to the university of one's choice. You may have not noticed but at the time we did GRE group additions, there were barely any meaningful contributions on this thread. Instead, 90% of the posts were based on requests for addition to the GRE group. Suffice to say, this thread became a transit/connecting station for Gre group travellers. They come in, request to be added, get added and never return to make any meaningful contribution. One outcome was inevitable - the eventual death of this thread. For the sake of preserving this beautiful community of humble,selfless,volunteers helping each other succeed and thrive, we did the needful and shut down all gre facebook additions. The recent string of high quality meaningful post on this thread is a testament to that decision. In Olamide's voice "Every post on the thread was a hit back to back".

Moving on, I know i have been absent from this thread but from the bottom of my heart, i thank all those who have kept this thread alive. Sirriddy, i sincerely thank you for selflessly leading this thread even as you do your PhD. Studying in the US is a tough experience. Only those who currently live and study in america would understand what you go through to make contributions on this thread. To do three heavy courses with mountain loads of weekly assignments, work 20 hours a week as a Graduate assistant, cook, hustle babe and yet still find time to come on nairaland to make contributions is truly laudable of you.

To all those who have made truly mind blowing contributions - drHopeful, time2smile, believerspraise, Scholastica16, Bolisticbond026, andradaeze to name a few, i say thank you. Keep doing what you do. God has a wonderful way of blessing those who give. And biko, abeg no vex If your name was not mentioned, please keep up the good work because all those who have benefited from your contributions greatly appreciate you as well.

Oh before i forget, did you know its been almost three years since this thread was created? Its funny how it grew into this beautiful community. When i made the first post, i had one goal in my mind "build a place where like minded individuals can help each other pass the GRE by sharing useful information". Right now its 178 pages and 187,500 views strong. Even though ranking was never the intent, if you do a google search on how to get high scores on the gre, this thread is number 6 on the list. This would not have been possible without every single person who has made a contribution. You all made this happen. It goes to show the what can be accomplished when people come together to support and help one another grow.

On a side note, to all those complaining about reading from the first page of the thread, i see and hear you. You think the GRE is tough? lol. Wait till you get to america. You haven't seen anything yet. If you cant even read 178 pages of useful information that would help you achieve your dreams, how can you even survive? It begs the question - "what are your priorities in life?" America is a beautiful tough place. You have to be really strong to survive here.

I mentioned the group ish back then. Best way to illustrate the true picture. America is one hell of a place. I guess you're now used to the system??

Scholastica16:
Will respond to my mentions in a wee bit.

Just saw your post and thought to chime in.



Emory has a history of not accepting international students. If I had known you were applying there I would have told you point blank not to waste your time. I guess the application fee waiver was an incentive.

If it would act as a form of consolation for you, most applicants on grad cafe forum for Emory University are reporting rejections and the consensus is that Emory generally has a reputation for preferring American citizens never mind the low acceptance rate. In other words, it is not your AWA or SOPs and so on that limited you.

Well, it's a good thing they waived the application fee. It could have been more demoralizing.

Scholastica16:


All my applications are against Fall 2017 as well. PhD for Chemical Engineering (as funding was a priority) but I don't have a Master's degree. I applied to a couple A- and the rest B+ and B- rated schools.

1. Michigan State Uni (11% Acceptance rate )
2. UofUtah
3. UofH
4. LSU
5. UNM
6. Mississippi State Uni
7. KSU
8. USF

Except Utah, I was able to meet the priority deadlines for the rest of the schools. Don't really know what to expect so I am hoping I spread my risks well because I changed my list alot.

Hello, how are the decisions coming in? With this selection, you might have the headache of deciding which offers to accept. And would need to choose based on ishs like weather, public transport system or the school's sport teams.

Aig84:
Hello, please can you help me with this issue, I have an undergrad CGPA of 3.0/5, I know it isn't competitive but I expect to write the GRE and hopefully get a very competitive score, I do not have a masters yet also but how realistic is it for me with a competitive GRE score and this undergrad CGPA to qualify for a PhD program. Also note that I have no research experience save for the undergraduate project

You can get into a fairly strong PhD program even with this GPA. It all comes down to these: How badly you can convince them you'll be good at research via your Statement of Purpose, how highly you score on your GRE, and how strong your lecturers can vouch for you through their letters of recommendation.

Working hard on those 20% will disproportionately boost your 80%.

drthiery:


Nice One....

Please can you help me with Schools in the USA with application waiver?

Thank You

If a school officially mentions they are waving their app fees, it's most likely they want to attract the best and brightest. So, you really have to work extra hard to convince them that you are. Cos since the app is free, far more students than required will be applying. And it would be your duty to make sure they don't reject your app for seemingly flimsy reasons.

Aig84:
Thank you so much, I think I will take an independent research work or the voluntary teaching options since I'm not looking at fall of 2017, and I do have about 7 years post NYSC work experience, 2 of which are in a managerial role. Thank you very much.

If you're going for a PhD, don't rely on the managerial role. They want to know how good you'll be in research. Managerial positions can't tell them that. The independent research work would have been awesome, but then, it might be demoralizing trying to get one in Nigeria. All I can recommend is for you to find out how you can make the best use of what you already have. Use this time to learn how faculty members decide acceptances and rejections. Get an account on Quora, and reach out to professors in your desired department. Blow your horn, and let them see why you'll be a great addition to their research labs.

All the best!

Scholastica16:


I was just thinking about something as I got home today: Did I really need to send all my official documents until the admission decision was out? Musing on it, maybe I didn't.

What I am trying to say is, don't you think just uploading transcript, GRE and IELTS would have sufficed till the admission decision was out? Then if you consider going to the school you only pay for the official copy to be sent to the school.

Different schools with different requirements. I didn't send any official document, except for the GRE scores sent to four schools on test day, till I got my app decision. Then, you would need to send all needed official docs to the school you want to attend.

Topiipii:

I remember the 4.3/5 and also knew she got a distinction, but did not know the GPA. In fact, I have to start putting Aunty in front of her name whenever I want to address her.

On a different note, where is happyday ?

Good to be back! Thanks for checking up. How are you doing?

Scholastica16:


I forget the page but she did state 4/4. After I saw it, I understood why she was confident enough to apply to those biggies.

Even the relative minnows wey we apply to still dey do us shakara. I don chop 2 rejects already as I type this. I even went to make sure my GRE scores were what I reported because I am beginning to doubt it.

I don't know where HappyDay is o. Him and ChemEngr01.

Lol, I gentle o. How's it going at your end?

happyday:


Hi, don't relent. If you applied for MSc for both, funding is always difficult for MSc programs. What do you want to study?

Happyday baba... it's been a while, great to hear from u again.

I applied for phd mech. Engr n no decisions yet

Hello everyone. I've been an ardent silent follower here. I wrote my GRE sometime in 2012 during my NYSC (first and only attempt). It was this year I decided to further my studies; I didn't require GRE to undertake my MSc. Came here and reported my scores, also asking for where to register for a re-take (geniuses plenty for this thread; I felt so bad with my low scores) and Oludare01 encouraged me to apply with what I had. Though, not so many schools still had their applications open, thus, limiting my choices but he was more than helpful (who says there are no good people left). He took out his time (he even prayed with me sef lol and always had words of encouragement for me) and one would think we go waaay back.
My profile:
GRE: Q 147; V 151; AW 4.0
BSc. Industrial Chemistry 4.58/5
Msc. Energy and Environmental Mgt (Merit)
3 years combined experience in Quality control and QHSE; co-authored one paper and another one currently awaiting publication.
No TOEFL.

I applied to four schools (all the applications were done towards the end of Jan)
1) Mississippi State Uni (PhD Chemistry. Environmental Chemistry Concentration)
2)Michigan Tech Uni (PhD Environmental & Energy Policy)
3)Tennessee Tech Uni (PhD Environmental Science; Chemistry option)
4) Clarkson Uni (PhD Environmental Science & Engineering): Though a private uni but they fund.

I had 3 LORs (2 academic and 1 professional)

So I just received a congratulatory email from Tennessee Tech and they said to expect the official admission/offer letter via email within 5 days. I pray the offer is juicy.

Thanks a lot man!!

happyday:


If you're going for a PhD, don't rely on the managerial role. They want to know how good you'll be in research. Managerial positions can't tell them that. The independent research work would have been awesome, but then, it might be demoralizing trying to get one in Nigeria. All I can recommend is for you to find out how you can make the best use of what you already have. Use this time to learn how faculty members decide acceptances and rejections. Get an account on Quora, and reach out to professors in your desired department. Blow your horn, and let them see why you'll be a great addition to their research labs.

All the best!

Sorry about your reject. Hope you get into other ones.

Toakins:
Congrats Dr hopeful and iCool.
I am a silent and religious follower of this thread. I recently got a reject mail from Kansas state. The email stated that I was qualified but no grant funding.. no professor has funds... blah blah. They said they were sorry that not all qualified candidates are usually accepted because of their low acceptance rate.
I had previously contacted the grad coordinator before who said funds were available. I don't even understand but it is well.
I pray we all get into the best programs with full funding.

Congratulations. Happy about that

Ndawe:
Hello everyone. I've been an ardent silent follower here. I wrote my GRE sometime in 2012 during my NYSC (first and only attempt). It was this year I decided to further my studies; I didn't require GRE to undertake my MSc. Came here and reported my scores, also asking for where to register for a re-take (geniuses plenty for this thread; I felt so bad with my low scores) and Oludare01 encouraged me to apply with what I had. Though, not so many schools still had their applications open, thus, limiting my choices but he was more than helpful (who says there are no good people left). He took out his time (he even prayed with me sef lol and always had words of encouragement for me) and one would think we go waaay back.
My profile:
GRE: Q 147; V 151; AW 4.0
BSc. Industrial Chemistry 4.58/5
Msc. Energy and Environmental Mgt (Merit)
3 years combined experience in Quality control and QHSE; co-authored one paper and another one currently awaiting publication.
No TOEFL.

I applied to four schools (all the applications were done towards the end of Jan)
1) Mississippi State Uni (PhD Chemistry. Environmental Chemistry Concentration)
2)Michigan Tech Uni (PhD Environmental & Energy Policy)
3)Tennessee Tech Uni (PhD Environmental Science; Chemistry option)
4) Clarkson Uni (PhD Environmental Science & Engineering): Though a private uni but they fund.

I had 3 LORs (2 academic and 1 professional)

So I just received a congratulatory email from Tennessee Tech and they said to expect the official admission/offer letter via email within 5 days. I pray the offer is juicy.

Thank you!!!

aanexplus:
Congratulations. Happy about that

@Ndawe. Congratulations!

Congratulations. Get ready for wahala of life

Ndawe:
Hello everyone. I've been an ardent silent follower here. I wrote my GRE sometime in 2012 during my NYSC (first and only attempt). It was this year I decided to further my studies; I didn't require GRE to undertake my MSc. Came here and reported my scores, also asking for where to register for a re-take (geniuses plenty for this thread; I felt so bad with my low scores) and Oludare01 encouraged me to apply with what I had. Though, not so many schools still had their applications open, thus, limiting my choices but he was more than helpful (who says there are no good people left). He took out his time (he even prayed with me sef lol and always had words of encouragement for me) and one would think we go waaay back.
My profile:
GRE: Q 147; V 151; AW 4.0
BSc. Industrial Chemistry 4.58/5
Msc. Energy and Environmental Mgt (Merit)
3 years combined experience in Quality control and QHSE; co-authored one paper and another one currently awaiting publication.
No TOEFL.

I applied to four schools (all the applications were done towards the end of Jan)
1) Mississippi State Uni (PhD Chemistry. Environmental Chemistry Concentration)
2)Michigan Tech Uni (PhD Environmental & Energy Policy)
3)Tennessee Tech Uni (PhD Environmental Science; Chemistry option)
4) Clarkson Uni (PhD Environmental Science & Engineering): Though a private uni but they fund.

I had 3 LORs (2 academic and 1 professional)

So I just received a congratulatory email from Tennessee Tech and they said to expect the official admission/offer letter via email within 5 days. I pray the offer is juicy.

Thank you very much!!! We shall all succeed in this journey we've started.

iCool:
@Ndawe. Congratulations!

Ndawe
Congratulations. PhD in chemistry, I respect thee

Looool. Thank you Sir

fredoricko:
Ndawe
Congratulations. PhD in chemistry, I respect thee