seeker88:
And I was at the Lagos Consulate this morning.. ..but those guys didn't allow me to leave the place with my passport oo, it was only my passport jacket they permitted me to go back with.....

Details coming shortly .. ..

Folsy:
i'd like to say a very thanks to u guyz.. Part 10 transcript helped alot; especially with reference to answering the question 'Y that school'.. Which I learnt how to answer by using the tips from this platform. I was advised to answer, stating that I was encouraged to attend a certain school by a graduate from the school who is currently utilizing the skills and knowledge he acquired in Nigeria, secondly I also stated research work that's currently been done in my department and my excitement in been part of that.
And above all, thanks to God.

Me: Good morning.. . ( passed my passport and i20 already, didn't wait to be asked)
VO: y ETSU
Me: While working as a medical doctor at INEC, I had the privilege of working with the medical director who happens to be an ETSU graduate hence galvanized me to study public health with a concentration in Epidemiology as he has done and contributed significantly to the reduction in the incidence rate of Child health morbidity and morality. He worked with the current Epidemiology HOD at ETSU in a research titled..
Secondly, EtSu is recognized for it's research skills recognized by its collaboration with John Hopkins University in a reaseach aimed at reducing COPD incidence rate.
(at this point, he had already started typing and I guess approving my visa application )
VO: who's sponsoring u?
Me: dad, myself, EtSu and a very close family friend who played a vital role in funding my medical school training.
VO: I can c u currently have a visiting visa but it was gotten in Ghana, y?
Me: ( I chuckled) I schooled in Ghana for 6 years and worked for2years.
VO: ur visa has been approved.. .(hands me some documents for pick up)


I'd say what really helped was my 1st response to his question.
Prior to my interview, he had rejected several peeps and I prayed to God that I shouldnt be sent to him; but hey.. . God took control.
From what I over heard in the denials b4 me, corrections will be; it's better ur sponsor does not currently have a sufficient balance for ur tuition but rather has an active account with money going in and out well than a sudden deposit of money, as 1 of the applicant was questioned for close to 15mins based on a sudden deposit of 19 million naira into her dads account.
Also, try not to repeat the VOs question b4 u answer him/her; rather listen to the question, think about it for a sec, compose urself and then answer strategically ad they may not be willing to listen to all ur reasons so bring the most important 1 first.
Also, don't show any doc if u haven't been asked to show it; it only shows ur nervous.
So when I was asked about who will be my sponsor, I answered and didn't show any bank statement.
Above all, trust God and remain calm, just because the 7 or so peeps that were in front of u were rejected, doesn't mean u will b rejected, as was in my case.
Here's wishing u guyz all the best.
God richly bless the organizers of this group.
#signing out....

Airich01:

After much denial i was fed up and just didn't want to apply again,but my brother urged me. I did,and this time i was FURIOUS and determined i will not waste 64k. 2 months before interview i fasted 3 days dry... on day 2,exactly at 3pm,there i was telling myself,...egn,it's not yet time,...i broke the fast...haaa! Was this not the devil playing me? Fast-foward to 4 days to interview. I fasted the dry and i didn't break inbetween....Lol.
Na God...
I prayed and cried my heart out to God. Thus time around i researched very ,very well,knowing the number of credit hours...the schools history..my faculty's board as in you would think i had nithing else to do,but in the long run it paid off... interview day i keft from igando that morning at 4am. got to walter Carrington at 6am. Can you believe i forgot my sevis rciept Lwkmd....bu right now i'm glad i did,thiugh i paid a heavy amount to print it...God forgive those people...God was planning,i was stupid...if you prove to be smart then there's no space for God.i went in and out of the embassy 3 times before and after interview.
1. I didn't have sevis.
2. i had a nail-cutter as my key-holdér and they said no sharp objects.
3. To go and withdraw money for reciprocal fees (after approval).

Do you all see how God delayed me but for good??

Now to the main course....

i was sent to the guy that interviewed me last time.. i was already broken when i saw his face.... i had seen my end,but i couldnot see what my God was seeing.

vo:good morning.
me:how are you today?
vo:fine and you?
me:i'm fine sir.
vo:so,why are you going to the USA?
me: To pursue my bachelor's degree in Construction management.
vo: why US?
me: The USA is a country that is well fecognized for it's academic excellence and enhanced learning experienced,also the USA has one of the best educational system in the world offering flexible educational opportunities accross 4000 institutions.
vo:tell me abut your school....
me:...I did,explicitly.
vo: why your school??
me: i chiose this school because their contruction management course is accredited by the American Council For Construction Education,which is a global advocate for construction education.Also,at this school i'd get to learn management skills which will enable me learn how to manage and coordinate policies ,equipment,budget and schedule as well as the safety of general public and employees,also i picked this school because i was given scholarship and their tuition is affordable.
vo:tell me about your school
me: this school is a public four year university,located in... they are part of the xyz state colleges and universities system,they also have over 125 student bodies and they offer 75 majors.Established in...., its is part of the tric-college university system...
vo.... i am going to approve your visa.

can you believe i didn't sign my i20 until i went back home?

i was disarrayed and unprepared mentally ,but God was prepared.

Here's what was funny,it was as if this bros,didn't want to ask me questions.It was as if he had made up his mind.
He asked me about my brother,i said the same nonsense,but this same guy who denied me for that reason,approved me. Now tell me why won't God be praised. Abeg help me thank God.

For thise applying:
This is a matter that needs utter concentration. No be joke. Treat it like a joke and it'd show you it's funny.
Olease read this few advice...:
1: Pray,pray and pray more...as my pastor says,'you can never overpray you can only under pray'
2. Don't cram o... You will regret it.Understand what you are saying ,because if they ask you question,you'd feel like a faulty car with no breaks.
3. Oractice ,practice and more practice...
4. Don't read testimonies and fail to remember you haven't gotten yours.
5. Be google friendly, the people here have their lives and remember you are not thr only one trying to get yours.
6..... The God that did mine,will do yours,if you have good intentions for going. God bless you and have a wonderful year.


Cc... Walspring,brightify,texrem,lagosismyhome,now i don forget names sef.... but thank you all fam....Your help all the way through was helpful and God will repay you dearly. The fact that you all left your busy lives to help me...i'd be damned not to say thank you. God bless all your hardwork for me and all those you have helped here.
#happy...

Folsy:
i'd like to say a very thanks to u guyz.. Part 10 transcript helped alot; especially with reference to answering the question 'Y that school'.. Which I learnt how to answer by using the tips from this platform. I was advised to answer, stating that I was encouraged to attend a certain school by a graduate from the school who is currently utilizing the skills and knowledge he acquired in Nigeria, secondly I also stated research work that's currently been done in my department and my excitement in been part of that.
And above all, thanks to God.

Me: Good morning.. . ( passed my passport and i20 already, didn't wait to be asked)
VO: y ETSU
Me: While working as a medical doctor at INEC, I had the privilege of working with the medical director who happens to be an ETSU graduate hence galvanized me to study public health with a concentration in Epidemiology as he has done and contributed significantly to the reduction in the incidence rate of Child health morbidity and morality. He worked with the current Epidemiology HOD at ETSU in a research titled..
Secondly, EtSu is recognized for it's research skills recognized by its collaboration with John Hopkins University in a reaseach aimed at reducing COPD incidence rate.
(at this point, he had already started typing and I guess approving my visa application )
VO: who's sponsoring u?
Me: dad, myself, EtSu and a very close family friend who played a vital role in funding my medical school training.
VO: I can c u currently have a visiting visa but it was gotten in Ghana, y?
Me: ( I chuckled) I schooled in Ghana for 6 years and worked for2years.
VO: ur visa has been approved.. .(hands me some documents for pick up)


I'd say what really helped was my 1st response to his question.
Prior to my interview, he had rejected several peeps and I prayed to God that I shouldnt be sent to him; but hey.. . God took control.
From what I over heard in the denials b4 me, corrections will be; it's better ur sponsor does not currently have a sufficient balance for ur tuition but rather has an active account with money going in and out well than a sudden deposit of money, as 1 of the applicant was questioned for close to 15mins based on a sudden deposit of 19 million naira into her dads account.
Also, try not to repeat the VOs question b4 u answer him/her; rather listen to the question, think about it for a sec, compose urself and then answer strategically ad they may not be willing to listen to all ur reasons so bring the most important 1 first.
Also, don't show any doc if u haven't been asked to show it; it only shows ur nervous.
So when I was asked about who will be my sponsor, I answered and didn't show any bank statement.
Above all, trust God and remain calm, just because the 7 or so peeps that were in front of u were rejected, doesn't mean u will b rejected, as was in my case.
Here's wishing u guyz all the best.
God richly bless the organizers of this group.
#signing out....

happyday:


Your GRE was the deal breaker. How badly do you want this?

With that weak GPA, if you could get at least 168 on your GRE Quant, and at least a 160 on your Verbal, you'll boost your odds of getting in. Again, if you want this badly enough, you'll prep for the GRE to get those scores.

FYI, schools don't care how many times you take the test. Just put your best foot forward.

Cheers!

LagosismyHome:


Well it states "inital" i20 but is yours inital or an amendment / correction

joeluv:
I think your CGPA is too low for MA in Economics. You'd need lots of experince to make up for this. MA economics is very competitive. May be you should think of choosing another course closely related to MA economics.

LagosismyHome:


Some times a transcript doesnt tell someone the whole picture....because it does not shows the non verbal . We dont know if he looked very shaky or not confident

Most importantly.... is this a bsc going for another bsc. This transcript doesnt say....also maybe the VO was expecting him to sell himself more om why america and after one sentence he stopped ...

texrem:


That your friend profile is not good for ETSU. I dont know about other schools. Just PM me.

yinkdj1:


Egbon, how you take know say na like this the inter iew go? Make your friend talk for hinsef, make we know where we Wan start

Sleek004:
A friend of mine was at the embassy today but was denied..6:30am windows 3 after just 2 questions
V.O: Good morning

friend: Good morning Sir

v.o: You going to troy university

friend :yes sir

v.o: y America

friend: America has the best educational system and modern educational program

v.o: * sips coffee* and gives him a blue paper and told him good bye

friend is feeling sick right now and doesn't know what he did wrong

Sleek004:
A friend of mine was at the embassy today but was denied..6:30am windows 3 after just 2 questions
V.O: Good morning

friend: Good morning Sir

v.o: You going to troy university

friend :yes sir

v.o: y America

friend: America has the best educational system and modern educational program

v.o: * sips coffee* and gives him a blue paper and told him good bye

friend is feeling sick right now and doesn't know what he did wrong

seeker88:
Interview come finally start. Choi, see blue papers flying upandan, small fear catch me, but I still gather morale. It finally got to my turn, and below was the conversation between the VO and I:

VO: Good morning Sir **for my mind, I say this one way this man dey greet me with Sir **
Me: Good morning, how was your weekend?
VO: Great! And yours?
Me: Very well thank you.
*passed my document to him during d greetings *
VO: So tell me why you choose this school?
Me: I chose Texas A&M University Kingsville because the school offers a concentration in Renewable Energy system within their MSc Mechanical Engineering program.... * I never talk finish n vo cuts in*
VO: why the concentration in renewable energy? *I didn't expect this*
Me: The world is moving towards cleaner renewable energy so I wanna move with the trend.
VO: Tell me how the course is gonna run?
Me: I will be required to complete a total of 30 credit hours within 24 months; 12 credit hours of core courses, 12 credit hours of elective courses and 6 credit hours of thesis..... *he didn't allow me finish*
VO: So what are those core courses?
Me: Advanced engineering analysis, Advanced Fluid Mechanics, Continuum Mechanics, *vo cuts in again*
VO: Did you apply to any other school?
Me: Yes, I applied to a total of 6 schools, and got 4 admits, 1 rejects and 1 pending. (I actually applied to 11 schools but I was afraid d VO might see me as being desperate if I mention 11 schools). Thanks to DrHopeful for this advice.
VO: So why did you choose this school over the other ones?
Me: During the application process, I developed a good relationship with Prof ****** who's currently working on a research in my area of interest. He was quite impressed with my GPA and GRE that he agreed to allow me join his research team upon my arrival. *at this point, I saw him brought out a white paper and circled a part, I started stammering...... Couldn't finish d last line as a result. I didn't even hear when d vo mentioned anything on approval. I just saw him passing d white paper to me
VO: *passes the white paper along with my i-20* .....it usually takes 4-5 days to process, I didn't hear d rest.

Immediately, my brain just reset... *in my mind I was, just like that? * Na so I collect d white paper disappear sharply.

No document was asked. He didn't ask me why I'm switching to Mech Engr from Pet Engr......neither did he ask how my current job relates to my intended Msc program. Everything was just God's favour.

My Little Advice
*Please make sure you go with a 'big' hard copy of your passport, not a 'tiny' one like mine. I was quite surprised that this was required from everyone even though it wasn't clearly stated as one of the items to come to d embassy with.
*Like what my bosses have said here over n over again; know about your school and course. It's d key.
*don't be in a haste to bring out document when it's not asked. One man in front of me was denied outrightly when he tried giving d VO a document that d VO never requested for. The VO just said to d man "I didn't ask you for any document, and then passed the man's passport to him with a blue paper immediately.
*I think the way one answers the very first question matters. They say first impression matters. If you answer the first and second question wella, they may not want to further probe ur genuineness with so many questions. Some VO may not even be patience enough to ask more questions/documents to confirm your genuineness.
*Go through d transcripts here to learn more about suitable responses, then develop d response to suit ur own case. I went through the transcript of part 10 and it was very insightful. Thanks to iCool for compiling such.
*Pray as if everything depends on prayer and prepare as if everything depends on ur preparation.
Anyways, these pieces of advice are not entirely new to anyone who has been here.

seeker88:
Finally, I want to specially thank everyone here who has contributed to this thread in one way or the other...i can't mention names cos they are innumerable. I appreciate your selfless services.
I want to specially thank texrem who helped in paying my sevis fee.

I wish those who are to get their visa all d best. Just go through the transcripts here n go grab ur visa with confidence.


congrats boss,were you offered any GA?
Congrats to those who also got their visas approved today, and to those who visas were delayed today, please fire back and get ur visa. Sorry for my loooooong story.

seeker88:
Finally, I want to specially thank everyone here who has contributed to this thread in one way or the other...i can't mention names cos they are innumerable. I appreciate your selfless services.
I want to specially thank texrem who helped in paying my sevis fee.

I wish those who are to get their visa all d best. Just go through the transcripts here n go grab ur visa with confidence.
Congrats to those who also got their visas approved today, and to those who visas were delayed today, please fire back and get ur visa. Sorry for my loooooong story.

Drocks:
Congrats bro

gaviria:

168 Quant and 160 Verbal? That's reaching if you ask me for someone that's not a science student especially the Quant. Well I think if he can get 310 and above. Then write an impressive SOP detailing why the CGPA is like that.

bobot:
can 2m-2.5m covers for my 1st year tuition fee/feeding in US ?
please i need your kind advise/suggestions

seeker88:

No document was asked. He didn't ask me why I'm switching to Mech Engr from Pet Engr......neither did he ask how my current job relates to my intended Msc program. Everything was just God's favour.

bigugo247:



texerem pls pm me too. tanx

happyday:


Of all Social Sciences, economics programs emphasize the most on the GRE Quant score.

Time2Smile:

Congratulations!!! VO even used sir for you. I hail ooo. During my interview me self go use Sir and Ma for any VO that interviews me regardless of age. It is a nice courtesy.

seeker88:

Not until this Fall 2017 application cycle, I used to think that you are already in the US, maybe because of your knowledge and contributions in here.

Boss! You've finally achieved that milestone. This is just the beginning of greater things that will come your way....I wish you ALL d BEST in America. Cheers man!

OjaP:


Congrats!! Just out of curiosity; where are you working presently? Why did you switch from petroleum engineering to mechanical with a renewable concentration?

seeker88:

Thanks a lot boss.. ..
I work with an Oil servicing firm in d area of project cost controlling.
My decision to switch was because I feel that d era of petroleum is gradually phasing out and also d fact that Pet considers mainly the non-renewable energy sources (ie, crude oil n natural gas) which makes it more streamlined . Since I still have interest in energy, mechanical engr on d other hand will give me more avenue to explore various renewable energy resources and not being restricted to only crude oil n natural gas.

OjaP:


That's a smart move. With a Mech. Eng. degree, you can still go back to the oil industry and work as a petroleum engineer. You can also easily get other engineering jobs outside of petroleum too. In contrast, you may find it so tough to get into other sectors with a Pet. Eng degree.

I see you mentioned Engineering Management, some schools have it as a concentration in their mechanical engineering program. My school has it as a concentration in their Industrial & Systems engineering program and I picked that concentration - don't ask me why. So, you see it depends on what you actually want the degree to do for you.

Congrats again not just for the visa but for the wise decision.