Hello Nahum777, so whats your final take on the transit visa palava with Ethiopian airlines?

Nahum777:
Na baba Ijebu or bet naija

sureb0yy:
Fall 2018 class. I'll be here soon to give you orientation and some ginger so you don't come here and sleep on bicycle. Tomorrow is my 2 year anniversary of landing in this country. To celebrate, I'll come and give you better OT. If you have ears abi eyes, listen o.

How about you just create a thread for that?

Let me help you guys finish your fight @nahum777 and @4peace4

You can say all the right things and still get refused your visa but you can't say all the wrong things and get the visa. End of discussion.

kfrosh:
Let me help you guys finish your fight @nahum777 and @

You can say all the right things and still get refused your visa but you can't say all the wrong things and get the visa. End of discussion.

iceberge:

I spoke with the guys at the ethiopian airline office located at the MMIA. they said we will not be needing any transit visa. Moreso, I have seen on this thread guys who travelled with same airline, they also confirm that we will not require a transit visa. I can send you the number of the guys at the MMIA if its ok by you...just that I dont know how PM works here

Bros I never travel oo. I no dey answer watin I no know

kfrosh:
Let me help you guys finish your fight @nahum777 and @4peace4

You can say all the right things and still get refused your visa but you can't say all the wrong things and get the visa. End of discussion.

funny stuff. You are right though.

Segunagagu:
I did bsc finance undergraduate..I want to pursue my masters in MBA business administration in the US. hope am cool. And plsss ...is WIDENER University a good school!!!!

A simple Google or Bing search will answer your question about the quality of Widener University.

I’m a silent reader but an avid reader, I owe everyone who took out time to post their transcript on this platform. It is only wise and prudent of me to return the favor.
Here’s a few tip from me to every prospective visa seeking student.
1. Put God First.
2. Pray without ceasing at least for the last 7days before the interview.
3. Fast if you can. I did that 3 day to my interview.
4. Leave your battle to God to fight.
5. Dress according to what you depict. The way you dress is the way you’ll be addressed.
6. Forget the respect. Majority of the VO’s and workers at the embassy are not older than you. I didn’t greet anyone. Not even the white guy who registered my fingers. He was forced to greet me. Actually I was waiting for him to greet me first. He’s in my country for Gods sake. He should respect me. Not the other way round.
7. Finally, forget the MA or SIR you use for the VO except in exceptional circumstance when you know he/she is way older than you. The VO greeeted me first. I didn’t and it was deliberate. We are all playing mind games.
8. Lastly, be bold, look at the VO straight in the eye, don’t stutter, know your onions and get your facts straight. A little research on google here and there will go a long way.

Interview was on 3rd Aug 2018 @6:45am
*No bank statement was asked
*No stress. Just simple question and answer.
* I wore my blue suit. (Las las if Na blue paper I go get make I match am with my suit in peace) Na so I reason am �

Forgot my hair brush with me. Had to throw it away as it will not be allowed in but e pain me.

We queued and did the normal check in process. Waited for my turn with the VO. Not long they arrived in their ferry and went straight in for the job of the day.

People were been interviewed and I was looking like mumu, about 25-30 persons before me, all blue paper except one fair guy who had his interview at window 7 got a white paper. One girl was denied at window 3 and she began a scene for a few minute shouting on top of her voice while asking why the VO (a female white lady) denied her after having applied for about 3x or so. She was heartbroken but nothing could be done. She was later ushered out after the VO left her window because she couldn’t engage her further. I felt her pain but hey all man for himself.

I was interviewed at window 6, a white guy in his early thirties. He denied the guy before me. I could tell from the blue line I’m standig on that he’s gonna deny the guy before me because the guys voice was shaking and he’s not composed.

Interview proper.
VO: Good morning
Me: Morning. How are you?

VO: I’m fine. Passport and I20
Me: passed it to him

VO: So you are going to the Ohio State
Me: Yes

VO: What’s your purpose there?
Me: I’m going for my graduate studies in advance legal research.

VO: Great. You are a lawyer?
Me: Yes

VO: Tell me about your educational background.
Me: *He unleashed the dragon* I finished from University of Ilorin in the year 2013, attended the Nigerian Law School from 2013-2014, did my compulsory national youth service program, practiced with 2 law firms and I’m currently at my second job.

VO: hmmm ok. How many schools did you applied too
Me: 3 Schools. Ohio State, university of Arizona and Houston Law center.

VO: What will this degree do for you.
Me: of course it is to build an impressive and attractive profile so that job applications from me to top leading law firm in Nigeria will not be refused when I’m back to seek a better opportunity. *Pls and pls, always link your answers to your home country (Naija). It’s important and a major factor in whether or not you’ll be approved for a visa*
VO: Hummm, nodding in agreement. What’s your major?
Me: Corporate Law

VO: hmm ok. So you said you’ll be applying to firms in Nigeria here?
Me: Yes

VO: Ever travelled out?
Me: Nope I don’t have a reason to until now, as you can see my passport is a Virgin. (Winked at him)

VO: He smiled, Married or any children?
Me: Gave him a grin, nope.

VO: I’ll be approving your Visa. Pick your passport up in 3 Days time
Me: Thank you.

That’s how I collect my white paper and left. Did the normal police sorting at the enterance. Two female officers got 1k from me. Celebration money you dig. �. Did as if nothing happened, kept walking to Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue to get a cab to my hotel (Beni Gold Apartments). The touts dey ask me how far? Dem grant me? I no even answer. I squeeze face like say dem deny me.

God bless everyone and to those who are waiting for their date/hour, those that have applied and have been denied, don’t loose hope. Keep trying, God will put a smile on y’all face soon.
Thank you.

Sorry about the denial but honestly, I can't see no connections at all in ur response. Take some time and review your response again. Good luck!

Ryansplich:
I’m a silent reader but an avid reader, I owe everyone who took out time to post their transcript on this platform. It is only wise and prudent of me to return the favor.
Here’s a few tip from me to every prospective visa seeking student.
1. Put God First.
2. Pray without ceasing at least for the last 7days before the interview.
3. Fast if you can. I did that 3 day to my interview.
4. Leave your battle to God to fight.
5. Dress according to what you depict. The way you dress is the way you’ll be addressed.
6. Forget the respect. Majority of the VO’s and workers at the embassy are not older than you. I didn’t greet anyone. Not even the white guy who registered my fingers. He was forced to greet me. Actually I was waiting for him to greet me first. He’s in my country for Gods sake. He should respect me. Not the other way round.
7. Finally, forget the MA or SIR you use for the VO except in exceptional circumstance when you know he/she is way older than you. The VO greeeted me first. I didn’t and it was deliberate. We are all playing mind games.
8. Lastly, be bold, look at the VO straight in the eye, don’t stutter, know your onions and get your facts straight. A little research on google here and there will go a long way.

Interview was on 3rd Aug 2018 @6:45am
*No bank statement was asked
*No stress. Just simple question and answer.
* I wore my blue suit. (Las las if Na blue paper I go get make I match am with my suit in peace) Na so I reason am �

Forgot my hair brush with me. Had to throw it away as it will not be allowed in but e pain me.

We queued and did the normal check in process. Waited for my turn with the VO. Not long they arrived in their ferry and went straight in for the job of the day.

People were been interviewed and I was looking like mumu, about 25-30 persons before me, all blue paper except one fair guy who had his interview at window 7 got a white paper. One girl was denied at window 3 and she began a scene for a few minute shouting on top of her voice while asking why the VO (a female white lady) denied her after having applied for about 3x or so. She was heartbroken but nothing could be done. She was later ushered out after the VO left her window because she couldn’t engage her further. I felt her pain but hey all man for himself.

I was interviewed at window 6, a white guy in his early thirties. He denied the guy before me. I could tell from the blue line I’m standig on that he’s gonna deny the guy before me because the guys voice was shaking and he’s not composed.

Interview proper.
VO: Good morning
Me: Morning. How are you?

VO: I’m fine. Passport and I20
Me: passed it to him

VO: So you are going to the Ohio State
Me: Yes

VO: What’s your purpose there?
Me: I’m going for my graduate studies in advance legal research.

VO: Great. You are a lawyer?
Me: Yes

VO: Tell me about your educational background.
Me: *He unleashed the dragon* I finished from University of Ilorin in the year 2013, attended the Nigerian Law School from 2013-2014, did my compulsory national youth service program, practiced with 2 law firms and I’m currently at my second job.

VO: hmmm ok. How many schools did you applied too
Me: 3 Schools. Ohio State, university of Arizona and Houston Law center.

VO: What will this degree do for you.
Me: of course it is to build an impressive and attractive profile so that job applications from me to top leading law firm in Nigeria will not be refused when I’m back to seek a better opportunity. *Pls and pls, always link your answers to your home country (Naija). It’s important and a major factor in whether or not you’ll be approved for a visa*
VO: Hummm, nodding in agreement. What’s your major?
Me: Corporate Law

VO: hmm ok. So you said you’ll be applying to firms in Nigeria here?
Me: Yes

VO: Ever travelled out?
Me: Nope I don’t have a reason to until now, as you can see my passport is a Virgin. (Winked at him)

VO: He smiled, Married or any children?
Me: Gave him a grin, nope.

VO: I’ll be approving your Visa. Pick your passport up in 3 Days time
Me: Thank you.

That’s how I collect my white paper and left. Did the normal police sorting at the enterance. Two female officers got 1k from me. Celebration money you dig. �. Did as if nothing happened, kept walking to Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue to get a cab to my hotel (Beni Gold Apartments). The touts dey ask me how far? Dem grant me? I no even answer. I squeeze face like say dem deny me.

God bless everyone and to those who are waiting for their date/hour, those that have applied and have been denied, don’t loose hope. Keep trying, God will put a smile on y’all face soon.
Thank you.

Congratulations bro. Enjoy trump's land

Urgently in need of dollars, if interested send email to hamiltonekeziem@gmail.com

Nahum777:
Lol, people don't want to hear the truth. Personally, other people's failures motivate me to do better (This might sound like "bad Belle", but that's just me). When you hear that people are getting refused, your brain would tell you that you need to practice more and you need to be 100% prepared. I prepared for a whole month, I memorized a whole book within this period and that's because of the stories I heard about how people get rejected and how it's not easy to obtain your visa. It was quite easy for me, but the refusal stories made me prepare harder than I would normally do if the stories were all positive. In fact, the two people who were rejected before me gave me a confidence boost because I knew I had better answers to the questions the VO asked. If those two people were approved, hehe I am not sure I would have gotten that boost (Yes, bad Belle, but that's how I felt).

Most times negative stories help us avoid mistakes. And I personally love when people say "Many people were denied". This will tell you that it's not a child's play and you need to be serious about your visa. You have to put in work. You can't just wake up and go to the embassy without preparing prior to your interview.

I repeat, I used 1 month to prepare.

1) I used 1 week to compose, correct and put my transcript in place.

2) I memorized my transcript every morning when I woke and night before going to bed. I stood in front of the mirror and demonstrated how I would talk when I get to the embassy.

3) I checked the dictionary for the real pronunciation of words.

4) I thought about possible questions and answers that weren't on my transcript in the bathroom. Yes, I would ask myself a random question and think about a great answer for that question.

5) I did research about my school, the state, the location, the culture and the professors. I watched YouTube videos from people who are currently in the school and they spoke about how it's to be at the school. I watched YouTube videos on visa interview and people's experiences. I followed this thread for a year before my interview.

6) I took this stuff very seriously. I wasn't joking with this, I prepared like God didn't exist, I prepared like it was a final year exam.

7) I went on Quora to read stuff about the school from present students, to help me with the "Why this school? " question.

I be beard gang, but I cut my beard and cut my hair really neat and nice like I was going for a job interview. I put on a tie with my white shirt and trouser to the interview. This was how serious I took this thing.

9) Tell your mom or your sisters to pray for you and pray as well lol. Pray and work for your success.

10) Be consistent with your answers and make sure you don't say anything that's not on your DS160.

11) Some people will tell you not to cram, but don't mind them. If you are good with cramming, my brothers and sisters do your thing. Don't cram all, just cram the important questions and work out answers in your head for possible questions.

This worked for me and it will work for you if you are serious about this.

BONUS!

No funding, no standardized test, my school had an 100% acceptance rate and nothing exception. The only exceptional thing was how I presented my case.

Thanks for this write up.

I have been a silent follower of this great platform and I had my interview on Saturday 4th August, 2018. I believe it’s only right for me to give back to prospective students/F1 visa applicants.

I got to Walter Carlington at 7:30am, interview time was meant to be for 9:30am (I had to arrive that early because I get paranoid when I’m running late or have to rush).
My siblings had to park far away from the embassy and as I had to wait another 2hrs+ before the interview time, I felt tensed because of the long wait and as I sensed it was about to get to me, I had to walk around the parking area and squat a bit just to get the tension off me and to also get myself ready and confident.
Left the park for the embassy at 9:00am and on getting to the embassy, to my surprise applicants for 9:30am have been passed in. My head was about to spin again but fortunately the man who was in charge came out and said all those with appointment time 7:30am to 10:30am should line up and we were gradually passed in.

We had to do the normal documentation and verification process and then the long wait again under the pavilion. Eventually, we got going and it was time to go to the main building for the interview proper.

It was a big crowd as the hall was crowded to its brim. I was passed to a black lady who requested for my I-20 and Passport, returned it back after some minutes and I was directed to go for the fingerprint.
Afterwards, I had to join a waiting queue to be directed to the different VOs/windows.

I was eventually directed to window 6, a white young lady.

VO - Good morning
Me - Good morning!
VO - Pass your passport and your I-20
Me - I did as told
VO - Where are you going to?
Me - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for a Masters in History and a major in African History
VO - How many schools did you apply to?
Me - 4 schools. In addition to SIUe, I applied to Illinois State University, Cleveland State University and Wright State University
VO - How many admits?
Me - I got admitted to all except Wright State University
VO - So tell me what you know about SIUe
Me - This kind of caught me by surprise but I responded quickly by saying SIUe is located in Edwardsville, Illinois and it was established in 1957 as a sister University to Southern Illinois University Carbondale
VO - That’s okay! So why did you choose SIUe?
Me - I chose SIUe because the History Department has done more research on the civilizations in Africa than the other schools and this is also my area of research interest. In addition, I was offered a full tuition waiver and a graduate assistantship
VO - What would your research be about?
Me - The influence of the Bantu civilization and migration on other African states
VO - Oh interesting! I know a little about the Bantu civilization. So how much research have you done on it?
Me - I haven’t done much research on it, I however have the advantage of working with professors who have done extensive research on the civilizations in Africa
VO - I see you have an assistantship as well. What will you be doing as a GA?
Me - I will assist a professor in taking an undergraduate class. I will also be in charge of grading papers and assignments and some other office duties that will be assigned to me when I get to Edwardsville
VO - You said you worked as a research assistant in Helsinki. What was it about?
Me - It was a EU-funded project aimed at understanding the difficulties highly educated immigrants face in getting jobs in their expertise in Finland
VO - Did you study in Finland as well?
Me - Yes (wrong answer - so I corrected myself) I told her no I didn’t study in Finland. I however studied in a neighboring country to Finland
VO - So who paid for your education there?
Me - My Dad but (I said something worthless afterwards)
VO - Are you married?
Me - No, I am not!
VO - Kids?
Me - No, I don’t have any kids
VO - Okay (while stretching her hand to get the white paper) So you will get your passport at this location (she circled it) in 3/4 working days. Ensure you take your I-20 with you as you’ll be requested to show it at the POE
Me - Thank you
VO - Do have a nice day!

Profile:
BA - History & International Studies (2:1)
MA - International Relations & European-Asian Studies
IELTS - 7.5
I got full funding to SIUe and partial funding to Illinois State University
Travel History - I have lived in Europe for the past 5yrs and still have a valid residence permit. I have also traveled to Egypt, the UK, Ireland, Sweden (I am not sure how much of this counted)

I had a 14hr flight from Helsinki to Lagos on the 2nd-3rd August, a day to my interview and I didn’t get a proper sleep (anxiety coupled with the jetlag)

Big shout out and thanks to @Shayhune✌��� and to everyone who has contributed positively on this page!

I always happy whenever I see historian been approved at the embassy. Bro. Please reply my pm.

Orlaboday:
I have been a silent follower of this great platform and I had my interview on Saturday 4th August, 2018. I believe it’s only right for me to give back to prospective students/F1 visa applicants.

I got to Walter Carlington at 7:30am, interview time was meant to be for 9:30am (I had to arrive that early because I get paranoid when I’m running late or have to rush).
My siblings had to park far away from the embassy and as I had to wait another 2hrs+ before the interview time, I felt tensed because of the long wait and as I sensed it was about to get to me, I had to walk around the parking area and squat a bit just to get the tension off me and to also get myself ready and confident.
Left the park for the embassy at 9:00am and on getting to the embassy, to my surprise applicants for 9:30am have been passed in. My head was about to spin again but fortunately the man who was in charge came out and said all those with appointment time 7:30am to 10:30am should line up and we were gradually passed in.

We had to do the normal documentation and verification process and then the long wait again under the pavilion. Eventually, we got going and it was time to go to the main building for the interview proper.

It was a big crowd as the hall was crowded to its brim. I was passed to a black lady who requested for my I-20 and Passport, returned it back after some minutes and I was directed to go for the fingerprint.
Afterwards, I had to join a waiting queue to be directed to the different VOs/windows.

I was eventually directed to window 6, a white young lady.

VO - Good morning
Me - Good morning!
VO - Pass your passport and your I-20
Me - I did as told
VO - Where are you going to?
Me - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for a Masters in History and a major in African History
VO - How many schools did you apply to?
Me - 4 schools. In addition to SIUe, I applied to Illinois State University, Cleveland State University and Wright State University
VO - How many admits?
Me - I got admitted to all except Wright State University
VO - So tell me what you know about SIUe
Me - This kind of caught me by surprise but I responded quickly by saying SIUe is located in Edwardsville, Illinois and it was established in 1957 as a sister University to Southern Illinois University Carbondale
VO - That’s okay! So why did you choose SIUe?
Me - I chose SIUe because the History Department has done more research on the civilizations in Africa than the other schools and this is also my area of research interest. In addition, I was offered a full tuition waiver and a graduate assistantship
VO - What would your research be about?
Me - The influence of the Bantu civilization and migration on other African states
VO - Oh interesting! I know a little about the Bantu civilization. So how much research have you done on it?
Me - I haven’t done much research on it, I however have the advantage of working with professors who have done extensive research on the civilizations in Africa
VO - I see you have an assistantship as well. What will you be doing as a GA?
Me - I will assist a professor in taking an undergraduate class. I will also be in charge of grading papers and assignments and some other office duties that will be assigned to me when I get to Edwardsville
VO - You said you worked as a research assistant in Helsinki. What was it about?
Me - It was a EU-funded project aimed at understanding the difficulties highly educated immigrants face in getting jobs in their expertise in Finland
VO - Did you study in Finland as well?
Me - Yes (wrong answer - so I corrected myself) I told her no I didn’t study in Finland. I however studied in a neighboring country to Finland
VO - So who paid for your education there?
Me - My Dad but (I said something worthless afterwards)
VO - Are you married?
Me - No, I am not!
VO - Kids?
Me - No, I don’t have any kids
VO - Okay (while stretching her hand to get the white paper) So you will get your passport at this location (she circled it) in 3/4 working days. Ensure you take your I-20 with you as you’ll be requested to show it at the POE
Me - Thank you
VO - Do have a nice day!

Profile:
BA - History & International Studies (2:1)
MA - International Relations & European-Asian Studies
IELTS - 7.5
I got full funding to SIUe and partial funding to Illinois State University
Travel History - I have lived in Europe for the past 5yrs and still have a valid residence permit. I have also traveled to Egypt, the UK, Ireland, Sweden (I am not sure how much of this counted)

I had a 14hr flight from Helsinki to Lagos on the 2nd-3rd August, a day to my interview and I didn’t get a proper sleep (anxiety coupled with the jetlag)

Big shout out and thanks to @Shayhune✌��� and to everyone who has contributed positively on this page!

kekenation:
I always happy whenever I see historian been approved at the embassy. Bro. Please reply my pm.

I replied you twice Sir!

Orlaboday:
I have been a silent follower of this great platform and I had my interview on Saturday 4th August, 2018. I believe it’s only right for me to give back to prospective students/F1 visa applicants.

I got to Walter Carlington at 7:30am, interview time was meant to be for 9:30am (I had to arrive that early because I get paranoid when I’m running late or have to rush).
My siblings had to park far away from the embassy and as I had to wait another 2hrs+ before the interview time, I felt tensed because of the long wait and as I sensed it was about to get to me, I had to walk around the parking area and squat a bit just to get the tension off me and to also get myself ready and confident.
Left the park for the embassy at 9:00am and on getting to the embassy, to my surprise applicants for 9:30am have been passed in. My head was about to spin again but fortunately the man who was in charge came out and said all those with appointment time 7:30am to 10:30am should line up and we were gradually passed in.

We had to do the normal documentation and verification process and then the long wait again under the pavilion. Eventually, we got going and it was time to go to the main building for the interview proper.

It was a big crowd as the hall was crowded to its brim. I was passed to a black lady who requested for my I-20 and Passport, returned it back after some minutes and I was directed to go for the fingerprint.
Afterwards, I had to join a waiting queue to be directed to the different VOs/windows.

I was eventually directed to window 6, a white young lady.

VO - Good morning
Me - Good morning!
VO - Pass your passport and your I-20
Me - I did as told
VO - Where are you going to?
Me - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for a Masters in History and a major in African History
VO - How many schools did you apply to?
Me - 4 schools. In addition to SIUe, I applied to Illinois State University, Cleveland State University and Wright State University
VO - How many admits?
Me - I got admitted to all except Wright State University
VO - So tell me what you know about SIUe
Me - This kind of caught me by surprise but I responded quickly by saying SIUe is located in Edwardsville, Illinois and it was established in 1957 as a sister University to Southern Illinois University Carbondale
VO - That’s okay! So why did you choose SIUe?
Me - I chose SIUe because the History Department has done more research on the civilizations in Africa than the other schools and this is also my area of research interest. In addition, I was offered a full tuition waiver and a graduate assistantship
VO - What would your research be about?
Me - The influence of the Bantu civilization and migration on other African states
VO - Oh interesting! I know a little about the Bantu civilization. So how much research have you done on it?
Me - I haven’t done much research on it, I however have the advantage of working with professors who have done extensive research on the civilizations in Africa
VO - I see you have an assistantship as well. What will you be doing as a GA?
Me - I will assist a professor in taking an undergraduate class. I will also be in charge of grading papers and assignments and some other office duties that will be assigned to me when I get to Edwardsville
VO - You said you worked as a research assistant in Helsinki. What was it about?
Me - It was a EU-funded project aimed at understanding the difficulties highly educated immigrants face in getting jobs in their expertise in Finland
VO - Did you study in Finland as well?
Me - Yes (wrong answer - so I corrected myself) I told her no I didn’t study in Finland. I however studied in a neighboring country to Finland
VO - So who paid for your education there?
Me - My Dad but (I said something worthless afterwards)
VO - Are you married?
Me - No, I am not!
VO - Kids?
Me - No, I don’t have any kids
VO - Okay (while stretching her hand to get the white paper) So you will get your passport at this location (she circled it) in 3/4 working days. Ensure you take your I-20 with you as you’ll be requested to show it at the POE
Me - Thank you
VO - Do have a nice day!

Profile:
BA - History & International Studies (2:1)
MA - International Relations & European-Asian Studies
IELTS - 7.5
I got full funding to SIUe and partial funding to Illinois State University
Travel History - I have lived in Europe for the past 5yrs and still have a valid residence permit. I have also traveled to Egypt, the UK, Ireland, Sweden (I am not sure how much of this counted)

I had a 14hr flight from Helsinki to Lagos on the 2nd-3rd August, a day to my interview and I didn’t get a proper sleep (anxiety coupled with the jetlag)

Big shout out and thanks to @Shayhune✌��� and to everyone who has contributed positively on this page!

Official or Unofficial transcript, which did you submit during application process?

Ryansplich:
I’m a silent reader but an avid reader, I owe everyone who took out time to post their transcript on this platform. It is only wise and prudent of me to return the favor.
Here’s a few tip from me to every prospective visa seeking student.
1. Put God First.
2. Pray without ceasing at least for the last 7days before the interview.
3. Fast if you can. I did that 3 day to my interview.
4. Leave your battle to God to fight.
5. Dress according to what you depict. The way you dress is the way you’ll be addressed.
6. Forget the respect. Majority of the VO’s and workers at the embassy are not older than you. I didn’t greet anyone. Not even the white guy who registered my fingers. He was forced to greet me. Actually I was waiting for him to greet me first. He’s in my country for Gods sake. He should respect me. Not the other way round.
7. Finally, forget the MA or SIR you use for the VO except in exceptional circumstance when you know he/she is way older than you. The VO greeeted me first. I didn’t and it was deliberate. We are all playing mind games.

God bless everyone and to those who are waiting for their date/hour, those that have applied and have been denied, don’t loose hope. Keep trying, God will put a smile on y’all face soon.
Thank you.

Congrats and thanks for sharing.

However, got concerns around some of your comments.

2&3: As much as I believe God has a place in everything I do, I've seen people who are pagans/atheist getting visas. You sounded like a prophet here telling people how and when to pray towards interviews. No one can deceive God! People should do whatever they believe in.

6: Are you saying if someone is younger than you, you shouldn't respect the person? And because you are in Nigeria every foreigner {even those under a consulate} must respect you first before you reciprocate. This is a wrong mindset. Respect is not functioned on location, age or skin colour.

7: Americans generally don't like the sir or ma thing. Irrespective of age. At least I've seen that based on the numbers I've worked with. A VO greeting you first and you not doing that, is not mind game, courtesy demands that you greet when you get to a place or respond to the greetings!

Bottom line NL guys... Do whatever works best for you. That someone else did not greet the VO doesn't mean you shouldn't. Some VOs may get a wrong first impression of you when you don't respond to their greeting.

Cheers!

Nahum777:
Lol, people don't want to hear the truth. Personally, other people's failures motivate me to do better (This might sound like "bad Belle", but that's just me). When you hear that people are getting refused, your brain would tell you that you need to practice more and you need to be 100% prepared. I prepared for a whole month, I memorized a whole book within this period and that's because of the stories I heard about how people get rejected and how it's not easy to obtain your visa. It was quite easy for me, but the refusal stories made me prepare harder than I would normally do if the stories were all positive. In fact, the two people who were rejected before me gave me a confidence boost because I knew I had better answers to the questions the VO asked. If those two people were approved, hehe I am not sure I would have gotten that boost (Yes, bad Belle, but that's how I felt).

Most times negative stories help us avoid mistakes. And I personally love when people say "Many people were denied". This will tell you that it's not a child's play and you need to be serious about your visa. You have to put in work. You can't just wake up and go to the embassy without preparing prior to your interview.

I repeat, I used 1 month to prepare.

1) I used 1 week to compose, correct and put my transcript in place.

2) I memorized my transcript every morning when I woke and night before going to bed. I stood in front of the mirror and demonstrated how I would talk when I get to the embassy.

3) I checked the dictionary for the real pronunciation of words.

4) I thought about possible questions and answers that weren't on my transcript in the bathroom. Yes, I would ask myself a random question and think about a great answer for that question.

5) I did research about my school, the state, the location, the culture and the professors. I watched YouTube videos from people who are currently in the school and they spoke about how it's to be at the school. I watched YouTube videos on visa interview and people's experiences. I followed this thread for a year before my interview.

6) I took this stuff very seriously. I wasn't joking with this, I prepared like God didn't exist, I prepared like it was a final year exam.

7) I went on Quora to read stuff about the school from present students, to help me with the "Why this school? " question.

I be beard gang, but I cut my beard and cut my hair really neat and nice like I was going for a job interview. I put on a tie with my white shirt and trouser to the interview. This was how serious I took this thing.

9) Tell your mom or your sisters to pray for you and pray as well lol. Pray and work for your success.

10) Be consistent with your answers and make sure you don't say anything that's not on your DS160.

11) Some people will tell you not to cram, but don't mind them. If you are good with cramming, my brothers and sisters do your thing. Don't cram all, just cram the important questions and work out answers in your head for possible questions.

This worked for me and it will work for you if you are serious about this.

BONUS!

No funding, no standardized test, my school had an 100% acceptance rate and nothing exception. The only exceptional thing was how I presented my case.

Congrats to you. What school is that, if I may ask?

Ryansplich:
I’m a silent reader but an avid reader, I owe everyone who took out time to post their transcript on this platform. It is only wise and prudent of me to return the favor.
Interview was on 3rd Aug 2018 @6:45am
*No bank statement was asked
*No stress. Just simple question and answer.
* I wore my blue suit. (Las las if Na blue paper I go get make I match am with my suit in peace) Na so I reason am

Forgot my hair brush with me. Had to throw it away as it will not be allowed in but e pain me.

We queued and did the normal check in process. Waited for my turn with the VO. Not long they arrived in their ferry and went straight in for the job of the day.

God bless everyone and to those who are waiting for their date/hour, those that have applied and have been denied, don’t loose hope. Keep trying, God will put a smile on y’all face soon.
Thank you.

@bolded, very funny. las las, na style

Macaulay10:
Official or Unofficial transcript, which did you submit during application process?

Unofficial transcript is accepted for the application but your official transcript will be required after you must have been admitted!

Orlaboday:


Unofficial transcript is accepted for the application but your official transcript will be required after you must have been admitted!

Very Good.. Thank you

Hushee:
My first interview (5/12/2017)

Vo: Good Morning, can I have ur passport and i20?

Me: Good Morning Sir (I handed them over to him)

Vo: What are you going to study

Me: Agriculture

Vo: At where

Me: Stephen F Austin state university

Vo: Why Agriculture?

Me: The Federal Government is trying to diversify the economy from the oil sector into other sector and number one on the list is the Agricultural sector, so there is no better time to be a part of this drive than now.

Vo: okay, what will you do with the degree?

Me: I plan to take up a lecturing job at my alma mata, the federal university of agriculture Abeokuta.

Vo: Have u travelled before?

Me: No

Vo: Are you married?

Me: No

Vo: And kids

Me: No

Vo: ok, What will u do after your program?

Me: I will return back to Nigeria and take up a lecturing job at the federal university of agriculture Abeokuta and I will also consult for the federal and state governments through Agricultural research institute such as IITA(international instute of tropical agriculture) and national animal production research institute.

Vo: OK, who will pay?

Me: I have an out of state tuition waiver and my mother will pay for the rest

Vo: What does she do?

Me: she's a very successful business woman, she's into major distribution of dangote products, mix and bake flour, and she also sells rice and oil in large quantities.

Note: He typed all through and when he finally looked at me, he said "unfortunately you are not qualified to receive a visa right now.

Me: Could you please tell me the reason Sir

Vo: The blue paper will explain to you

Me: Alright thank you sir

Vo: OK

Second interview (27/12/2017)

Almost the same with the first, the only difference was that the same guy that did my biometric interviewed me and he was nice until he looked shocked at something he saw on his screen. He also asked if i was married and i said no, he later asked "what of traditional marriage"?, I said no. He then said he couldn't approve me at that time, I asked him to tell me why but he said he's not allowed to do that. I just said thank you and I left.

My third and last interview (3/08/2018)

I decided to change my interview location to Abuja since there will be no time for me to travel to Lagos.

I got to the embassy by 10:07 for an appointment of 10:15

The embassy nearly empty right from the gate and we were like 10 on the queue, I was the last person.
While on the queue, the aged woman was interviewing a Nun who couldn't communicate well in English and after she called an interpreter to help her out, she told the Nun that she wouldn't approve cos if she approved her how will she be able to teach the American Children. But she later changed her mind when the Sister started replying her in English, the woman was too nice so I prayed to be interviewed by her but unfortunately I was called to window 8. I was interviewed by a white lady in her late twenties.

Vo- pass me your documents

Me- OK, good morning Ma'am (no reply)

Vo- Why Stephen F Austin State University

Me- Apart from the fact that I was given an Out of state tuition waiver, the opportunity to work with professor Joey Bray who is a top researcher in the field of poultry science played a major role in my decision. I also spoke with some current students who told me about the structure of the program and tge internship opportunities available at the school, this internship period will provide me with the necessary skills I need when I come back to Nigeria to establish my own farm.
Then she typed for about 15secs

Vo- What did you study at the university?

Me- B.Agric Animal Nutrition

Vo-Who is paying?

Me- My mother and I also got an out of state tuition waiver

Vo- ok

She then typed for like 10secs and gave me the pink paper, and said those terrible words. I was shocked as she barely asked any question.

Me- But why, this is my third time. Why not tell me what is wrong?

Vo- the paper will explain it to you, I've made my decision.

Na so I shake my head and take my L in peace before those security go come disgrace me out.

Thanks to everyone that have been supportive all these years, for your advice and encouragements especially the entire God's own scholar crew, lagosismyhome, walspring, texrem, and others that I can't remember. It's just unfortunate that it ended this way.

Moments like this makes you wonder if God really has a hand in this visa thing but I believe he has some bigger plans for me.

My advice to future applicants:

1. If you have a low gp, evaluate your transcript before you start your application (if I had done this earlier, I would have been in the US before Trump became president cos back then, they approve almost everyone with any form of tuition waiver)

2. Write GRE/GMAT/SAT and TOEFL/IELTS as early as possible and dont write it only when one school ask you to write it, you might rush your preparation and this might affect your score.

3. If you want to increase your chance of approval, don't go to the embassy unless you have full funding(scholarship, Assistantship, or fellowship) or loan. This will increase your chance by at least 80%.

God bless us all.

May I ask; how old are you?

hello house, happy Sunday to you all.. I want to know if it's a must I print my statement of account from the beginning of a month or any date that have a good opening balance? please I need an answer

I'm not sure if that's possible printing from a particular date.....whats important is the inflow, outflow and balance left in the account...so just print a 6mnths statement.

Sirtenburg:
hello house, happy Sunday to you all.. I want to know if it's a must I print my statement of account from the beginning of a month or any date that have a good opening balance? please I need an answer

sureb0yy:


Thanks. Been a while I saw you on my BBM. Hope all is well?

Boss all is not well jare, just tired of this refusal thing. Trying to get my BBM back, I'll surely ping you when I'm back on. Congrats once again.

Enasdan:
what is fellowship?

It's like a scholarship for graduate students, you'll find it on the scholarship section of school's website.

Ubah1:



Is it single you chose as marital status?

Yes, why did you ask?

Hushee:


Yes, why did you ask?

I'm so sorry to hear about your denial. Did you make any major change to your DS-160?

OluDare01:

I'm so sorry to hear about your denial. Did you make any major change to your DS-160?

Baba not really, it's almost the same. There will surely be changes before i decide to go back next time.

Glocal1:
May I ask; how old are you?

28+, why?

[quote author=inno4u post=69954637]@Walspring :

Please forward the GRE material to me also
oriyomimonsurat2709@gmail.com

Thanks

Ryansplich:
I’m a silent reader but an avid reader, I owe everyone who took out time to post their transcript on this platform. It is only wise and prudent of me to return the favor.
Here’s a few tip from me to every prospective visa seeking student.
1. Put God First.
2. Pray without ceasing at least for the last 7days before the interview.
3. Fast if you can. I did that 3 day to my interview.
4. Leave your battle to God to fight.
5. Dress according to what you depict. The way you dress is the way you’ll be addressed.

6. Forget the respect. Majority of the VO’s and workers at the embassy are not older than you. I didn’t greet anyone. Not even the white guy who registered my fingers. He was forced to greet me. Actually I was waiting for him to greet me first. He’s in my country for Gods sake. He should respect me. Not the other way round.

7. Finally, forget the MA or SIR you use for the VO except in exceptional circumstance when you know he/she is way older than you. The VO greeeted me first. I didn’t and it was deliberate. We are all playing mind games.
8. Lastly, be bold, look at the VO straight in the eye, don’t stutter, know your onions and get your facts straight. A little research on google here and there will go a long way.

Many people fast and pray and still dont get it.... those that God has said it not their time unko . Màny who don't belive in God get visa daily

That been said no 6 ..... is just strange ooo.

Years later come back and read this your comment. Trust me you will Shake your head . Greeting someone is nothing to do with respect but just decent courtsey and good manners. .... you are relating greetings to mind games . Take it easy

Congrats ... God bless your new journey