I think the Congress will have to approve before the merit based visa cones to effect - which is almost impossible with democrats leading the lower house.

icagbons:
Sudden Change In US Visa Rules That Affects Nigeria

May 28, 2019 | The Nigerian Voice


The United States Government last Week, without prior information or notice, launched a New Immigration Policy called "Build America" It is a new merit base visa application system that seeks to increase the standard of scrutiny of visa application to prevent people of questionable reputation, economic immigrants and People without travel history from getting US visa.

Under this new rules, key changes have already been implemented without notice, as follows :

1. End of Drop box (automatic visa renewal without interview for existing visa holders is cancelled. Existing visa owners will now apply and be interviewed like everyone else when their visa expires )



2. Green Card to be scrapped
3. Applicants for B1 or B2 visas without adequate travel experience will now be automatically denied.

4. Applicant with monthly income below $1700 will now be considered as economic immigrants and denied.

5. Strong ties & attachments (compelling proofs of what can bring you back )to Nigeria now to be strongly emphasized.

If look at the attached picture, you will see No AOS stamped on the passport. AOS means Adjustment of Status.

https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/amp/news/278550/sudden-change-in-us-visa-rules-that-affects-nigeria.html

No AOS/EOS? how does that affect students for OPT?

icagbons:
What it simply mean is that you can't change status anymore. If you are in the US to study you must study o, you can't say you want to marry there so that your status will change... Kole work ooo. This people mean business

That is currently for only B category Visa

Please where is our sharwama na lol
Bn a while I saw you post all those your funny and encouraging post (especially ‘ May the force be with you’)

icagbons:
Sudden Change In US Visa Rules That Affects Nigeria

May 28, 2019 | The Nigerian Voice


The United States Government last Week, without prior information or notice, launched a New Immigration Policy called "Build America" It is a new merit base visa application system that seeks to increase the standard of scrutiny of visa application to prevent people of questionable reputation, economic immigrants and People without travel history from getting US visa.

Under this new rules, key changes have already been implemented without notice, as follows :

1. End of Drop box (automatic visa renewal without interview for existing visa holders is cancelled. Existing visa owners will now apply and be interviewed like everyone else when their visa expires )



2. Green Card to be scrapped
3. Applicants for B1 or B2 visas without adequate travel experience will now be automatically denied.

4. Applicant with monthly income below $1700 will now be considered as economic immigrants and denied.

5. Strong ties & attachments (compelling proofs of what can bring you back )to Nigeria now to be strongly emphasized.

If look at the attached picture, you will see No AOS stamped on the passport. AOS means Adjustment of Status.

https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/amp/news/278550/sudden-change-in-us-visa-rules-that-affects-nigeria.html

is Nigeria the only country affected by this rules or its general?

Adedayo65:
Please where is our sharwama na lol
Bn a while I saw you post all those your funny and encouraging post (especially ‘ May the force be with you’)

I guess she is preparing for her interview.

kacey007:

I guess she is preparing for her interview.

She has already attended her interview and gotten her visa...

icagbons:
Sudden Change In US Visa Rules That Affects Nigeria

May 28, 2019 | The Nigerian Voice


The United States Government last Week, without prior information or notice, launched a New Immigration Policy called "Build America" It is a new merit base visa application system that seeks to increase the standard of scrutiny of visa application to prevent people of questionable reputation, economic immigrants and People without travel history from getting US visa.

Under this new rules, key changes have already been implemented without notice, as follows :

1. End of Drop box (automatic visa renewal without interview for existing visa holders is cancelled. Existing visa owners will now apply and be interviewed like everyone else when their visa expires )



2. Green Card to be scrapped
3. Applicants for B1 or B2 visas without adequate travel experience will now be automatically denied.

4. Applicant with monthly income below $1700 will now be considered as economic immigrants and denied.

5. Strong ties & attachments (compelling proofs of what can bring you back )to Nigeria now to be strongly emphasized.

If look at the attached picture, you will see No AOS stamped on the passport. AOS means Adjustment of Status.

https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/amp/news/278550/sudden-change-in-us-visa-rules-that-affects-nigeria.html

There is nothing wrong in looking for click-baits for your website but not through spreading lies. You should delete your posts as a show of apology.

1. The green card thing is for those who apply via Visa lottery. They basically want to cancel green card via Visa lottery or cancel Visa lottery entirely. Last time I checked, Nigerians can't even apply.

2. The change of status is for those with B Visas. This one is targeted at asylum seekers.

3. Travel history only applies to those who apply for B Visa. This thread is clearly for F1 Visa.

4. Applicants with below $1700 will be denied. Clearly this is not for students Visa.

5. The only truth is the drop box thing which everyone already knows.

So, if u are not an idiot, why did you post this trash here?

Kay100:
is Nigeria the only country affected by this rules or its general?

Focus on your F1 . Verify every information you get .
Some of these people come up with false information to build traffic.

You sound so depressed... Don't worry you will be fine, just don't go and commit suicide cos from your write up u still have small sense and u can still be useful here in Nigeria. As for the depression part please open up let Gurus in the house help you. My brother help will surely come to you.

AgreatMan:


There is nothing wrong in looking for click-baits for your website but not through spreading lies. You should delete your posts as a show of apology.

1. The green card thing is for those who apply via Visa lottery. They basically want to cancel green card via Visa lottery or cancel Visa lottery entirely. Last time I checked, Nigerians can't even apply.

2. The change of status is for those with B Visas. This one is targeted at asylum seekers.

3. Travel history only applies to those who apply for B Visa. This thread is clearly for F1 Visa.

4. Applicants with below $1700 will be denied. Clearly this is not for students Visa.

5. The only truth is the drop box thing which everyone already knows.

So, if u are not an idiot, why did you post this trash here?

MapleSettlers:
Pease visit my blog on stuttering Africans. Thank you
https://theafricanstutterer.home.blog/

Hi,

You've got a nice blog! I'm excited to see more awareness on this issue. You can find a community of local professionals that are stutterers too. There are lots of such organizations in the US - I don't know about Canada.

Also, let me know if you accept guest bloggers. I'm a mild-moderate stutterer too and will be happy to share interview and general life tips based on my experience.

Goodluck!

icagbons:
Sudden Change In US Visa Rules That Affects Nigeria

May 28, 2019 | The Nigerian Voice


The United States Government last Week, without prior information or notice, launched a New Immigration Policy called "Build America" It is a new merit base visa application system that seeks to increase the standard of scrutiny of visa application to prevent people of questionable reputation, economic immigrants and People without travel history from getting US visa.

Under this new rules, key changes have already been implemented without notice, as follows :

1. End of Drop box (automatic visa renewal without interview for existing visa holders is cancelled. Existing visa owners will now apply and be interviewed like everyone else when their visa expires )



2. Green Card to be scrapped
3. Applicants for B1 or B2 visas without adequate travel experience will now be automatically denied.

4. Applicant with monthly income below $1700 will now be considered as economic immigrants and denied.

5. Strong ties & attachments (compelling proofs of what can bring you back )to Nigeria now to be strongly emphasized.

If look at the attached picture, you will see No AOS stamped on the passport. AOS means Adjustment of Status.

https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/amp/news/278550/sudden-change-in-us-visa-rules-that-affects-nigeria.html

1. Poorly edited article with loads of grammatical errors - doesn't seem like a reputable news source
2. No links to official USCIS website to prove your claims
3. Your pictures show the class of visa as B2

I just skimmed through the first few lines to know that this trash is false!

Hello everyone, please I need your opinion on my proposed transcript.
Deficit on I-20 form is $5k
Assistanship $16k
Personal funding $5.5k
Uncles SOA $41k


Me: Good morning 
VO: Good morning, pass me your i20, passport and Sevis reciept.
Me: pass them
VO: why are you going to the US?
Me: I'm going for my masters degree in community Health and preventative medicine at the Minnesota state university,Mankato.
VO: Did u apply to other schools?
Me: I applied to two others: Tuskegee Uni, Alabama, Ohio state Uni, Columbus.
VO: How did you learn about MNSU?
Me: I carried out a personal research about MNSU after I heard about the school at an Education fair held in Lagos and their entry requirements matched my profile.
VO: what will this course do for you?
Me: This course will give me an indept knowledge into public health and will equip me with recent epidemiological tools/methodology to help reduce the health burden in endemic and endemic-prone areas and can work with the govt institutions in making policies as regards health.
VO: why MNSU?
Me: Asides the fact that I have full Graduate assistanship with tuition waiver and Stipend,the comm health program of the MNSU has a comprehensive syllabus, and with a concentration in epidemiology which focuses on solving critical disease related challenges, analysis of trends in population health, design and implementation of studies, and interpretation of results for policy and program development.Also fascinated by the research work of Dr Joseph Visker on exploratory analysis of lead poisoning, i look forward to joining his research team.
VO: what's your study plan?
Me:It is a 34 credit course work, and will be taking courses in Epidemiology, Biostatistics Health care planning and Evaluation..etc and a minimum of 2.5/4.0 is required for my graduation.
VO: what are your plans after graduation?
Me: I plan to come back to Nigeria and pick up a lecturing job in my university and also use the knowledge and experience garnered in MNSU, to contribute my quota in improving the health sector by working with the federal or state ministries of Health,UNICEF and other NGOs in providing comprehensive health care services in Endemic areas and endemic prone areas. Such as IDP camps.
VO: Any tests?
ME: Yes, TOEFL
VO: Score
ME:84
VO:when did you graduate?
ME:2016
VO:what have you been doing?
ME:I did a one year internship @XYZ hospital and
afterwards did my one year compulsory NYSC.
VO:Are you married?
ME: No, I am single
VO: who is sponsoring you ?
ME: My uncle, and I also have my personal savings to cater for the deficit.
VO: Can i have his SOA
Me: passes it..Also with Mine if asked..
VO:What does he do?
Me: He is the CEO of XYZ plastic Industry.

Thank you.
It's a bit lengthy and I'll appreciate your opinions on ways to make it better.
Constructive criticism is allowed...Thanks

Hello everyone,
I have just received a full graduate assistantship offer to study for a PhD in US. Can I be assured of successful visa?
Thank you

jelmusboy:
Is this interview

Yes it is... Cornel University is a top ranked university and you can't be a fluke to get in, talk less of studying Systems information.

Hi,

I just received a full graduate assistantship offer covering all my cost for a PhD. I intend to travel with my family and have enough fund for them. Will there be any reason to deny us visa? Can you provide me with guidelines for the interview?

Thanks,

LilyMaris2010:
Hello everyone,
I have just received a full graduate assistantship offer to study for a PhD in US. Can I be assured of successful visa?
Thank you

My brother or sister..
Only the VO can answer this question.

Don't get complacent with the offer.
Prepare very very well.

OgbeniOptional:
This thread should help us address the psychological factors of facing the consular. Why heart dey pound after booking appointment nah.

Prayer is the key. Remember, even “Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer.” (I’m assuming God answers your prayer, but I guess that’s a separate discussion.) Sorry, I have no other message.

Anyway, visa approved today. Transcript soon. VO had so many pink papers next to her and maybe one or two white ones. In fact, I heard one of the CGI guys repeating this comment from a fellow applicant, in Yoruba: “Won ni odun pink paper le n se leni (looks like it’s a pink paper festival today).”

But if God be for me/you....

ksumnole:


Prayer is the key. Remember, even “Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer.” (I’m assuming God answers your prayer, but I guess that’s a separate discussion.) Sorry, I have no other message.

Anyway, visa approved today. Transcript soon. VO had so many pink papers next to her and maybe one or two white ones. In fact, I heard one of the CGI guys repeating this comment from a fellow applicant, in Yoruba: “Won ni odun pink paper le n se leni (looks like it’s a pink paper festival today).”

But if God be for me/you....

Congratulations sir ma

Hello everyone,
Here is my proposed visa interview transcript open to inputs and criticisms. My interview is coming up next week Tuesday at Lagos Consulate.

Tell me about the program you're going for.

I am going for Ph.D in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering at The University of Kansas (KU), Lawrence. I’ll be required to take a minimum of 42 credit hours (minimum of 24 credits hours of graduate course work and 18 credit hours of research). My project topic which will be jointly decided by my supervisor, Dr Bleep would broadly relate to surface water quality and transport.
I would take courses like: Physical, Chemical and Biological Principles in Environmental Engineering Processes, Concepts of Environmental Chemistry, Contaminant Transport, Water Quality and Modeling, Chemical and Microbial Hydrogeology.

What is Surface Water Quality?

Surface/Environmental Water Quality has to do with monitoring quality parameters (chemical, physical, biological and radiological) of water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. Natural water bodies are receptacles of large amount of toxic pollutants from commercial and industrial activities as well as discharge of treated and untreated sewage and agricultural runoffs etc. In surface water quality and contaminant transport, environmental scientists/researchers work to understand the complex interactions between biogeochemical processes and surface water quality and in turn identify sources and fate of contaminants. Through sampling, real-time monitoring, chemical analysis and modeling and simulation of these processes and contaminant transport, we gain a better understanding of the ecosystem which in turn helps environmental lawyers and policymakers to enact legislations aimed at maintaining water at appropriate quality level for its intended use.

Why PhD in Environmental Engineering (Water Quality), I can see your first degree is in Agricultural Engineering.

My desire to pursue a PhD in the field was ignited in the course of my MSc research project where I worked on removal of dyestuff from textile industry effluent using activated snail shell carbon. While collecting wastewater sample, I witnessed indiscriminate overland discharge of untreated textile effluent into waterbodies – a practice poses serious risk to human and aquatic life and ultimately lowers water quality and place pressure on water treatment and sanitation facilities. The experience further heightened my interest in surface water quality and wastewater treatment, management and disposal.

Besides, according to a report compiled by National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in 2008, access to clean water has been identified as one of the 14 Grand Challenges of Engineering. My research project would likely leverage biogeochemical processes to improve surface water quality.

Why USA?

My aim is to become a reputed researcher in the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering and I plan to achieve this lofty goal by acquiring world-class education and sought-after skills through this PhD program. Making USA my top destination for my PhD program was a no-brainer due to the high level of ongoing research and funding of Environmental Engineering/Sustainability related projects in most top USA universities. Also, most US research-based institutions boast of state-of-the-art research facilities and renowned faculty who keep breaking new grounds in their respective fields.

How many schools did you apply to?

I applied to 5 schools altogether viz: NCSU, USF, Temple, UMBC and of course KU. I was admitted into 2 viz: KU and Temple, Rejected by 2 viz: USF and UMBC and waitlisted by NCSU.

How did you hear about KU?

I learnt about KU through extensive online research and checked program rankings on US News and World Report.

Why University of Kansas (KU)?

Firstly, my research interest on leveraging biological and physico-chemical process to enhance surface water quality and water treatment methodologies closely aligns of with that of my advisor, Dr. Bleep. Also, I had discussed at length on phone with Dr. Bleep about the research opportunities in her research group shortly before she offered me the GRA. In addition, I was offered $7k scholarship by the School of Engineering as one of the outstanding admitted students.

Lastly, KU is Kansas’ flagship University and a premier institution. It’s one of the 62 members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) – a confirmation of its standing as one of the nation’s leading research-based institutions. The Association of American Universities (AAU) is a bi-national organization of leading research universities devoted to maintaining a strong system of academic research and education. It consists of 60 universities in the United States, both public(34) and private (26) and two universities in Canada.

What else do you know about the state of Kansas?

Geographically, Kansas is located in the middle and in the Midwestern part of USA. It’s one of the nation’s leading agricultural states, a large producer of wheat and other grains, producing one-fifth of all grain produced in USA. Kansas' capital is Topeka, and its largest city is Wichita.

Who will be sponsoring you?

I was awarded Graduate Research Assistantship & Departmental Scholarship worth $51,991. The offer covers my full tuition, fee benefit and 12 month stipend per annum.

What are your duties as GRA?

I am expected to work 20 hours per week work on research projects that will lead toward the PhD degree.

What will this degree do for you?

A PhD degree from a well-recognized institution of learning like KU will undoubtedly increase my chance of gaining employment as a senior lecturer cum researcher after completing my program and returning to Nigeria. Also, I stand to gain advanced scientific knowledge through this degree and benefit tremendously by working with renowned faculty and through exposure to world class research facilities at KU.

By acquiring a world-class education and sought-after skills, I will be well equipped for a lifelong career as a reputed researcher and assist meaningfully in eradicating the scourge of incessant water-borne epidemic outbreaks in developing countries and my country, Nigeria falls in that category.

Did you write any standardized test?

Yes, I wrote TOEFL in October 2017 and had a composite score of 101. Also, I wrote GRE in August 2018 and obtained a total score of 315 and Analytical score of 4.0.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will return to Nigeria to apply for a senior lecturing position in a University whilst providing consultancy services when the opportunity presents itself.

ksumnole:


Prayer is the key. Remember, even “Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer.” (I’m assuming God answers your prayer, but I guess that’s a separate discussion.) Sorry, I have no other message.

Anyway, visa approved today. Transcript soon. VO had so many pink papers next to her and maybe one or two white ones. In fact, I heard one of the CGI guys repeating this comment from a fellow applicant, in Yoruba: “Won ni odun pink paper le n se leni (looks like it’s a pink paper festival today).”

But if God be for me/you....

Congratulations

Congratulations your visa has been approved ������

pronto543:
Hello everyone,
Here is my proposed visa interview transcript open to inputs and criticisms. My interview is coming up next week Tuesday at Lagos Consulate.

Tell me about the program you're going for.

I am going for Ph.D in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering at The University of Kansas (KU), Lawrence. I’ll be required to take a minimum of 42 credit hours (minimum of 24 credits hours of graduate course work and 18 credit hours of research). My project topic which will be jointly decided by my supervisor, Dr Bleep would broadly relate to surface water quality and transport.
I would take courses like: Physical, Chemical and Biological Principles in Environmental Engineering Processes, Concepts of Environmental Chemistry, Contaminant Transport, Water Quality and Modeling, Chemical and Microbial Hydrogeology.

What is Surface Water Quality?

Surface/Environmental Water Quality has to do with monitoring quality parameters (chemical, physical, biological and radiological) of water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. Natural water bodies are receptacles of large amount of toxic pollutants from commercial and industrial activities as well as discharge of treated and untreated sewage and agricultural runoffs etc. In surface water quality and contaminant transport, environmental scientists/researchers work to understand the complex interactions between biogeochemical processes and surface water quality and in turn identify sources and fate of contaminants. Through sampling, real-time monitoring, chemical analysis and modeling and simulation of these processes and contaminant transport, we gain a better understanding of the ecosystem which in turn helps environmental lawyers and policymakers to enact legislations aimed at maintaining water at appropriate quality level for its intended use.

Why PhD in Environmental Engineering (Water Quality), I can see your first degree is in Agricultural Engineering.

My desire to pursue a PhD in the field was ignited in the course of my MSc research project where I worked on removal of dyestuff from textile industry effluent using activated snail shell carbon. While collecting wastewater sample, I witnessed indiscriminate overland discharge of untreated textile effluent into waterbodies – a practice poses serious risk to human and aquatic life and ultimately lowers water quality and place pressure on water treatment and sanitation facilities. The experience further heightened my interest in surface water quality and wastewater treatment, management and disposal.

Besides, according to a report compiled by National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in 2008, access to clean water has been identified as one of the 14 Grand Challenges of Engineering. My research project would likely leverage biogeochemical processes to improve surface water quality.

Why USA?

My aim is to become a reputed researcher in the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering and I plan to achieve this lofty goal by acquiring world-class education and sought-after skills through this PhD program. Making USA my top destination for my PhD program was a no-brainer due to the high level of ongoing research and funding of Environmental Engineering/Sustainability related projects in most top USA universities. Also, most US research-based institutions boast of state-of-the-art research facilities and renowned faculty who keep breaking new grounds in their respective fields.

How many schools did you apply to?

I applied to 5 schools altogether viz: NCSU, USF, Temple, UMBC and of course KU. I was admitted into 2 viz: KU and Temple, Rejected by 2 viz: USF and UMBC and waitlisted by NCSU.

How did you hear about KU?

I learnt about KU through extensive online research and checked program rankings on US News and World Report.

Why University of Kansas (KU)?

Firstly, my research interest on leveraging biological and physico-chemical process to enhance surface water quality and water treatment methodologies closely aligns of with that of my advisor, Dr. Bleep. Also, I had discussed at length on phone with Dr. Bleep about the research opportunities in her research group shortly before she offered me the GRA. In addition, I was offered $7k scholarship by the School of Engineering as one of the outstanding admitted students.

Lastly, KU is Kansas’ flagship University and a premier institution. It’s one of the 62 members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) – a confirmation of its standing as one of the nation’s leading research-based institutions. The Association of American Universities (AAU) is a bi-national organization of leading research universities devoted to maintaining a strong system of academic research and education. It consists of 60 universities in the United States, both public(34) and private (26) and two universities in Canada.

What else do you know about the state of Kansas?

Geographically, Kansas is located in the middle and in the Midwestern part of USA. It’s one of the nation’s leading agricultural states, a large producer of wheat and other grains, producing one-fifth of all grain produced in USA. Kansas' capital is Topeka, and its largest city is Wichita.

Who will be sponsoring you?

I was awarded Graduate Research Assistantship & Departmental Scholarship worth $51,991. The offer covers my full tuition, fee benefit and 12 month stipend per annum.

What are your duties as GRA?

I am expected to work 20 hours per week work on research projects that will lead toward the PhD degree.

What will this degree do for you?

A PhD degree from a well-recognized institution of learning like KU will undoubtedly increase my chance of gaining employment as a senior lecturer cum researcher after completing my program and returning to Nigeria. Also, I stand to gain advanced scientific knowledge through this degree and benefit tremendously by working with renowned faculty and through exposure to world class research facilities at KU.

By acquiring a world-class education and sought-after skills, I will be well equipped for a lifelong career as a reputed researcher and assist meaningfully in eradicating the scourge of incessant water-borne epidemic outbreaks in developing countries and my country, Nigeria falls in that category.

Did you write any standardized test?

Yes, I wrote TOEFL in October 2017 and had a composite score of 101. Also, I wrote GRE in August 2018 and obtained a total score of 315 and Analytical score of 4.0.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will return to Nigeria to apply for a senior lecturing position in a University whilst providing consultancy services when the opportunity presents itself.

Congratulations

ksumnole:


Prayer is the key. Remember, even “Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer.” (I’m assuming God answers your prayer, but I guess that’s a separate discussion.) Sorry, I have no other message.

Anyway, visa approved today. Transcript soon. VO had so many pink papers next to her and maybe one or two white ones. In fact, I heard one of the CGI guys repeating this comment from a fellow applicant, in Yoruba: “Won ni odun pink paper le n se leni (looks like it’s a pink paper festival today).”

But if God be for me/you....

pronto543:
Hello everyone,
Here is my proposed visa interview transcript open to inputs and criticisms. My interview is coming up next week Tuesday at Lagos Consulate.

Tell me about the program you're going for.

I am going for Ph.D in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering at The University of Kansas (KU), Lawrence. I’ll be required to take a minimum of 42 credit hours (minimum of 24 credits hours of graduate course work and 18 credit hours of research). My project topic which will be jointly decided by my supervisor, Dr Bleep would broadly relate to surface water quality and transport.
I would take courses like: Physical, Chemical and Biological Principles in Environmental Engineering Processes, Concepts of Environmental Chemistry, Contaminant Transport, Water Quality and Modeling, Chemical and Microbial Hydrogeology.

What is Surface Water Quality?

Surface/Environmental Water Quality has to do with monitoring quality parameters (chemical, physical, biological and radiological) of water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. Natural water bodies are receptacles of large amount of toxic pollutants from commercial and industrial activities as well as discharge of treated and untreated sewage and agricultural runoffs etc. In surface water quality and contaminant transport, environmental scientists/researchers work to understand the complex interactions between biogeochemical processes and surface water quality and in turn identify sources and fate of contaminants. Through sampling, real-time monitoring, chemical analysis and modeling and simulation of these processes and contaminant transport, we gain a better understanding of the ecosystem which in turn helps environmental lawyers and policymakers to enact legislations aimed at maintaining water at appropriate quality level for its intended use.

Why PhD in Environmental Engineering (Water Quality), I can see your first degree is in Agricultural Engineering.

My desire to pursue a PhD in the field was ignited in the course of my MSc research project where I worked on removal of dyestuff from textile industry effluent using activated snail shell carbon. While collecting wastewater sample, I witnessed indiscriminate overland discharge of untreated textile effluent into waterbodies – a practice poses serious risk to human and aquatic life and ultimately lowers water quality and place pressure on water treatment and sanitation facilities. The experience further heightened my interest in surface water quality and wastewater treatment, management and disposal.

Besides, according to a report compiled by National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in 2008, access to clean water has been identified as one of the 14 Grand Challenges of Engineering. My research project would likely leverage biogeochemical processes to improve surface water quality.

Why USA?

My aim is to become a reputed researcher in the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering and I plan to achieve this lofty goal by acquiring world-class education and sought-after skills through this PhD program. Making USA my top destination for my PhD program was a no-brainer due to the high level of ongoing research and funding of Environmental Engineering/Sustainability related projects in most top USA universities. Also, most US research-based institutions boast of state-of-the-art research facilities and renowned faculty who keep breaking new grounds in their respective fields.

How many schools did you apply to?

I applied to 5 schools altogether viz: NCSU, USF, Temple, UMBC and of course KU. I was admitted into 2 viz: KU and Temple, Rejected by 2 viz: USF and UMBC and waitlisted by NCSU.

How did you hear about KU?

I learnt about KU through extensive online research and checked program rankings on US News and World Report.

Why University of Kansas (KU)?

Firstly, my research interest on leveraging biological and physico-chemical process to enhance surface water quality and water treatment methodologies closely aligns of with that of my advisor, Dr. Bleep. Also, I had discussed at length on phone with Dr. Bleep about the research opportunities in her research group shortly before she offered me the GRA. In addition, I was offered $7k scholarship by the School of Engineering as one of the outstanding admitted students.

Lastly, KU is Kansas’ flagship University and a premier institution. It’s one of the 62 members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) – a confirmation of its standing as one of the nation’s leading research-based institutions. The Association of American Universities (AAU) is a bi-national organization of leading research universities devoted to maintaining a strong system of academic research and education. It consists of 60 universities in the United States, both public(34) and private (26) and two universities in Canada.

What else do you know about the state of Kansas?

Geographically, Kansas is located in the middle and in the Midwestern part of USA. It’s one of the nation’s leading agricultural states, a large producer of wheat and other grains, producing one-fifth of all grain produced in USA. Kansas' capital is Topeka, and its largest city is Wichita.

Who will be sponsoring you?

I was awarded Graduate Research Assistantship & Departmental Scholarship worth $51,991. The offer covers my full tuition, fee benefit and 12 month stipend per annum.

What are your duties as GRA?

I am expected to work 20 hours per week work on research projects that will lead toward the PhD degree.

What will this degree do for you?

A PhD degree from a well-recognized institution of learning like KU will undoubtedly increase my chance of gaining employment as a senior lecturer cum researcher after completing my program and returning to Nigeria. Also, I stand to gain advanced scientific knowledge through this degree and benefit tremendously by working with renowned faculty and through exposure to world class research facilities at KU.

By acquiring a world-class education and sought-after skills, I will be well equipped for a lifelong career as a reputed researcher and assist meaningfully in eradicating the scourge of incessant water-borne epidemic outbreaks in developing countries and my country, Nigeria falls in that category.

Did you write any standardized test?

Yes, I wrote TOEFL in October 2017 and had a composite score of 101. Also, I wrote GRE in August 2018 and obtained a total score of 315 and Analytical score of 4.0.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will return to Nigeria to apply for a senior lecturing position in a University whilst providing consultancy services when the opportunity presents itself.

Why PhD in Environmental Engineering?
Oh yeah you discovered your new interest during your research that's nice to say.

Now how's that goona help you?/what prospect does it hold back here in Nigeria? That's what the VO wants to know after the sermon.
What is the ROI of the degree back here in Nigeria?

Not in all occasions will the VO ask why this course and what will this course do for you.
It is better to tailor your responses to both .

If you respond well to why this school and how did you get to know about this school, the least of your worries would be tell me about the location.

Your responses are very apt from my view.

Please house do graduate students pay tuition per semester or at once?

This money is really huge.

Felizz:


1000$ fellowiship was given and the total cost of attendance is 74000$
I have done interview for GA but i have not here anything about the results i sent her msg she doesnt respond..thr GA is monthly payment oo 15dollars per hour..
Kindly advice pls

SAT 1400
TOEFL 108
Pls house, I need schools with full scholarship for my sister.

...

Brown2Green:


Why PhD in Environmental Engineering?
Oh yeah you discovered your new interest during your research that's nice to say.

Now how's that goona help you?/what prospect does it hold back here in Nigeria? That's what the VO wants to know after the sermon.
What is the ROI of the degree back here in Nigeria?

Not in all occasions will the VO ask why this course and what will this course do for you.
It is better to tailor your responses to both .

If you respond well to why this school and how did you get to know about this school, the least of your worries would be tell me about the location.

Your responses are very apt from my view.

I greatly appreciate your response. I'll look into the points you've raised.

Mohene:
Congratulations your visa has been approved ������

Amen! I claim it by faith. Your upcoming interview will be a success too.

Brown2Green:


First of all, it is none of your business if the VO denied so many people before you because the VO always has a reason for denial.
If you look at the denials and let it get into you, it will break down your confidence at the time when you need it the most.


What will this course do for you?

It is another way of saying what benefit has this to your career. So you start with the very best intro. The VO doesn't have time for you to build your response.
Your response was not impressive to the VO.

Giw did you hear about the school?
I always say people should talk about how they carried out personal research to validate their findings. Because anyone can come to say good about a school at a fair.

The VO had already made her decision . The rest questions were formalities.


My advice,

Your GPA is not bad, you can retake GRE if you can.
Apply to a course in Computer Science and concentrate in Cybersecurity.
Lots of schools fund Computer Science and I can help with some.

Don't reapply for now.

Pls can you help me with names of these schools? Needed for a friend. Thanks

Abeg make una help me scrutinize oh...thanks

Delaztyx:
Hello everyone, please I need your opinion on my proposed transcript.
Deficit on I-20 form is $5k
Assistanship $16k
Personal funding $5.5k
Uncles SOA $41k


Me: Good morning 
VO: Good morning, pass me your i20, passport and Sevis reciept.
Me: pass them
VO: why are you going to the US?
Me: I'm going for my masters degree in community Health and preventative medicine at the Minnesota state university,Mankato.
VO: Did u apply to other schools?
Me: I applied to two others: Tuskegee Uni, Alabama, Ohio state Uni, Columbus.
VO: How did you learn about MNSU?
Me: I carried out a personal research about MNSU after I heard about the school at an Education fair held in Lagos and their entry requirements matched my profile.
VO: what will this course do for you?
Me: This course will give me an indept knowledge into public health and will equip me with recent epidemiological tools/methodology to help reduce the health burden in endemic and endemic-prone areas and can work with the govt institutions in making policies as regards health.
VO: why MNSU?
Me: Asides the fact that I have full Graduate assistanship with tuition waiver and Stipend,the comm health program of the MNSU has a comprehensive syllabus, and with a concentration in epidemiology which focuses on solving critical disease related challenges, analysis of trends in population health, design and implementation of studies, and interpretation of results for policy and program development.Also fascinated by the research work of Dr Joseph Visker on exploratory analysis of lead poisoning, i look forward to joining his research team.
VO: what's your study plan?
Me:It is a 34 credit course work, and will be taking courses in Epidemiology, Biostatistics Health care planning and Evaluation..etc and a minimum of 2.5/4.0 is required for my graduation.
VO: what are your plans after graduation?
Me: I plan to come back to Nigeria and pick up a lecturing job in my university and also use the knowledge and experience garnered in MNSU, to contribute my quota in improving the health sector by working with the federal or state ministries of Health,UNICEF and other NGOs in providing comprehensive health care services in Endemic areas and endemic prone areas. Such as IDP camps.
VO: Any tests?
ME: Yes, TOEFL
VO: Score
ME:84
VO:when did you graduate?
ME:2016
VO:what have you been doing?
ME:I did a one year internship @XYZ hospital and
afterwards did my one year compulsory NYSC.
VO:Are you married?
ME: No, I am single
VO: who is sponsoring you ?
ME: My uncle, and I also have my personal savings to cater for the deficit.
VO: Can i have his SOA
Me: passes it..Also with Mine if asked..
VO:What does he do?
Me: He is the CEO of XYZ plastic Industry.

Thank you.
It's a bit lengthy and I'll appreciate your opinions on ways to make it better.
Constructive criticism is allowed...Thanks