yinkard4me:
Glad to be here finally, a lot to learn from you wonderful people. Just recently considering a PhD degree in the US. The plan is fall 2020. Here is my brief profile,
Graduated with a distinction in M.Sc (6.3/7.0).
I have 14 publications to my name and 3 citations from foreign authors.
Two years experience as a lecturer in a federal institution.
Please I need GRE materials and other helpful hints/materials. Thank you

Sherlock5577:

You've got a good CGPA and would have ample time to prepare. You should check the GRE thread and you'll learn a lot (the link's below). The free materials on the group are on page 428.

https://www.nairaland.com/1832477/how-achieve-high-scores-gre

All the best!

Flaame:
error, I meant to say good academic record and clean record
Yes, some people get fake admission here in the east

yinkard4me:

Many thanks

Shehuroj:
Finally, I got the good news and the following is the interview transcript.

imperiouxx:


It's either those schools don't know the uses of school portal or there are lots of gullible people who are not technologically smart to confirm their admission on online or they knew it was fake altogether but try to play the school system.

BeyonSee:
Please I would like to know if I can use a black and white print out of my visa appointment confirmation page and the Ds160 confirmation page? . Does it have to be colored? Or it doesn’t really matter?. Thanks in advance!

Flaame:
Good morning NL family,please help me scrutinize my proposed transcript
@ Lagosismyhome, fairheart, sharwama, walspring....please seriously look into my matter.
School: St. Cloud State University
Course: Computer engineering
Level: undergraduate
Age: (1996)


Vo: Good morning, passport and I20
Me: (passed them)
Vo: Have you been here before?
Me: Yes, I have
Vo: So why was your visa not approved?
Me: I was denied because I failed to convince the visa officer that I was a genuine student and not an intending immigrant
Vo: So what's new from the last time you applied?
Me: Well, I have known so much more about my program, my confidence has improved, and I have even a better financial support
Vo: Are you trying to tell me you never knew about your course before?
Me: No, not at all. I am actually saying that I have known more about my program ... We learn new things everyday
Vo: OK.... Where are you going?
Me: Am going to St. Cloud State University for my undergraduate degree in computer engineering
Vo: Why this school?
Me: Apart from the fact that I got a generous in-state tuition waiver which am very grateful for, I also chose this wonderful school because it has a very committed focus on the academic excellence of her international students and a very diverse cultural community that helps international students feel settled. Like this is not enough, this wonderful school offers a lot at a very moderate rate.....
Vo: When did you graduate
Me: 2014
Vo: What have you been doing since then? It's been about 5 years now!
Me: Yes, it's been quite a while but after my graduation in July 2014, I started computer classes at Royals Computers Cybercafe where I was offered a management job after concluding my program, I chose to handle the job to get management tactics which would enable me run my own ICT firm in the long run. Currently, am a freelancer and a blogger.
Vo: Why not just get this degree in Nigeria or some other country?
Me: When it comes to STEM courses, the U.S schools offers the best programs in this area. They have a well-structured educational system that maintains a balance in practical skills and theoretical knowledge. I need the best possible education for my career plans.
Vo: what will a degree in computer engineering do for you?
Me: A degree in this course will fortify me with the knowledge and skills required to directly secure a very good job in one of the top ranked innovative technical firms in Nigeria upon graduation. As Nigeria is at the dawn of what I'd call a "technological revolution ",where engineers with a degree in my field are highly sought for by top companies like: Andela, Flutterwave, Jumia, Globacom, MasterCard,etc,a degree in this course will be a one-way ticket to actualize one of my career plans in Nigeria. A degree in this course will also help me partake in this technological revolution coming from my very country, a revolution that will sky-rocket the economy of Nigeria, and at the same time have them ranked amongst the best technically advanced countries in the world.
Vo: Tell me about the course and the program?
Me: Computer engineering is a branch of engineering that integrated several fields of computer science and electronics engineering required to develop various computer software and hardware. This branch of engineering does not only focus on how computer systems work themselves but on how they integrate to larger pictures
About the course, am expected to take prerequisite courses before getting admitted to the major,graduate with a minimum GPA of 2.5,and 106 credits
Vo: Can you list some of the courses you'd be taking in your program?
Me: I'd have to take courses in General engineering,Physics,Maths and statistics, Calculus, Embedded systems, Engineering orientation
Vo: Do you know some of the professors you'd be working with?
Me: Yes, I already know and communicate with Prof. Ling Hou our head of department and Prof. Michael P. Glazos, the assistant professor
Vo: What will you do upon graduation?
Me: I'll come back to Nigeria after my undergraduate degree to have my compulsory nysc, then afterwards, hopefully secure a job in one of the top ranked ICT firms in Nigeria or go for a lecturing job in one of the Nigerian universities. In the long run.... I intend to own my own ICT firm.
Vo: Did you sit for any standardized test?
Me: Yes, I took SAT and had a score of 1030
Vo: That doesn't look like a very good score, how did you manage to get this scholarship?
Me: Yes, it's not that high but it still kept me in a position to qualify for the in-state tuition scholarship, plus I have a very good high school GPA of 3.46/4.
Vo: Do you think you qualify for this visa?
Me: Well, I believe I do: I have an admission from a good college, I havea good academic record, I have a genuine intent for traveling to the u.s,plus I have sufficient sponsorship,so in all ramification, I think I qualify for it
Vo: Who's your sponsor and what does he do?
Me: My maternal uncle. He's a lawyer by profession but has a lot of businesses he manages.He has a school here in Abuja, he is also into estate business, and has a couple of lodges here in Abuja too
Vo: Why would your uncle sponsor you and not your parents?
Me: since high school he has been the one sponsoring my education without stress, and is still willing to continue. It has never been an issue for him, he feels entitled to the responsibility.
Vo: Does he not have his own kids to take care of?
Me: His kids are all graduates and now independent.

You as a visa officer, decide my fate.

Adedayo65:
Lol, in addition to what gurus have said..., no one can decide your fate, even with the best transcript ever, excellent delivery is key! summarize these your responses too, I wish you all the best

Flaame:
yes, it's a cause for concern, they'd ask you why you changed, unless you have a very solid reason to persuade them which I don't think is easy...... Did the name of sponsor appear on your I20?

Flaame:
Good morning NL family,please help me scrutinize my proposed transcript
@ Lagosismyhome, fairheart, sharwama, walspring....please seriously look into my matter.
School: St. Cloud State University
Course: Computer engineering
Level: undergraduate
Age: (1996)


Vo: Good morning, passport and I20
Me: (passed them)
Vo: Have you been here before?
Me: Yes, I have
Vo: So why was your visa not approved?
Me: I was denied because I failed to convince the visa officer that I was a genuine student and not an intending immigrant
Vo: So what's new from the last time you applied?
Me: Well, I have known so much more about my program, my confidence has improved, and I have even a better financial support
Vo: Are you trying to tell me you never knew about your course before?
Me: No, not at all. I am actually saying that I have known more about my program ... We learn new things everyday
Vo: OK.... Where are you going?
Me: Am going to St. Cloud State University for my undergraduate degree in computer engineering
Vo: Why this school?
Me: Apart from the fact that I got a generous in-state tuition waiver which am very grateful for, I also chose this wonderful school because it has a very committed focus on the academic excellence of her international students and a very diverse cultural community that helps international students feel settled. Like this is not enough, this wonderful school offers a lot at a very moderate rate.....
Vo: When did you graduate
Me: 2014
Vo: What have you been doing since then? It's been about 5 years now!
Me: Yes, it's been quite a while but after my graduation in July 2014, I started computer classes at Royals Computers Cybercafe where I was offered a management job after concluding my program, I chose to handle the job to get management tactics which would enable me run my own ICT firm in the long run. Currently, am a freelancer and a blogger.
Vo: Why not just get this degree in Nigeria or some other country?
Me: When it comes to STEM courses, the U.S schools offers the best programs in this area. They have a well-structured educational system that maintains a balance in practical skills and theoretical knowledge. I need the best possible education for my career plans.
Vo: what will a degree in computer engineering do for you?
Me: A degree in this course will fortify me with the knowledge and skills required to directly secure a very good job in one of the top ranked innovative technical firms in Nigeria upon graduation. As Nigeria is at the dawn of what I'd call a "technological revolution ",where engineers with a degree in my field are highly sought for by top companies like: Andela, Flutterwave, Jumia, Globacom, MasterCard,etc,a degree in this course will be a one-way ticket to actualize one of my career plans in Nigeria. A degree in this course will also help me partake in this technological revolution coming from my very country, a revolution that will sky-rocket the economy of Nigeria, and at the same time have them ranked amongst the best technically advanced countries in the world.
Vo: Tell me about the course and the program?
Me: Computer engineering is a branch of engineering that integrated several fields of computer science and electronics engineering required to develop various computer software and hardware. This branch of engineering does not only focus on how computer systems work themselves but on how they integrate to larger pictures
About the course, am expected to take prerequisite courses before getting admitted to the major,graduate with a minimum GPA of 2.5,and 106 credits
Vo: Can you list some of the courses you'd be taking in your program?
Me: I'd have to take courses in General engineering,Physics,Maths and statistics, Calculus, Embedded systems, Engineering orientation
Vo: Do you know some of the professors you'd be working with?
Me: Yes, I already know and communicate with Prof. Ling Hou our head of department and Prof. Michael P. Glazos, the assistant professor
Vo: What will you do upon graduation?
Me: I'll come back to Nigeria after my undergraduate degree to have my compulsory nysc, then afterwards, hopefully secure a job in one of the top ranked ICT firms in Nigeria or go for a lecturing job in one of the Nigerian universities. In the long run.... I intend to own my own ICT firm.
Vo: Did you sit for any standardized test?
Me: Yes, I took SAT and had a score of 1030
Vo: That doesn't look like a very good score, how did you manage to get this scholarship?
Me: Yes, it's not that high but it still kept me in a position to qualify for the in-state tuition scholarship, plus I have a very good high school GPA of 3.46/4.
Vo: Do you think you qualify for this visa?
Me: Well, I believe I do: I have an admission from a good college, I havea good academic record, I have a genuine intent for traveling to the u.s,plus I have sufficient sponsorship,so in all ramification, I think I qualify for it
Vo: Who's your sponsor and what does he do?
Me: My maternal uncle. He's a lawyer by profession but has a lot of businesses he manages.He has a school here in Abuja, he is also into estate business, and has a couple of lodges here in Abuja too
Vo: Why would your uncle sponsor you and not your parents?
Me: since high school he has been the one sponsoring my education without stress, and is still willing to continue. It has never been an issue for him, he feels entitled to the responsibility.
Vo: Does he not have his own kids to take care of?
Me: His kids are all graduates and now independent.

You as a visa officer, decide my fate.

JTDeus:
Hey, F1 Nairalanders! You guys rock! You guys tutored me wella on these insightful and generous pages.

I've been waiting for my visa delivery so that I'd have complete peace of mind while posting the transcript. Interview was Thursday, July 11th, in Abuja, 9am (that's 2 weeks already).

V.O. gave me white paper but mentioned that my visa would be put on hold so as to verify my submitted SOA. I've been tracking my status via both email, website, appointment page as well as call option too. They're all saying visa still with the embassy/consulate.

My story long o. But it's just a full testimony of God's favour and grace at work. I'm a first class student, with Bachelor's degrees in Philosophy (2009) and Theology (2014) respectively, PGDE from NTI (2015) and COMPTIA A+ from NIIT (2015). I'm 32 and I've been teaching since 2014, plus other engagements like NECO SSCE Supervisor, education board volunteer, ICT manager in an establishment, charity organisation experience, etc.

I applied for Licentiate in Sacred Theology from 2 Jesuit Schools in the US - Santa Clara University, California, and Boston College, Massachusetts.

Both schools offered scholarships. SCU replied first with 50% tuition scholarship, and I processed everything with them (i20, SEVIS fee, and nonrefundable enrolment deposit of $500). I even paid visa application fee and was about applying for visa when BC miraculously showed up last month. I didn't hear from them after application, and because I applied later than their deadline, I presumed they didn't take me. They just appeared last month with admission and 75% tuition scholarship, which I appealed and they increased to 100%. Bingo! �

I immediately applied to DHS for SEVIS fee transfer request from SCU to BC, which they did immediately and hitch free too. I went for visa interview with BC full tuition cover, while my uncle (same surname) takes care of other expenses. I used 2 SOA (dollar and naira respectively) from him issued in May for my admissions and i20 processing. He gave me sponsorship letter, together with another SOA printed July 10, a day to my interview.

VISA INTERVIEW:
Abuja, July 11th, 9am, window 6 or so, elderly white man who was very calm and gentle with me. Arrived consulate around 7:50am, got interviewed after the series of queues and processes around 10:35am or so.

My situation: No GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS or other standardised tests, and no external transcripts evaluations (none required); totally Virgin passport (but I've been to Benin and Ghana, and I filled them in my DS160); Single and childless; sponsored by uncle. Big mistake in my visa appointment form which I never discovered as I did all my stuff and printed myself, until the guys checking at the front desk pointed it out to me - I put my email address in place of my first name so the appointment page bears only my surname and email address, no first names. I almost fainted! Good enough, my email is a twist of my first names, so the identity connection won't be hard. They passed me on to the next screening stage though.

TRANSCRIPT:
(I'm not good at quoting verbatim, please, but you'll get the whole gist as much as I can).

We greeted and I passed my passport and i20.

VO: Are you in Orders? (meaning, are you a priest?)

Me: No

VO: I'm seeing Theology

Me: I've been in the seminary all my life but I didn't continue to the priesthood. I want to advance in Theology so I can lecture in the senior seminary or Catholic University when I return.

VO: Do you have a place to teach when you return?

Me: Yes (I dash him the letter I'm holding)

VO: What level of students are you teaching now?

Me: Secondary students, but I want to advance so I can teach in the higher institution.

VO: (goes into typing mode, so gentle all the way like he really wants to grant the visa but remembered he hadn't really asked me anything) Let me ask you just one question, a quick one. (I say, sure). Can you tell me the only doctrine the Pope has pronounced as infallible?

Me: (I never expected that. I was confused whether he meant the current Pope or past popes. He saw my confusion and said since Vatican. So I answered) We have the Immaculate Conception, we have the... (I wanted to continue but VO cuts in...)

VO: There you go! You did your Theology well! Did you obtain any bachelors during your seminary studies?

Me: Yes.

VO: What subjects?

Me: Philosophy and Theology

VO: (looking at my i20...) I see you have generous funding from the school. (I no talk. He moves down to my uncle.) Your uncle is taking care of the rest. Can I see...

Me: (I didn't let him finish. I dash am my sponsorship letter plus 3 different SOA for same uncle, two naira and one dollar account, all three legit. He looks at the SOAs and exclaims)

VO: These accounts are loaded. Your uncle must be well off. What does he do?

Me: (I tell him uncle's job and professional level.)

VO: I'll put your visa on hold while we verify these accounts against fraud. If you're guilty of fraud, you won't be allowed to enter the United States for...

Me: (I cut him off) Sure, I know. With all pleasure, please, you can confirm.

VO: (sticks a small white piece of paper behind my passport, gives me white A4 paper saying) This is for your visa (white paper showing visa approved and collection info).

(Gives me another cut white paper saying) This is specifically for your F1 visa (contains F1 travel guidelines).

(Keeps my passport. Hands back my i20 saying something like) Keep it on you while travelling, not in your bag (and so on... But I wasn't listening. The only thing in my head was... Run � � �)

VO was still giving final remarks but I was already towards the door in excitement and also fear of being called back for another thing again.

Me: (Already turned to run away �) bye bye, bye bye... God bless you, Sir!



Na so I take waka. I wasn't asked most of the usually expected questions. The only documents I presented were passport, i20, letter of employment confirmation and financial documents (letter of sponsorship and 3 SOA from uncle).

First, it's God. Then, truth is key. Also, struggle for good grades, you have less worry afterwards in academic adventures or application processes. Study the scope of the interview well and know what they're looking for. Try have documents to back up answers, and present the document to backup your claims as you're voicing oral answer too, because you may not be asked. Don't talk too much. Stay on the question. Let the VO lead the conversation. Don't answer the next question VO hasn't asked.

Pray my dear. Fast. Abstain from sin for that period. Make God a project as you make the visa a project and also make your documentation a project, and all will rhyme in that small cubicle. Pray to also meet a gentle VO. A guy immediately after me who came with the same school I got in California (SCU), with same 50% tuition scholarship I had with them, was not successful at the visa interview and he said the VO wasn't letting him talk (I got their i20 and paid SEVIS fee with them but switched to Boston that gave me 100% tuition scholarship, transfered my SEVIS record and went for visa interview with Boston College.)

Another thing, I feel they check social media profile, else they wouldn't ask you for it. Have a mature consistent social media profile that would make a potential employer take you if they were to look at your social media; a social media profile that can tell who you are, and also match what you filled in your DS160. I was expecting to feel tensed as I approached interview, but only remembered after the interview that I felt no tension at all. My VO made me at ease. It wasn't really a grilling interview, but more of a coffee chat. He was an angel!

However, I've still not been contacted for my visa collection and tracking is saying still at embassy. I filled PH as my pick-up location. The white paper said 4 working days if using pick-up. It's 2 whole weeks now, that's 10 or 11 working days. What's your take guys about my situation?

Also, what's take about landing at a POE different from your school airport? I want to land in Los Angeles for some days before moving to Boston? Any concerns about immigration wahala if I do so?

My empathy to all those not yet successful, and best wishes to those going soonest. One love, Nairaland! ✌

Yhukay00:
would you remember all this?

Yhukay00:
I'm a newbie here please @ Lagosismyhome, fairheart, sharwama and all the critics should help me look into this my proposed transcript, thanks.



V.O : why are you going to the U.S.A
ME : I'm going for a B.Sc in computer science at the college of saint rose.
V.O : why U.S.A
ME : A degree In the U.S opens up a wide range of career prospects and gives me an edge over my contemporaries upon my return to Nigeria.
V.O : how many schools did you apply to.
ME : 4 universities all admitted
V.O : name them
ME : st cloud state university, Gannon university, college of saint rose, concord University
V.O : why college of saint rose
M.E : college of saint rose is one of the top schools in America studying game designing and development, which is a part of computer science that interests me a lot(it's #4 in New York according to universities.com, but I don't know if I should tell the V.O this) and I was also given a $23k/year scholarship.
V.O : why were you given the scholarship
ME : it was because of SAT score and personal statement
V.O : what would a degree in computer science do for you
ME : it would help me develop a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of programming, database management, software engineering, networks, then go on to study topics that range from forensic computing to mobile programming and game design
V.O : what will you be doing after your degree
ME : I'd return to Nigeria after my undergraduate degree to have my NYSC, and get a job, *hopefully* in one of the top IT firms in Nigeria. I'd also like to startup a video game developing company, giving there are not many top game developers here in Nigeria, I would like to jump on this opportunity and be among the very best.
V.O : who would be sponsoring you and what doe he do
ME : My Dad. He's a businessman who imports leathers and fabrics to Nigeria from China and delivers nationwide.

CHUUKKSS:
People are learning here, so don't use style and huff here. If I hadn't shared my experience, we wouldn't know it is totally unacceptable. Be wise and learn too. Tell the next person to do the right thing next time as I have been told.

Ayobamisam:
Good morning people. I will post my transcript now. Visa approved in Lagos today. I have been a silent follower of this page and I thank you guys for your help.
I'm a medical doctor, GRE - 300, Wes- 3.24 ( I wore a native dress )
Denied two people in front of me. VO is elderly in his late 50s

Me: Good morning Sir.
VO: Good morning
Congratulations. God bless your new journey

VO: Pass me your passport and I-20
Me: here you go Sir (handed over the documents).
VO: (typing fast checking is computer). I see that you are a medical doctor.
Me: Yes Sir
VO: Which school did you graduate from?
Me: The University of Ibadan
VO: And you will be going to Texas A&M to study epidemiology.
Me: Yes Sir.
VO: Why Texas A&M
Me: Texas A & M is a top tier research institution that is known for 3 cardinal things: 1. Quality Education 2. Quality research 3. Community engagement.
I communicated with the Program's director and in the end I was convinced that the school is best fit for me.
VO: How did you know about the school?
Me: Through the schools of public health application service website, USnews and Google. (VO nods)
VO: Who will be sponsoring your education.
Me: My Uncle will be sponsoring my education since....(VO interrupted me).
VO: Where does he work?
Me: He is a business man, he deals with textile production and also import vehicles from the US for sale in Nigeria. I have is bank statements (VO wasn't interested, he kept typing)
VO: (looks up interested). Are you the only doctor in your family?
Me: infact I'm the first (smiled)
VO: (smiled back) I will be approving your Visa. You can pick it up on Wednesday.
Oyinbo man handed me white paper and my passport... strange isn't it but I was too happy to notice. I got out of the interview hall with my passport and white paper.I just realized Jeez- I rushed back inside, alerted an official who gave him my passport.
So I'll just say that it was God. I implore everyone to keep pushing hard, believe in yourself and success is sure. If you believe in prayers like I do, please pray hard and also prepare well. All the best people.

Stellyhardy:
Visa approved today in Lagos
3rd attempt
Uk travel history
MSc at NCAT
Funding 24k
Deficit 6,100
No single document was asked!

Vo just banned a family of 4 before for misinterpretation and told them never again to attempt to enter the US! They went through a lot of drilling and he spent almost 15 minutes with them , I was shooked!

Window 1
I greeted him and passed him my i20, he types for a while

Vo- so you have 70% scholarship
Me- yes I do

Vo-What did you study in your undergraduate and what year did you finish?
I told him

Vo- did you take GRE ?
Me-yes with a score of 292

Vo- types for while and then passed me the white palate , told me to pick up in 5 days!

It was all under 20secomds and no single document was asked!
I thank everyone on this thread that shares transcripts and replies questions even when they seem “ stoopid” lol ...God bless us all!


Biko can I go on and book my flight ?
Ncat students pls lets link up and discuss about accommodation!

bestcyrilthebes:
first i want to say Thanks to GOD almighty and also to everyone was has contributed positively to this thread, May God continue to bless you all. I had my visa interview on 6th of june at abuja embassy i had 17k deficit , sponsor my uncle i was placed on Ap for 50 days no extra documents was asked just my uncle bank statement kept checking everyday till yesterday it was issued will drop full transcript later . just want to encourage everyone on AP to be positive soon your status will change to issued also @justobama thanks for always checking up .

Stellyhardy:
Visa approved !

Ncat students pls lets link up and discuss about accommodation

bestcyrilthebes:
first i want to say Thanks to GOD almighty

Ayobamisam:
Good morning people. I will post my transcript now. Visa approved in Lagos today. I have been a silent follower of this page and I thank you guys for your help.
I'm a medical doctor, GRE - 300, Wes- 3.24 ( I wore a native dress )
Denied two people in front of me. VO is elderly in his late 50s

Me: Good morning Sir.
VO: Good morning

VO: Pass me your passport and I-20
Me: here you go Sir (handed over the documents).
VO: (typing fast checking is computer). I see that you are a medical doctor.
Me: Yes Sir
VO: Which school did you graduate from?
Me: The University of Ibadan
VO: And you will be going to Texas A&M to study epidemiology.
Me: Yes Sir.
VO: Why Texas A&M
Me: Texas A & M is a top tier research institution that is known for 3 cardinal things: 1. Quality Education 2. Quality research 3. Community engagement.
I communicated with the Program's director and in the end I was convinced that the school is best fit for me.
VO: How did you know about the school?
Me: Through the schools of public health application service website, USnews and Google. (VO nods)
VO: Who will be sponsoring your education.
Me: My Uncle will be sponsoring my education since....(VO interrupted me).
VO: Where does he work?
Me: He is a business man, he deals with textile production and also import vehicles from the US for sale in Nigeria. I have is bank statements (VO wasn't interested, he kept typing)
VO: (looks up interested). Are you the only doctor in your family?
Me: infact I'm the first (smiled)
VO: (smiled back) I will be approving your Visa. You can pick it up on Wednesday.
Oyinbo man handed me white paper and my passport... strange isn't it but I was too happy to notice. I got out of the interview hall with my passport and white paper.I just realized Jeez- I rushed back inside, alerted an official who gave him my passport.
So I'll just say that it was God. I implore everyone to keep pushing hard, believe in yourself and success is sure. If you believe in prayers like I do, please pray hard and also prepare well. All the best people.

iPLEXUS:
congratulations!!! Did you get any funding?

Dalmakz:
Transcript for my USA Visa interview
Location: Abuja
Date: 25th June, 2019

Profile
B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering
MSc in Materials Science and Engineering
Taken GRE: Yes
Taken TOEFL: Yes
Academic Start Session: Fall 2019
Course of study: PhD Systems Engineering (Option of Mechanical Engineeing)
School: Univeristy of Louisianna lafayette (ULL)
Fully Funded: Yes





I got to the venue by 8:42am for a 9.00am appointnent. I was happy I used taxify as I felt I had eluded the rain, but little did I know that the rain had other plans for me. I actually thought the taxi could go into the premises but the mobile police men no gree o. As the car stopped, hustlers were already everywhere offering me umbrella as it was raining heavily. So I got down and stood with one of them who was a lady under her umbrella (this didn't even prevent the rain from beating me). Luckily for me she was igbo so it was easy to bargain with her how much it would cost to keep my phones in her possession. I was really skeptical about giving her my phone but I no get option so I just gave her everything and took down her details on a paper. She then walked me into the embassy. It was raining heavily... you know that type of rain that comes with the wind. Before i could get to where we would be checked in, I was already was practically soaked from hair to toe. I started feeling cold and feverish but I no send... I told myself, it is either you get this vis today or you die here today...

So after all the check in and biometrics process, I was directed to windows 7 which had a Male VO who was very strict. I was the last in the line so after so time, the usher directed me to go to windows 10 which had a female VO.

Fast forward to my turn...The VO was a white lady. Very friendly. She approved the lady before me. She was not in a haste and was not in a habit of cutting people off as they were talking. And so it got to my turn..

VO Signals me to come) Good morning can I have your I-20 and passport.

Me: Good morning Ma (Passed her my I-20 and pasport)

VO: (Looks at something on my I-20 and starts typing furiously...stops typing after sometime and then looks at my I-20 again and then she says) " wow you have a graduate assistantship, wow, congratulations"

Me: Thank you Ma

VO: Why did you apply to the ULL?

Me: (so I have been rehearsing this reply before my interview date...I basically fabricated it to be said in less than 30secs)
Basically, the ULL is strongly expertised in my area of interested research which happens to be focused on the "processing and enhancement of semiconductor materials for low K dielectrics". My desire to be at the ULL was further intensified after perusing through the faculty directory and discovering that the research direction of Dr. XXXXXXX is well in line with mine. Having communicated with her, she was willing to admit me into her research group as my supervisor. With all these in mind, I tendered in an application, knowing this would be a good fit for my PhD plans
(she was just nodding as she was typing and looking at me...mehn her eyes was not on the computer but was on me...)

VO: Have you finished your master's degree program?

Me: Yes. I concluded my program on the 1st of July at the African University of Science and Technology Abuja.


VO: Have you been employed before?

Me: Yes. After my NYSC, I worked for a period of 8 months as a graduate trainee at the XXXXXXX where they assemble and manufacture cars.

VO: What other schools did you apply to? How many admitted you ?

Me: I also applied to the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) and Michigan Technological University (MTU). MTU rejected me while UNL accepted me.

VO: Did you write TOEFL and GRE

Me: Yes. I told her my scores.

VO: Tell me about your research area for your PhD program in systems engineering?

Me: My primary research would be focused on the deposition and characterisation of low K materials (SiCOH) using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD).

VO: what are low K materials?

Me: (At this point i was determined to explain to her in the best way I could) Low K materials are materials that have a low dielectric constant. They are used to make the components of an integrated circuit. Remember that there was a time that this computer you are using right now was not like this, it was quite bigger and not as swift as it is now (she affirmed yes). So in other to transform it to what it is today, it faced a miniaturaization. The miniaturization of devices have lead to improved performance but however, the set back is the interconnect-induced delay called the RC delay. Low dielectric constant materials as an interconnecting insulator insulator in integrated circuits are essential for resistance-capacitance (RC) time delay.....

VO: What will this degree do for you?
Me: It is my desire to be a top researcher and a lecturer in my field in a Nigerian Institution to help produce intelligent and ambitious minds who would work tirelessly to revolutionalise Nigeria. As such, getting a PhD degree is a pertinent requirement in achieving this.

VO: Did you agree to go to this school because of the funding?

Me: No ma. Basically, almost all PhD programs are fully funded. I went for the ULL because of...

VO: (She cuts me) I will be approving your Visa. Once again congratulations on your graduate assistantship. Its indeed a great one. You will be needing your I-20 at the point of entry. She then gave me a white paper...

Me: I was just looking at her eye balls... I was so overwhelmed. I told her thank you...

While I was leaving the building I kept a straight and hard face like i was rejected so that those police officers would not task me... Gave the lady that kept my phones for me 1500 for me and that was it...

Thanks to everyone who has ever posted on this thread....
Pardon my typo error if any...

juliouze:

Congratulations, God bless your new journey