Lastbornbuns:
Congrats once again

Thanks!

Thomsyne:


Congratulations Chief!
If you don’t mind, what did you study specifically in Gregmat for the verbal. I have a subscription too but work pressure won’t let me follow the two months’ plan religiously and I have to write the exam in like a month.

P.S: I’m also an engineering graduate so the quant might not be so big an issue for me. However, the verbal can. What would you recommend pls?

Thanks

Thanks!
I actually don't have a subscription.
I just watched/practised/studied with these videos the day before test day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vGNFE571AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ejpj1JxCAs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFa8oeXXuoA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhzlaHXHaK4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRj2u60J6mY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtdpCvfxcGc

Lastbornbuns:

Wow!! � pls what are your study materials

Gregmat was really helpful for Verbal. Also tried to study and memorize some GRE word lists I found online. [Full Disclosure - I took the SAT earlier in my life so I have some experience with these sorts of questions].
Didn't really study for Quant. Just did the practice test the night before. I'm an Engineering graduate so the Quant section was relatively easy for me.

Wrote the actual GRE on Friday.
Unofficial scores were 165 - Verbal and 168 - Quant.
The key thing to note, I think, is that the questions on my actual GRE were significantly more difficult than the questions on the practice test I took (which was also from ETS, by the way).

Taking the GRE was a bit of an emergency for me as I realized pretty late that I would need it for a scholarship I wanted to apply for. I could only spare 16 hours from work to prepare (essentially taking two days off - the day before the test and the actual test day). Definitely wouldn't recommend this for anyone else.

My advice:
Prepare better than you think you need to. Don't get comfortable because you're getting your desired score on the practice test(s). It's possible for your actual test to be a lot more difficult. In my case, I was really going for 335+ and it seems I fell short by 2 points.

First practice test (ETS)

ukemnseg:


Not sure how much help I can offer, but I'll just run through my journey.
Got a job in the UK so needed the IELTS as 'proof of English' for my visa application (also want to try to do an M.Sc. while I'm there).
Was told I needed to pass at/above B1 level (band 4.0) in each section for the job, but found out I would need to pass at/above C1 level (band 7.0) in each section for top grad schools. Also needed the result pretty urgently so I didn't have the option of spending a lot of time to prepare (had 4 days between when I knew I needed the IELTS and when I took the test).

- I created an account, booked a test and paid online at the British Council site - https://ieltsukviregistration.britishcouncil.org

- Read everything on the first couple of pages of this thread, then did same for the last couple of pages. After this, I had a general idea of the IELTS exam structure and the typical problem areas for most candidates (didn't know anything about the IELTS before this).

- Ran through the practice tests on the IELTS Prep App and the challenges on the IELTS Word Power app. I prepared for and took the SATs when I was younger so I found most of the IELTS stuff relatively easy. Also, writing is a hobby for me so I felt pretty confident of my abilities in that section even though statistics from here showed it was the main problem area for candidates.

- My Mistakes on Test Day
Speaking
I wasn't very audible and I talked too fast (which is a general problem I have). The interviewer stopped me twice to tell me to be more audible. If I had been louder, slower and tried to articulate my words more clearly, I would probably have done much better. One disadvantage of not prepping adequately is you don't realize your weaknesses till test day (or you don't even realize you have those weaknesses). So, you should definitely practice much better than I did.
Listening
I got distracted at the beginning of this section. My eraser fell off the table and I (by reflex) bent down to pick it up. By the time I got back up, I realized I had missed some things and just couldn't remember what they were no matter how hard I tried. Probably missed the first two or three questions here which is why I got the 8.5. It's pretty straightforward to get a 9.0 in this section if you listen very attentively and you don't get put off by the accent of the speaker.
Reading
This was a perfect section for me. My background prep for the SATs definitely helped here. My main advice is to forget everything you know about the topic you're reading and focus on what is actually in the passage. If it is not in the passage, it does not exist. Don't get carried away and start providing answers based on your own background knowledge. Only provide answers based on what you read. See below example:
Passage - "Frogs live in swampy habitats and can lay hundreds of eggs each spawning season. Frogs exist in a variety of colors."
Statement - Frogs are green in color
Options - (a) True (b) False (c) Unknown
The correct answer to the above is (c). It's easy to lose concentration and just choose (a) because we generally know frogs to be green in color (especially when you don't have a lot of time), but the passage does not explicitly say this, so that piece of knowledge simply does not exist. The passage also does not explicitly say that frogs are not green in color, so that piece of knowledge also does not exist.
I think it's possible to get a 9.0 here too if you practice well enough and get used to the types of questions asked.
Writing
I was pretty exhausted by the time we got to this section. I didn't have breakfast before my test that morning, a rather foolish decision in retrospect. I also didn't bring a drink along. You definitely should not come for the test on an empty stomach. You should also bring along an energy drink. Don't underestimate just how much energy this test will sap from you. In the end, I finished both write-ups with about 5-10 minutes to spare (writing is my thing) and was completely drained. If I wasn't so exhausted afterwards, I would have gone through both write-ups and substituted some of the more common words for less well-known synonyms. That would definitely have taken me closer to 9.0. So, for writing, the more esoteric the word, the better. Just be sure that you're using the words properly or you'll actually be shooting yourself in the foot. The challenges on the IELTS Word Power app will get you familiar with some synonyms that should come in handy. Also, make sure to properly section your work with paragraphs. Each paragraph should put forward just one uniform idea, and should only contain sentences relating to that idea. Don't make your sentences too long. Each sentence should carry a single unit of thought and should be concise and straight to the point. Finally, don't mess up your punctuation. Practice your writing with these in mind.

- Got the online results about a week after the test. Still waiting for my hard-copy result certificate to be sent to me, and it's taking far too long in my opinion.

- Wish everyone all of the very best!

Update:
My hard-copy result report form came in this morning via UPS.

ukemnseg:
My Results
British Council Computer-Based IELTS for UKVI Academic
Location - Workforce Group, Gbagada, Lagos
Date - August 11th, 2020

Overall - 8.5
Listening - 8.5
Reading - 9.0
Writing - 8.0
Speaking - 7.5

For work/study in the UK

Not sure how much help I can offer, but I'll just run through my journey.
Got a job in the UK so needed the IELTS as 'proof of English' for my visa application (also want to try to do an M.Sc. while I'm there).
Was told I needed to pass at/above B1 level (band 4.0) in each section for the job, but found out I would need to pass at/above C1 level (band 7.0) in each section for top grad schools. Also needed the result pretty urgently so I didn't have the option of spending a lot of time to prepare (had 4 days between when I knew I needed the IELTS and when I took the test).

- I created an account, booked a test and paid online at the British Council site - https://ieltsukviregistration.britishcouncil.org

- Read everything on the first couple of pages of this thread, then did same for the last couple of pages. After this, I had a general idea of the IELTS exam structure and the typical problem areas for most candidates (didn't know anything about the IELTS before this).

- Ran through the practice tests on the IELTS Prep App and the challenges on the IELTS Word Power app. I prepared for and took the SATs when I was younger so I found most of the IELTS stuff relatively easy. Also, writing is a hobby for me so I felt pretty confident of my abilities in that section even though statistics from here showed it was the main problem area for candidates.

- My Mistakes on Test Day
Speaking
I wasn't very audible and I talked too fast (which is a general problem I have). The interviewer stopped me twice to tell me to be more audible. If I had been louder, slower and tried to articulate my words more clearly, I would probably have done much better. One disadvantage of not prepping adequately is you don't realize your weaknesses till test day (or you don't even realize you have those weaknesses). So, you should definitely practice much better than I did.
Listening
I got distracted at the beginning of this section. My eraser fell off the table and I (by reflex) bent down to pick it up. By the time I got back up, I realized I had missed some things and just couldn't remember what they were no matter how hard I tried. Probably missed the first two or three questions here which is why I got the 8.5. It's pretty straightforward to get a 9.0 in this section if you listen very attentively and you don't get put off by the accent of the speaker.
Reading
This was a perfect section for me. My background prep for the SATs definitely helped here. My main advice is to forget everything you know about the topic you're reading and focus on what is actually in the passage. If it is not in the passage, it does not exist. Don't get carried away and start providing answers based on your own background knowledge. Only provide answers based on what you read. See below example:
Passage - "Frogs live in swampy habitats and can lay hundreds of eggs each spawning season. Frogs exist in a variety of colors."
Statement - Frogs are green in color
Options - (a) True (b) False (c) Unknown
The correct answer to the above is (c). It's easy to lose concentration and just choose (a) because we generally know frogs to be green in color (especially when you don't have a lot of time), but the passage does not explicitly say this, so that piece of knowledge simply does not exist. The passage also does not explicitly say that frogs are not green in color, so that piece of knowledge also does not exist.
I think it's possible to get a 9.0 here too if you practice well enough and get used to the types of questions asked.
Writing
I was pretty exhausted by the time we got to this section. I didn't have breakfast before my test that morning, a rather foolish decision in retrospect. I also didn't bring a drink along. You definitely should not come for the test on an empty stomach. You should also bring along an energy drink. Don't underestimate just how much energy this test will sap from you. In the end, I finished both write-ups with about 5-10 minutes to spare (writing is my thing) and was completely drained. If I wasn't so exhausted afterwards, I would have gone through both write-ups and substituted some of the more common words for less well-known synonyms. That would definitely have taken me closer to 9.0. So, for writing, the more esoteric the word, the better. Just be sure that you're using the words properly or you'll actually be shooting yourself in the foot. The challenges on the IELTS Word Power app will get you familiar with some synonyms that should come in handy. Also, make sure to properly section your work with paragraphs. Each paragraph should put forward just one uniform idea, and should only contain sentences relating to that idea. Don't make your sentences too long. Each sentence should carry a single unit of thought and should be concise and straight to the point. Finally, don't mess up your punctuation. Practice your writing with these in mind.

- Got the online results about a week after the test. Still waiting for my hard-copy result certificate to be sent to me, and it's taking far too long in my opinion.

- Wish everyone all of the very best!

My Results
British Council Computer-Based IELTS for UKVI Academic
Location - Workforce Group, Gbagada, Lagos
Date - August 11th, 2020

Overall - 8.5
Listening - 8.5
Reading - 9.0
Writing - 8.0
Speaking - 7.5

For work/study in the UK

slimmy2005:
Try and take the TOEFL exam and apply to other schools. Duke is a very good school as well. They might waive application fee for you.

Yeah thanks. I'll do the TOEFL this month.

cseejhay:


which of these two SAT1 and SAT2 should i write to qualify me for me scolarship.....and which will you advice me to take to apply for admission into a public uni,and will i need the TOEFL after SAT? i am grateful for your response.thank you.

I don't know too much about scholarships but if you want to be taken really seriously, you should take the SAT I and at least two subject tests (SAT II)...and do well on them all. I know you can find a couple of schools that offer scholarships based on SAT scores. You just have to do some research.

Which public university are you considering? Look up the school's website and you'll find info. regarding what standardized tests to take to be eligible for admission. Most schools require just the SAT I, but top schools will also recommend that you take two SAT II subject tests as well.

I did well on the SAT, but I still got an email from Howard University yesterday asking that I submit my TOEFL scores. So yeah, some schools may still require you to take the TOEFL after the SAT.

All of the best!

Mayflowa:


Wow! Such brilliance! And succinct use of English. You sound like a graduate student already. Now I know the reason for you stellar performance.

Thanks for all the encouragement.

imperiouxx:


There are limitations for int'l students. You just have to do your research well. If you tslking about intl student, you can't get work study. Though you can file hardship with USCIS and be allowed to work. For loans you have to have someone dependable in US or you bring your loan from Nigeria if possible.

Yeah.
I know international students are not eligible for the 'Federal' Work/Study program and are not allowed to take off-campus jobs. However, I also know that students with F-1 visas are allowed to work 'on-campus' and there are quite a number of such opportunities available at Harvard.
Thanks for the advice though. If I really do need to take a loan, I'll explore the options here in Nigeria before considering the US. Of course, all this is hinged upon the financial aid offer I'm given (if I get admitted).

cseejhay:
pls can someone help me with materials like past exam questions and the likes to aid my preparation for SAT and TOEFL.pls help me.thank you.

There's a new redesigned SAT now (from March 2016), so you may have to do a little more research to prepare.

I'd suggest you use the Khan Academy test prep:
https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/new-sat

You should also read up the posts on Prepscholar (I found them quite useful):
http://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/resources

Buy a SAT prep/study book (Kaplan or Barron's will do)

Finally, here's a link to the four official practice tests I used to prepare (for the old SAT):
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pk1rlgyix0g6f1j/AAA1gcLa5C5PpxzdfmWArQAAa?dl=0

All of the best!

cseejhay:


which is the most expensive of the two to reg for? SAT or TOEFL.

SAT I with Essay (from Nigeria) - $87.50

TOEFL - $180

coobboy:

1. It does not guarantee it, but I am sure you will have a high chance of getting the visa
2. If you apply to midrange schools, you might get a full ride scholarship with your SAT score. But Ivy League, I do not know of. But that is some pretty good score man (If I had your SAT score, I would not settle for less, and would not come to America without a full ride scholarship.
3. Man I do not think you need to take TOEFL, because if Havard and MIT can waive it for you, man.... But I believe the SAT has covered the grounds of the TOEFL. people without standardized test even got their visas, talkless of you with a high SAT score. If you can defend yourself well, I do not think you can be denied
4. No just for one year.

Thanks. I'll try to look into some other schools.

pappyyanky:
Hello house , SAT or TOEFL which one should I take , or is the two compulsory .

I've taken the SAT and I've looked at some questions from the TOEFL so I'll answer based on the quality/difficulty of both tests.

Your understanding of written English must be quite good if you want to do really well on either test.

If you're reasonably proficient at math and are willing to put in a good amount of study time, then you should do the SAT (it's the more difficult test and is more highly regarded).

If you don't plan to give too much time to studying and would rather avoid math, then take the TOEFL.

The final decision is yours to make. How far are you willing to go...what do you want to achieve?

imperiouxx:


And you guys will be saying funding are available at those kind of schools like it's easy. You forget about how extremely competitive it is to get ordinary admission, let alone funding. Harvard, I know of very well. Their admission doesn't come with any automatic funding. Harvard will tap fingers to collect their money in full from you. My wife is a graduate of Harvard University, her student loan is super high.

Yeah. I know Harvard and most of the other Ivies only award aid based on the student's 'perceived' need...and I know they still expect the student to make a contribution ($3000 annually for Harvard) by either taking a loan or participating in a work/study program. But you have to agree that for the post-graduation prospects they offer, they're not really asking for that much.

bbdd:


Hello,
Apply to three ivy league schools
Three "New ivies" Stanford, Emory, Duke etc
Apply to two safety schools that will surely give you full scholarship.

Chinese and Indians will apply but guess what they have to be diverse in their admissions decisions so since you're black and you are clearly very bright, you stand a very good chance of getting in. Hopefully, other aspects of your application stand out as well.

Goodluck. It's worth the shot. Why are you thinking of a visa now? Get admission first.

Thanks.
This may sound weird, but I only applied to MIT, Harvard and Howard. I'm already attending the University of Lagos (got admitted last year to study EEE) and I only did the SATs in November/December last year because a couple of friends convinced me to prepare/take it with them. Then my scores came in, and Harvard and a couple of other schools started sending me emails encouraging me to apply.
The thing is, I'm trying not to get too carried away by all of this so my academics in Unilag don't get affected. If I focus on applying to too many schools, I might lose touch with my studies here and I'd rather not have that happen (especially as there's no real guarantee of admission). I don't want to lose both ways.

I actually wasn't thinking about a visa until I saw this thread. I might be writing tests/exams here in Unilag around the time admissions decisions are mailed so I might not have the time to make the runs for my visa application (if I do get admitted). More so, after reading about the experiences of others, I think I want to start preparing early.

Mayflowa:


Boy! you are hot as they come. But MIT and Harvard are no joke. The competition is really high. Some indians and chinese are crazily hot. But I believe you stand a chance if few Africans applied to your course. Ivy leagues aim to diversify your class. Funding is almost guaranteed for anyone that gets admitted! If I were you I would apply to some three to five more schools. Just email the school with your score and ask them to grant you waiver as you are coming from developing country. Your teacher can support with a letter too.

YOU should try Pennsylvania, Cornell, Stanford and two mid schools like Notre dame and my school- University of Missouri. As per your question, you stand a very huge chance of getting visa with ivy leagues. They are always impressed to see ivy leagues whether they show the emotion or not. This comes with huge responsibility. They won't expect you to flop when they ask you the few questions in their mind. I do not expect you to flop as an intelligent guy. See? if you flopped, you don't deserve visa

Thanks. I won't disappoint if/when I eventually do the interview.

CuteDude53:
Scored 224

computer science UNILAG

i have nothing less dan C6 in my O'LEVEL result.but i'm scared its 2010/2011 WAEC result.can i still use dat?

Yes, you can. I used a 2007 WAEC Result when I applied in 2014 and I got in to study EEE. However, when you say 'nothing less than C6', I hope you mean 'A's and 'B's and not all 'C's. My WAEC Result was really good so that might have played a part (not sure about this though). You should try to get in on merit...to reduce the complications.

And in case you're wondering, I had to wait 7 years after secondary school because I had some health challenges.

So theoretically, you can.

Hello everyone. I'm new here and I'm really glad I stumbled across this forum.
I've just gone through some of the previous discussions and they've been really enlightening. Getting a US student visa from Nigeria seems to be even more difficult than getting admitted into a US school in the first place.

I have a few questions (for any one in a position to answer):

1. Does the school you're admitted to have any bearing on the success/failure of your visa application/interview. For eg. let's say I have an I-20 form from Harvard College. Would that 'guarantee' me a US student visa from Nigeria?.

2. Can anyone offer any 'specific' information on scholarships that can be applied for prior to admission to a US university (for Nigerian students). [I got 2280 on the SAT I, 770 (Math Level II) and 790 (Physics) on the SAT II].

3. Considering my 1530/1600 score on the SAT Verbal (CR+W), do I still need to take the TOEFL to impress the folks at the visa office? $180 is a lot of money and I'd rather not have my parents spend it if they don't absolutely have to. MIT and Harvard waived the TOEFL for me since I did well on the SAT Verbal, but I would still gladly take it if it would help with my visa application. I can't imagine being denied a student visa if I do get admitted to an Ivy.

4. And finally...in my application for a student visa (for undergraduate studies), does the bank statement I submit have to show funds sufficient to cover the total cost of attendance for all 4 years or for just the first year?

Thanks.

To confirm my earlier observation, the link for "2014/2015 POST UTME" on the Unilag website has just been changed to "2014/2015 CHANGE OF COURSE".

Good morning everyone. I just read through the post on Supplementary Admissions (Change of course) on the Unilag website. I think the uploading of O'level results is for candidates going for the "change of course"; and is to be done after payment for, and filling of the change of course online form.

Yeah. I've also tried three times already...unsuccessfully. It would seem the portal is temporarily down. Will keep trying though.

Congrats to everyone who made it through. Really looking forward to another academic adventure in Unilag. EEE...73%.

Mrpulse911:
Business Administration bro.

That's nice. Wish you all the best.

Mrpulse911: 73?... Tansfer me 2 marks and i'm gud 2 go 4 my course.. -#sighs# HOW-GOD-WORKS...hoping 4 d best

Friend, let's just keep our fingers crossed. Hope it all works out for you though.
What course are you aspiring for?

Hello everyone! I'm new here and I think it's really nice of whoever set this up.
I'm also an aspirant for Unilag. Going for EEE and had 34 in the PUTME and an aggregate of 73. Wd really like to meet any other EEE aspirant.
Wishing everyone the best.