A Step By Step Guide On How To Achieve Your Dream Of Studying In The United States.

By: Cyril Chibuzor Ikeh

INTRODUCTION

Many Nigerian students earnestly seek to further their studies but are being hindered by the inability to afford the finance involved. It is important to note that there are many scholarship opportunities in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and other first world countries. With the right knowledge, bright and serous-minded Nigerian students can benefit from these scholarships.

The essence of this article is to give a detailed direction on how to secure admission and most importantly, scholarships in the United States of America.

NECESSARY STEPS TO TAKE

1. Search for schools that suit your profile: The very first thing to do is to search for schools that suit your profile perfectly.  It is imperative to pay attention to the programs they offer, requirements for admission and funding opportunities. Worthy to note is the fact that there is a school out there that suits you perfectly, so don't give up nor get tired of searching. To make the searching easier make use of apps like common app or prepler.

2. Write to the program Chair/Coordinator: When you must have found the best school that aligns with your interest and profile, the next thing to do is to contact the program coordinator telling him or her why you are interested in the school. In drafting your email it is expected that you introduce yourself talking about your name, country, course of study, GPA, your plans to take the necessary exams, research Interests and publications, it is advised that you Conclude the mail by inquiring if there are scholarships  for your intended program.

3. Prepare and sit for necessary exams: To study in the United States there are some exams that are important, as they may be required by your school of choice, some of these exams include, SAT, ACT, IELTS, GRE, TOEFL, GMAT etc. Some are for undergraduate students while some are for graduate students, the english proficiency exams like IELTS, duolingo and TOEFL are for both undergraduate and graduate students. Writing some of these exams will definitely cost one a fortune but on the other hand it will ace your application and give you an edge over other applicants. However, it is vital to note that there are schools in the US that do not require these exams. It is also advised that your transcripts are eveluated by WES or other Naces evaluating firm.

4. Submit your application: After the long and fruitful search and all other preparations like the exams, collecting of transcripts, talking to people that will recommend you etc, it is now time to apply. There is nothing as good as submitting before the priority deadline. Some schools waive application fee automatically or upon request, while some don't. Regarding scholarship, some schools requires that you apply for scholarship as you submit your application, some give automatic scholarship, while some require you to apply only after admission offer.

5. Request for your form I-20: If you receive an admission offer from the schools you applied to, congratulations!!!

The next step is to request for your form I-20 which is the most important Visa document which displays relevant information about your program, cost and funding, with this you can now be able to pay the visa fee, and also search for an interview date.

6. Pay the SEVIS Fee: The SEVIS is a compulsory fee which must be paid before Visa Interview. It is a fee required of all foreign nationals who come to the United States to study. It lasts for 12months before it's expiration.

7. Book your appointment and attend your visa interview: It is pertinent to state it categorically clear that this is the (ogakpatakpata) most important of all the stages.  This level requires intense preparation because those visa officers at the embassy are not smiling. If your interview goes well and your visa application is approved, congrats!!! Book your flight, pack your bags and baggages and fly to the United States.