Date: SUNDAY MARCH 15
Time: NOON SHARP
Where: The University of Ghana, Legon, SARBAH HALL READING ROOM.
What to Bring: Please bring your transcripts to deliver in person.

There is no application fee if application is turned in at the seminar.

For Directions: Call 0243 979 748 or 0240 819 701
For all further Information: Call 0244 541 043

Forward this information to all your friends interested in studying in the US. And please bring your friends along.

Read How to Improve your chances of getting admitted, securing a visa, and completing your studies at a US University.

Related posts:

1. How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Visa to Study at Midwestern State Univeristy?

What: Visa Seminar

When: APRIL 22 AT 1:00 PM

Where:The Embassy In YAOUNDE

Who Must Attend: Everyone in Cameroon seeking admission to Midwestern State University or other US University.

How to Register: Send an email to ——– with your name and telephone number.  Or contact the Education Advising Center in the US Embassy in Yaounde

DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY to get all your specific questions asked and answered.

At My American Degree we try to answer with cursory and general information about the assumptions made when one applies for any non-immigrant visa.  However, it is best for you to hear it from the counselor’s at the embassy.

Please register as soon as possible to ensure that you will be accommodated.

Good luck with the application process.  We are doing everything we can to assist you to get to Midwestern State University.  However, the final decision on your visa rests entirely with the US Embassy.

To receive more information like this please subscribe to My American Degree

.

Related posts:

1. Free Seminar: Midwestern State Univeristy in Ghana, Sunday March 15th 2009

All applicants with three year degrees are advised that they are now welcome to apply for our graduate programs WITHOUT having to do the GRE or GMAT prior to entrance.

Note:

Such students will be admitted CONDITIONALLY and have to do one year of undergraduate leveling at MSU, then do the GRE or GMAT during that year, and be admitted to the graduate program after ONE YEAR.

Let us explain. According to US immigration law, every person who enters a US consulate to apply for a non immigration visa is presumed to be an intended immigrant unless that person can show evidence to the contrary. This is serious! It is an assumption under Section 214 B of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( INA).

The government of the United States has instructed every counselor at the window to believe that you might be using the student visa as a pretense for entering the US on a permanent basis. So you will have to show them that such is not the case when you get there. How do you overcome such a burdensome presumption?

The key is proper preparation and understanding what is required. Let’s talk about the documents:

Passport

You will have your passport. Generally, if you have traveled to the USA before and not violated the law or the terms of your visa, you are probably most likely to get the student or exchange visa. If you have traveled extensively in developed countries, that helps.

However, if you have been to Cuba or are from a Middle-Eastern or communist country, you may have to do some explaining. While these factors may not directly impact the decision, they are complications that will make the interview a bit more nerve wrecking.

Forms DS-156 and DS-157

You will fill out a form called the DS-156 (and the DS 157 if you are male). The first is the visa application form; the second is the security form. The form requires two passport photos with clearly indicated dimensions, and a $100 US or local equivalent application fee. The form itself is not complex. But you will need to have your intended address (so get it from the university), and you will need to answer questions about your plans.

One touchy issue on the form is about your previous travels to the USA. Records exist, especially for post 2001 activities, so be honest. Another touchy issue is that of relatives. If you have had a previous immigrant filing or a current immigrant petition, then it is not advisable to seek a student visa. You would not be able to clear the “intended immigrant” hurdle. Previous, but not current filing can be explained but might be a hurdle.

Having relatives in the USA is NOT an asset. Don’t believe for a minute that your uncle in New York or your sister in Los Angeles would work in your favor. On the contrary, it demonstrates ties to the USA and not your home country.

If such a condition exists, be prepared to explain why it would not be a factor in your plans to return home after completing your degree.

Fees

Fees can be costly. So a mistake the first time could result in you having to re-apply and pay another $100. But even if you have everything right, prior to going for the interview, you must pay a SEVIS or form I-901 fee, in addition to your visa fee. That is also $100. You must have evidence that you have paid this fee online prior to arriving for your interview.

Making An Appointment

Online is a good way to make a visa appointment (where available), and also to submit your DS-156 and or DS-157. Submitting the forms electronically and arriving at the embassy for your scheduled visa  interview can help to expedite your case and give you a preferred place in line. You will have a bar-coded printout that you can take with you allowing easy access to your application.

Supplemental Documents

Supplemental documents are critical. In addition to the passport, photos, forms, and documents, always carry your financial information that you submitted to the school. But it is also wise to carry any additional evidence of current or future financial support.

Carry all your academic documents and copies of your test scores. Carry any correspondence from your school especially scholarship offers or housing confirmation. If you have a family business, a house, a significant other, a pending job, or a bond, or evidence of anything that suggests or compels you to return, then these are great things to carry.

Remember, the purpose of the interview is to simply assure the counselor that you intend to go to school in good faith and complete the intended program and then dutifully return to your home country.

It is also important to convince him or her that you have the language skills, academic ability, and the financial means or support to accomplish this. Given those circumstances, you should have no problems getting your visa.

Read “Student Visa Interview - How To Get The US Consulate on Your Side” to improve your chances of getting the student visa.

Related posts:

1. Student Visa Interview - How To Get The US Consulate on Your Side
2. Understanding the F Visa a.k.a Student Visa
3. Understanding the J Visa a.k.a Exchange Visa

It happens all the time and everywhere. Why? It is an inexact science. The counselor is making a subjective decision based on some cues that he is trained to observe. It is those subjective nuances that can affect your outcome, and we will attempt to address them here.

The visa interview is two human beings interacting with each other face to face. Therefore, human factors will intervene regardless of the presence or absence of objective criteria. So how do you combat that? Simple, apply what you know about basic human behavior. Use your interpersonal skills to your advantage.

How You Look …

First thing is appearance. Dress neatly but not in a pretentious fashion. Don’t wear too much makeup; don’t wear an earring if you are male; don’t wear large or multiple earrings if you are female; don’t have an exotic hairstyle; don’t use artificial hair color if that is obvious; don’t chew gum; don’t wear revealing clothing. These are just some of the obvious things that can hurt your case. What are the positives?

How You Say, What You Say …

Speak clearly! If you have an accent or are not 100% comfortable in English, speak slowly. Answer questions politely in short sentences. Add information for clarification but do not argue. If things appear to be going badly, then listen to the counselor’s concerns.

It is better to address those concerns and return a few days later, rather than get an outright denial from trying to argue. If he is expressing doubts, unless you have the items that can clarify or satisfy his doubt, you are better advised to return another day better armed. Often, you will get that chance to correct the problem without paying another fee.

Likability is the key. If a person likes you, there is a greater chance he will give you a positive result. Smile, be pleasant, explain yourself clearly, provide answers in a non-combative tone, and be ready to think quickly on your feet.

The 214 B Reality…

Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It states:

Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a non immigrant status…

Normally if you are denied a Student Visa the consular officer might say something like:

“Your visa application is refused. You are not qualified under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.”

The 214 B reality is there. You might have to answer some hypothetical questions about your intentions that could get you in trouble. Remember the burden of proof that you must withstand and answer those questions to the best of your ability in that light.

If you are really an intended immigrant or plans to remain in the USA, then legally you do not qualify for a student visa. The reality is that a significant percentage of prospective international students, particularly from the developing world are in fact intended immigrants–meaning they have no intentions of returning home after their studies.

Most counselors and their bosses know that. Telling the truth would not per se disqualify you from getting the visa if everything else is in order—especially if your proposed field of study is something that will benefit the USA. So in reality, even the 214 B burden might be overcome with an honest answer.

The key issue remaining, therefore, is are you a legitimate student likely to complete this degree in the time frame allowed? If yes, and if the funding is there, the visa will likely be there also, and you are on your way to Studying in the United States.

Many perceive this topic of Student Visa to be complex because of rumors and anecdotes that are in circulation. But as you can see following the three sections above that this topic is not actually complex. Never buy into rumors and hearsay. When in doubt use your best judgment based on facts you have gathered from reputable sources.

Related posts:

1. Demystifying the Student Visa Application Process
2. Understanding the F Visa a.k.a Student Visa

The F visa is also the most common visa used by students studying at US universities. At any given time, there are over 2 million F-students in the USA. However,  the F student visa has become the subject of controversy since most of the 911 hijackers were on F visas at the time of the incident.

Nonetheless, there is a great push to be more flexible and accommodating to prospective student visa seekers, so that is good news you. Also the US government, universities, and employers  want more international students here in the US rather than less.

With that general philosophy, one should presume that the government is not a deliberate stumbling block to student visas. In fact, even in developing countries, India, as an example, 80% or more of the applicants at particular consulates, are routinely successful.

In our experience we have seen 99% success from some developing countries most years. So it is not a daunting task to obtain an F visa if one is a bona-fide, serious student.

F Visa Duration

The F visa is granted for the anticipated duration of your program of study plus an additional year. For example, if you will be  pursuing a Bachelor or Doctoral degree you will  typically receive a five year visa. And for the Masters Degree you can typically expect to get three years.

The extra year is to allow you leeway to complete your program in the case of academic difficulty or slow adaptation to the teaching methods. It can also be used for the purpose of completing Optional Practical Training for one year after graduation.

F Visa Requirements

You can only get an  F-visa in conjunction with admission to a qualified institution. Almost every legitimate institution (and some questionable ones unfortunately), has the required standing to facilitate international students.

Some institutions, will ask you to show financial documents prior to granting academic admission. Most, however, will admit you and then ask you to show financial suitability. The key word here is “show.” In most cases, the I-134, affidavit of support, plus a bank letter from a sponsor or parent showing a specific sum of money will suffice.

Practices vary in this process. Some schools require you to show available funds for the entire program. That can be almost impossible for many. Fortunately, most require that you show funds for all expenses for one calendar year. In fact, most consulates will not require you to show more than one year, but you might be asked how you plan to pay for the future years.

I-20 and Interview

After you have submitted your financial statement and or your I-134 ( make sure it lists specific liquid assets and ready cash as opposed to property), the Designated School Officer from your prospective US university, will issue a document called an I-20.  The “I” in I-20 indicates that it is an “immigration” process or an “immigration department” administered program.

In order to obtain the F-visa, you must take that document, along with your admission letter, and your financial documents, to a US consulate in your home country (and likely the one for the region in which you live if there are several). Your passport must be valid for at least one year, and you are required to go in person for an interview.

Learn about the J Visa (Exchange Visa) here, or move on to the Student Visa Application Process.

Related posts:

1. Understanding the J Visa a.k.a Exchange Visa
2. Demystifying the Student Visa Application Process
3. Student Visa Interview - How To Get The US Consulate on Your Side

In this section, we examine the two pronged approach of strategic applying and hedging your bets. The purpose is to allow you to insure that you are accepted into the institution that will best serve your needs and circumstances, and that you will not over extend your finances in the process of gaining admission. In effect, you will spend your resources wisely and judiciously as you seek entry into the perfect location.

The process of strategic applying has two dimensions. The first was largely covered in our section on school selection, and the second is procedural application following an intelligent selection. Assuming you have followed our advice and selected a school consistent with your needs and goals, you are now ready to apply to that school.

Deadlines Matter

The first rule is to observe the application deadline and all other applicable deadlines such as scholarships, financial statement submission, and transcripts and documents.

Do not wait until you have everything in hand before applying. Send in the application with copies of your certificates first, and do so at least three months ahead of the deadline. Do this for every school on your wish list.

If the application is online, and it will allow you to submit without a fee, then do so. If it requires an online fee prior to submission, then print it and send it by post. Important to note: at this stage, send no fees. We will explain why later!

Follow Up

Wait for two weeks after you have posted the application and follow up with an email to confirm that it was received. Make that email very short and to the point and ask them to confirm and let you know the next step. In all likelihood, you will receive a checklist from the institution asking you to have the transcripts sent directly from the schools, and indicating that your test scores and fees are missing. But wait! We said no fees!

Hedging Your Bets - No Fees

This falls under the strategic choice of hedging your bets. If for example you are interested in six universities, you have made a reasonable inquiry into the process by applying, albeit incorrectly. You are now a real entity because a file has been created based on your application. And someone will reply to you because you can now be accessed in the system.

That is why it is better to be an incomplete applicant rather than an inquirer. What is good about this approach? Well you have placed your credentials in front of a decision maker. If they are impressive, chances are good you will be asked to submit them properly and you will likely be offered a fee waiver or even a chance at a scholarship. And you got all of this without paying a fee to get in the game.

This hedging of your bet allows you to decide which schools you want to apply to in earnest based on some additional insight into how they view you as a prospective student. Chances are they will do nothing or give you no clue without getting a fee. But if you submit ten applications in that manner, you will likely be able to strike a bond with an admissions counselor and get access to a lot more insight and information as a serious applicant. For a strong student, no school will make an application fee a barrier…especially if you can explain that it is costly to apply to several schools.

Caveat

This strategy, like many we offer, is premised on the assumption that you are financially challenged and looking for an opportunity that factors your financial limitation. However, if funds are readily available, it is best to just submit the applications the standard way with application, transcripts from previous schools directly, test scores directly from testing services, and fees at the time of application.

Avoid asking for hypothetical assessments of your credentials because you will likely just be instructed to apply.

And finally, using the strategic approach offered, you can even take a shot at schools that you think may be beyond your reach and see how it plays out. After all, it is just a strategic shot, that might lead to a free application and assessment of what might be available to you.

The final major hurdle.

If all goes as planned and you are admitted my a US University, then you will have to get a Student Visa before you can travel to the United States to begin your studies. To give yourself the best chace of obtaining the US Student Visa, carefully follow the advice outlined in the Visa Section beginning with “How to Get a US Student Visa?”.

Related posts:

1. Applying

]]> http://www.myamericandegree.com/applying-us-university/strategic-applying-to-us-university/feed/ http://www.myamericandegree.com/financial-aid/whats-the-payoff-is-a-us-university-degree-worth-it/ http://www.myamericandegree.com/financial-aid/whats-the-payoff-is-a-us-university-degree-worth-it/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:17:59 +0000 neville http://www.myamericandegree.com/?p=63

Top 7 Reasons to get a Degree from a US University

Attention MSU Prospects: 3 Year Degree Welcome Without GRE or GMAT

]]> Another financial consideration that you should undertake ahead of time is an analysis of your payoff. What can I expect to earn after I have gained a US university degree and I have either returned home, or settled in another country?

Will my chosen discipline pay me enough to justify my loans, family obligations, sacrifice, opportunity cost? What are the employment prospects?

Not all degrees offer the same payoff. Strategically, it might be important to gravitate to one that does. Ultimately, a cost-benefit analysis is something that you should seriously consider before committing funds to study.  Remember, this is a financial decision more than anything else, so be prudent, be thrift, be cautious, and be proactive in seeking all the help you can get so that you make your decision to study in the US, a business decision.

To help you get a clear picture  on how you will profit from your investment in a degree from a US university read on.

The Post Graduation Payoff

The most obvious way to better your financial prospect is to get a university degree. That is a given.

A person with a university degree earns on average $1.2 million over a lifetime than a person with just a secondary school diploma. Throw in an advanced or professional degree and that figure jumps considerably to well over $2 million.

I dare say that an American Degree is an even greater enhancement to the prospects for an international student than one earned from anywhere else on the planet. So the financial payoff is clear. But, the decision to obtain a degree in the United States has even more tangible and intangible payoffs than just the enhanced dollars that are temptingly illustrated here.

Ticket to Graduate and Professional Degrees

Following our advice, you have no doubt selected a moderately priced institution and have intelligently managed your debt burden. That is critical to your post graduation choices.

The first such choice we will present is, (don’t be afraid), the prospect of even more education. This is a personal passion for me (Dr. Glean). As a person who did nine uninterrupted years in university, I truly believe that it is important, if not essential, for a young person today to at least earn a master’s degree.

While the market might present tempting opportunities, it is still prudent to consider graduate education. It can be the immediate step after graduation, or it can be deferred for one year. But it is worthy of serious consideration. Why? Well it is not likely to be a major cost undertaking if you, like most international students, were a superb student as an undergrad.

Most graduate programs come with some form of funding.  Outside of a few disciplines, one can earn a full ride, with assistantship (living allowance included), at even very good schools. What’s more, your international status will not be an impediment to accessing most of these opportunities.

Graduate school options are a full topic within itself. And as one of my passions, it will receive more detailed coverage in later articles. For now we just want you to keep in mind that  the bachelor’s degree is a ticket, a direct ticket, to a graduate and professional degree—even to Ph.D. programs.

Ticket to Job, Career, and Life in the US

The second broad option does not preclude graduate school, but rather it postpones it. The United States is a fantastic destination for international students because of its generosity. In the US  after completing your degree, you can immediately embark upon post graduation training—in effect, a one year work permit if you have an F-visa or up to 18 month if you have a J-visa.

While we will cover this in detail in the immigration section, it is enough to know that the opportunity to land a job, a career, a new life, rests with your skillful utilization of this amenity. And this only comes after successful completion of your degree.

This amenity is called the Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT follows graduation, and in effect becomes your dress rehearsal, your audition, if you will, for a prospective employer.

You have several months to show what you can do in order to motivate your employer to seek your services on a longer term basis by filing the appropriate documentation. The best part is that undertaking this work does not preclude your advancement to higher education.

If you secure long term employment, you can easily take advantage of a company plan that will allow you to get your master’s degree part time. Or, if you are not comfortable in the work place, you can return to graduate school after a year, assured that you will have a second OPT upon completion, to hit the market in earnest.

Ticket to Launching a Successful Career back home

Finally, we cannot ignore the obvious—the real prospect that you will return home immediately after graduation. Often, we, and even consular officers at our embassies, assume that all international students are here to stay for the long haul. Statistically, that is a reasonably supported proposition, but applying it to every case would be pure conjecture.

If you are one of those persons who can envision better options for success within the comforts of your own nations following your US degree, then you are on the path for optimum success. Management types with US degrees, especially if you can work the English language as an added accomplishment along with the cultural knowledge of a rich and powerful nation, then the opportunities for you are boundless. Ultimately, you have the best of both worlds and a luxurious set of circumstances.

However, you might still want to consider the two options above even if you have good prospects at home. Regardless of which three options you choose, your life, lifestyle, and livelihood, will undoubtedly all be greatly enhanced after successfully completing an American degree.

At this point Selecting a US University should be clear, as should Financing Your US University Education. Now it’s time to turn our attention to Applying To US Univeristies.

Related posts:

1. Top 7 Reasons to get a Degree from a US University
2. Attention MSU Prospects: 3 Year Degree Welcome Without GRE or GMAT

]]> http://www.myamericandegree.com/financial-aid/whats-the-payoff-is-a-us-university-degree-worth-it/feed/ http://www.myamericandegree.com/financial-aid/loans-scholarships-and-work-for-international-students-after-arrival/ http://www.myamericandegree.com/financial-aid/loans-scholarships-and-work-for-international-students-after-arrival/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:14:50 +0000 neville http://www.myamericandegree.com/?p=59

Loans, Grants and Handouts for International Students - Pre Departure

Where Can I Find the Money to Study at US Univerity?

]]> You have arrived in the United States, having followed our advice, with a less than 100% clear financial picture. Congratulations! If you are in your teens or twenties, you probably may not appreciate that uncertainty, especially financial uncertainty, will likely be a way of life henceforth. So this will be good practice!

Remember you should not choose to go to the USA under-funded. Only do so if you have exhausted all possibilities for amassing  a more solid financial foundation prior to leaving home, and choose not to be deterred by the frustrations and the obstacles and move forward with your dreams and aspirations.

Loans - Exercise Caution

What then, might you be able to secure by way of loans in the USA? The complexity will continue here. First, do not, under any circumstances, pay any money to any agent, website, organization, or financial entity for information, application, or alleged access to loans, scholarships, grants, or any other funding.

If an entity is genuinely in the business of granting loans to students, especially international students, then the financial interest and charges affiliated with the disbursement of that loan will be its source of revenue. And, any such entity will take particular pains to screen its applicants. As such, you should expect any legitimate loan agency to require a co-signer, usually a US citizen or permanent resident who is financially willing and able to pay the loan in the event that you default.

Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) like the OAS do offer such loans. The Leo Rowe Fund, for example, operated by OAS will extend loans to qualified students from Latin America and the Caribbean who can produce a guarantor. There are some commercial entities that make loans of varying terms. However, observed the ‘no upfront fee’ rule when evaluating these services. Seek guidance from your international student adviser before signing any contract of this magnitude also.

Scholarships - the Scams, and Schemes

You will also discover, to your amazement, that you are suddenly qualified for many scholarships and will be notified by mail of your qualification. Use your common sense here - if you did not apply for or solicit a scholarship, chances are you will not have one offered to you. So even though this very alluring letter offers or appear to offer a scholarship, resist the temptation.

The $20 or more you will spend pursuing this alleged scholarship will help to pay for the one or two token scholarships given by this exploitive entity that is just making a lucrative business from your dreams.

Scholarships - Legit Sources

Nonetheless, thousands of legitimate scholarships are indeed available to international students in the USA. Most of them are accessible through your admissions, student services or international office in the school you attend.

Vigorously and aggressively pursue these scholarships even if they appear to be relatively small in value. The reality is that you can reduce or eliminate your tuition with a combination of small scholarships, some as little as $200. Use the cumulative approach to solving your financial needs by accessing any and all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Your eligibility likely begins after you have completed one semester and is greatly enhanced if your GPA is high and you are active on campus. Student organizations, voluntary work, and community involvement all will pay potential scholarship dividends. Do not be afraid to let your personality, charm, and affability work for you.

Financial Aid - That’s Not for You

Every university has a “financial aid” office. And there is a natural temptation for international students to immediately go to that office. But with few exceptions, you are presumptively ineligible for most of their offerings.

While financial aid offices are a great resource place to gather information on what is available, more often you will learn about what is not available. Work Study, Pell Grants, federally subsidized loans, and most of the offerings in financial aid offices typically are off limits to international students. You are ineligible for those because of your status as a non resident of the USA.

Consider that you indicated to the United States government that you had the financial means to enter the university and the country. So it is counter intuitive to expect need based assistance, especially during your first year.

On Campus Work  - Your Ultimate Solution

Alas, the ultimate post arrival solution is the most traditional and old fashioned way to solve financial problems—work. For this ancient exercise, the obstacles are typically minimal, even for an international student. You simply have to have the desire, personality, and an open mind, and your options are many.

You are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week once you can find an on-campus job. We’ll elaborate on this in another unit, but suffice to say, this is your best option to subsidize your income and plausibly handle most of your recurrent non-tuition expenses.

Keep those options in mind. Pay heed to anything that appears too easy. Resist anything that asks for money ahead of time, and having arrived in the USA, your chances of succeeding in school and in life are now greatly enhanced.

If you have not yet read Loans, Grants and Handouts for International Students - Pre Departure do so, otherwise move on to What’s The Payoff, Is a US University Degree Worth It?

Related posts:

1. Loans, Grants and Handouts for International Students - Pre Departure
2. Where Can I Find the Money to Study at US Univerity?

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