tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45592080111288891982024-03-21T06:18:20.111-07:00Solomon Ubani's BlogI blog about Education, Technology, Scholarship, Career, Lifestyle, Politics and my Personal LifeSolomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-23434479251827069612019-05-10T09:28:00.001-07:002019-09-25T07:19:12.487-07:00How to Overcome a Low GPA and get a Scholarship to Graduate School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynR0e88BRTsArkDOSzNpP9NWgob7mRUY2BMbuCIddLb_bBqpZ8siYrmqtF_Vfvoooz7OZmGgrZdIr4Nlffpdq_LHmU8Tx6x2dg79E9CcdpOYUXg5h_9cvJmrEbNTZ-DDYzFSPPHEb4aQ/s1600/boy-2027761_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Low GPA Scholarship Graduate School" border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1280" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynR0e88BRTsArkDOSzNpP9NWgob7mRUY2BMbuCIddLb_bBqpZ8siYrmqtF_Vfvoooz7OZmGgrZdIr4Nlffpdq_LHmU8Tx6x2dg79E9CcdpOYUXg5h_9cvJmrEbNTZ-DDYzFSPPHEb4aQ/s400/boy-2027761_1280.png" title="Low GPA Scholarship Graduate School" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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GPA is probably the biggest criteria that can make or mar your graduate school scholarship application. Unlike other Criteria such as Test scores (GRE/TOEFL/IELTS), Research profile, Work experience, Recommendation/Reference letters that can be improved on post-graduation, GPA is cast in stone after graduation. There is no changing it. To very honest, a low GPA is a problem when it comes to graduate school and scholarship applications, but it is not an insurmountable problem. In this post, we would discuss different ways one can possibly surmount the problem of a low GPA when applying for graduate school scholarships.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Get Volunteer Experience</h3><div><br />
</div>Getting some volunteer experience related to your discipline is a very good way to boost your profile when applying for scholarships and grad school in general. There are a couple of ways you can volunteer. Finding which would both work for you and would make a good case for you is important. Some prospective scholarship and graduate school applicants volunteer to work for professors in their research labs. If this is an option for you, then you should definitely take it. Volunteering to work for a professor who also works in the same area you intend to work in is an absolute gold mine. The experience would give you hands-on research experience which is one of the most influential factors in the eyes of graduate school admission and scholarship committees. It would increase your chances of getting your name on a research publication and I cannot overemphasize how helpful this will be. Even though the work you do there may not lead to a publication, you would likely get an excellent letter of recommendation from the professor you would have volunteered with and this grossly increases your chances of getting your dream scholarship into graduate school.<br />
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To many like me, volunteering for a professor may not be an option. It could be that you come from a country that does not afford you the opportunity to do so or maybe you have other engagements like a full-time job and you are not willing to quit the job to volunteer in a professors lab. All hope is not lost. The United Nations Online Volunteering programme enables volunteers from all over the world to contribute to sustainable human development worldwide. UNOV has volunteering opportunities that cut across many disciplines and volunteering is done entirely online. Look out for opportunities that may interest you here: <a href="https://www.onlinevolunteering.org/en/opportunities" target="_blank">https://www.onlinevolunteering.org/en/opportunities</a> UNOV awards certificates to volunteers that successfully complete the projects they work on. Most projects take between a few weeks to three months to complete successfully and certificate from the United Nations recognizing you as a volunteer would certainly look good on your application and may just shift the tide to your favor.<br />
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Getting paid work experience related to your intended field of study is also really helpful.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Ace the Standardized Tests (GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS)</h3><div><br />
</div>The various standardized tests required for graduate school admission and scholarships are an opportunity to show your mettle. Standardized tests show how well you compare with your peers. While acing standardized test alone would not make up for a low GPA, they certainly can help you make a better case. For schools that request them, the GRE/GMAT usually carry more weight than TOEFL/IELTS which is only requested from international students. With some hard work and thorough preparation, anyone can ace standardized tests. Take advantage of the legion of resources, both free and paid, that abound the web. Magoosh, Kaplan, Princeton review, and Manhattan prep are a good place to start. Not all graduate schools and scholarships ask for standardized tests so if you do ace them, you should look out for opportunities where standardized tests are an important factor.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Explain why you had a Low GPA</h3><div><br />
</div>Be ready to explain the reason(s) you had a low GPA and why you are sure it is now in the past. The reasons you give should be honest and peculiar to your situation. The reasons could be health challenges, financial challenges, loss of loved ones and so on. Do not lie. Admission and scholarship committees are very experienced and can usually see through a lie. Your academic transcripts would give you away if you are not honest. If you had a low GPA because you played away your time in school or you are just in the wrong discipline then you should tell them exactly that and then reassure them that you have that part of you in the past. Simply saying that you have moved on or you are now a better person is not going to cut it. You have to prove it to them. You have to show them the tangible steps you have taken post-graduation that show you have moved on from your past. How you do this is left to you. Scholarships for graduate school usually run into tens of thousands of dollars so you have to tell them why they should make such a huge gamble on you and not candidates with a better academic track record.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Get publications</h3><div><br />
</div>A good way to boost one's profile is getting publications (either journal or conference publication) in reputable venues or at least good venues. This is no small feat and takes a significant amount of time especially for a first timer. Some people try to get publications by volunteering to work for professors who are more experienced and have a good track record of publications. Some others who are not afforded such opportunity opt to get publications independently. If you are going to try and get publications independently, a good place to start is your undergraduate final year thesis/project. If you did a good job on your final year project/thesis and did something new or innovative then you might just be able to get a publication out of it. At this stage, it doesn't have to be groundbreaking research. No one would expect that from an undergraduate. While attempting to do this, I would advise you get mentorship from more experienced researchers. Do not limit yourself to those in your locality. On LinkedIn, Facebook, Academia.edu you may find researchers who might just spare some of their time to help you if they think you are worth their time. It is worth trying. Stay away from predatory journals and conferences. There are so many of them who would publish whatever you submit in exchange for money. Only submit your papers to peer-reviewed journals or conferences.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Get mouthwatering letters of recommendations or reference letters</h3><div><br />
</div>Letters of recommendation or reference letters are probably the most influential part of a graduate school application or scholarship. Your letters can make or break your application. It is very important to get letters from people who know you well, who want to see you succeed and who are willing to write really great things about you. What they should write in their letter depends on the kind of application you are making. If you are applying for a research-based scholarship your letters should be able to attest for your aptitude to do research. If you are applying for a scholarship for future leaders, your letters should attest your ability to lead. It is important to concisely convey this information to them. When looking for reference letters, do not run after titles. Do not ask someone to write a letter of recommendation for you simply because he or she is an important person rather you should seek people who will write great things about you and who know you well. You are advised to seek letters of recommendation or reference letters months ahead. Ask your professors if they are will be willing to write a great letter of recommendation for you. If you need 3 letters of recommendation, ask 5 people just in case any of the first three disappoints you. Ask them up to 3 months ahead to give them ample time to write and submit the letters before the deadline of the scholarship applications. When they have agreed to write you letters of recommendation or reference letters, send them your Transcript, Resume, CV and any other documents that would enable them to come up with a better letter. If you want them to talk about any specific part of your application in the letter, do tell them. Your professor telling the admission or scholarship committee that you are one of the most brilliant students he has taught and you only had a low GPA due to circumstances beyond your control will count in your favor. Be polite when asking for the letters of recommendation and thank them when they submit the letters.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Admission Essays, Scholarship essays, Statement of a purpose or Motivation letter</h3><div><br />
</div>A statement of purpose or motivation letter is a handy tool for an applicant with a low GPA. This is one part of your application where the content is totally up to you. For a guide on how to totally nail your Graduate school admission essays, Statement of purpose or motivation letter, you should get the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607743213/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1607743213&linkCode=as2&tag=javanian02-20&linkId=fde4bbefc6e21ed6235a6f05720c4c67" target="_blank">Graduate Admissions Essays, Fourth Edition: Write Your Way into the Graduate School of Your Choice (Graduate Admissions Essays: Write Your Way Into the)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=javanian02-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1607743213" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by DONALD ASHER from Amazon. The book is a must-have. When it comes to graduate school admission essays, you probably won't find a better book out there. While it is totally okay to explain why you had a low GPA to admission and scholarship committees in your essays, your essay is not a pity party. You should not spend more than one paragraph explaining the reason(s) for your low undergraduate grades. A good essay takes a lot of time. You should spend up to a month writing one to give you ample time to come up with a really good one. Your essays would probably pass through a lot of iterations. Many parts of your first essay draft may not make it to the final version of the essay. Be as concise as possible and use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. If you are going to be making a lot of graduate school admission and scholarship applications then you should <a href="https://grammarly.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=3&aff_id=41388" target="_blank">get Grammarly.</a><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Make connections</h3><div><br />
</div>Reach out to professors, graduate students, and past scholarship beneficiaries. The importance of making out connections when it comes to graduate school admissions and scholarships cannot be overemphasized. Reaching out to people in the know can really set you on the right path and save you from spending a lot of time on things that are not necessary. In a previous post, we talked about <b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/first-email-professor-graduate-school.html">How to Write a First Email to a Professor for Graduate School</a>. </b><b> </b>You should look at that post as it gives detailed explanation of how you can send an introductory email to a Professor. <br />
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You should also reach out past scholarship beneficiaries and ask them specific questions about a scholarship. To find past and present scholars, Linkedin is a good place to look. In my own experience, the students and scholars I have contacted on Linkedin have given me information on scholarships that I did not find elsewhere. Some of them are usually very enthusiastic and willing to help. You can follow the steps listed below:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Register or log in to your Linkedin account</li>
</ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In the search bar, type as an example "Fulbright scholarship" or "Rhodes scholarship" or "MIT Tata scholarship"</li>
</ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Linkedin would display a lot of results based on your search query, then go through the profiles of some the results, check their profiles to see if they are scholars of the particular scholarship you are applying to, if they are, add them to your connections and wait for them to accept your request. You might want to add up to 10 or 12 of them and hope a good number of them would accept the invitation to connect. </li>
</ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>When they have accepted, message them and politely start by thanking them for adding you to their connections and proceed to ask your questions as concisely as possible--do not waste their time with small talk. </li>
</ul>Apply to as many scholarships and schools as you can. Be realistic. Do not focus on only Top schools or very prestigious scholarships. You will likely be rejected by a lot of them. But you do not need all of them. Just one that would enable go through graduate school without putting a dent on your personal finances. With hard work and dedication, success is certain.<br />
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<b>Related Posts </b><br />
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</b> <b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/first-email-professor-graduate-school.html">How to Write a First Email to a Professor for Graduate School</a></b><br />
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</b> <b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/how-to-know-if-department-funds-masters.html">How To Know if a Department has Full Scholarship or Graduate Assistantship for Master's Students</a></b></div>Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-48922473324481316592019-03-29T07:04:00.003-07:002019-03-29T14:58:49.348-07:00How to Email a Professor and Ask For Funding After You Have Been Admitted to Graduate School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In a previous post, we talked about <a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/first-email-professor-graduate-school.html">How to Write a First Email to a Professor for Graduate School</a>. In this post, we would be talking about a different scenario, where you have been admitted to a Master's or Ph.D. Program but the admission offer/decision letter did not make any funding or scholarship offer to you. This scenario is quite common these days. Many departments will make funding or scholarship offers to some applicants, these usually come in the form of Fellowships or Teaching Assistantships. The Graduate Coordinators then encourage others to seek for funding or scholarships in the form of Research Assistantships from individual Professors within the department. So if you are reading this and you are in this situation, you really should not worry as there are a whole lot of people in your shoes and it is still very possible to secure funding or a scholarship and I am here to tell you how.</div>
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First of all, the Professors usually have some discretionary funds which they use to support students as Research Assistants. This implies that the professor expects you to add value to his/her research work if he/she supports you with his/her funds. You should <b>ONLY </b>contact professors whose research you are genuinely interested in and you strongly believe you would be a good research fit in his/her lab. Trust me, they would easily be able to tell if you are just desperate for funding and spamming all the professors in the department asking for funding. They would also be able to tell if you are really genuine.<br />
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If you contacted any Professor before/during application or you mentioned any Professor in your statement of purpose as a Professor you want to work with, then that is a very good place to start. If you haven't already done so, you should go through the department's website and find out what kind of research each professor is currently working on. After perusing the department's website, the professor's research areas, and their recent research work, If you find any professor whose work you are really interested in, then you can send them an email in this format.<br />
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<b>Topic: </b>Lab and Funding Information Inquiry </blockquote>
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Dear Professor John Doe,</blockquote>
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I hope this meets you well. My name is Jane, I was recently accepted into the Department of XYZ at ABC University for a Master's (with thesis) [<i>or Ph.D.</i>] program. ABC University was at the top of my wishlist so you can understand my excitement on receiving the email offering me admission into the program. <u>I might not have applied if not for the encouragement you gave me and the interest you showed in me when I emailed you last year expressing my interest to work with you. Thank you very much once again!</u> <i><span style="color: #990000;">This only applies if you were previously in contact with this particular Professor before you applied and after an interview/email correspondence he/she encouraged you to apply. If this was not the case, leave this part out. </span></i> </blockquote>
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I am using this opportunity to express my interest in securing a position in the department as a research assistant under your supervision. I have perused your projects and publications on your website and I believe it would be a very good fit for me because of your dedication to making advances in XXX which is the area I am most interested in and an opportunity to work in this area with you is the only reason I applied to the department. </blockquote>
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Apart from the tuition waiver and the stipend that the research assistant position will assure me of, <u>I am really vying for it because I strongly believe that it falls within my long term academic goal to push for a doctoral position in ABC university at the conclusion of the masters program and I am really convinced that participating in an assistantship will nurture me into further graduate study</u><i><span style="color: #990000;">[Say this if you were admitted into a Master's Program]. </span></i> I am vying for it because I believe it falls within my long term academic ambition to work as a researcher and I am convinced that participating in an assistantship will help nurture me into a successful researcher.<i><span style="color: #990000;">[Say this if you were admitted into a Ph.D. Program]</span></i> </blockquote>
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Let me also add that I am extremely resourceful, apt, time conscious; hardworking and disciplined enough to more than contribute my own fair share to the success of your research work, the XYZ department and ABC University as a whole. In fact, I am sure you would be inclined to agree when you meet me in person. </blockquote>
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Thank you for taking your time to read this. I anticipate your reply. </blockquote>
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Regards. </blockquote>
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<b>Related Posts</b><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/first-email-professor-graduate-school.html">How to Write a First Email to a Professor for Graduate School</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/follow-up-email-professor.html">How to Write a Follow Up Email to a Professor for Graduate School</a></b></div>
Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-31238356848360510592019-03-18T14:48:00.002-07:002019-09-26T08:04:57.795-07:00How I got a Fulbright Scholarship and Fulbright Scholarship Tips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Written by:</b> Leanna Pohevitz</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWzRWoUcczymrQHWrE_4-4sMDrJxCwu2rLaNyksNTWUuQvjpl5xFo3M8d5OoOAe0MT0kdOqdqtv0MChgPkN6iXT11-UMmo75gTcHAL5H3ui_XdFiFmUJ-IuZxoujWZvc1qpWdclOKxXk/s1600/Professional+Photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fulbright Scholarship" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1059" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWzRWoUcczymrQHWrE_4-4sMDrJxCwu2rLaNyksNTWUuQvjpl5xFo3M8d5OoOAe0MT0kdOqdqtv0MChgPkN6iXT11-UMmo75gTcHAL5H3ui_XdFiFmUJ-IuZxoujWZvc1qpWdclOKxXk/s320/Professional+Photo+2.jpg" title="Fulbright Scholarship" width="211" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My name is Leanna Pohevitz and I am currently an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) under the Fulbright Scholarship in Brazil. I am on my second Fulbright, this year serving as both an ETA and leader or mentor to the incoming ETAs. I work at the Universidade do Estado do Pará in Belém. I support the faculty and students at the public university, teaching lessons or parts of lessons about various topics not limited to North America cultures, linguistics, literature, and teaching strategies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am honored to share my story of application, dedication, and acceptance.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Fulbright scholarship program is a cultural exchange program that sends competitively selected American-citizens abroad to research or teach abroad. Simultaneously, the program accepts international citizens for opportunities in teaching or researching in the United States.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My Fulbright scholarship experience has not been poetic, nor was it quick. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I applied for Fulbright for my first time as a college senior. I was hoping to head right off into a year abroad post-graduation. After having studied Arabic throughout my undergraduate degree and spending months in Egypt, Tunisia, the UAE, Qatar and Lebanon and earning my TESOL certificate through a semester-long college course, I felt made for the program in Jordan. Despite what I believed was a stellar application full of the right motives and above average grades and involvement I was chosen as an alternate who never got the callback. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I spent a year in Oregon, learning about American politics and then pursued my long term experience abroad serving in the Peace Corps. Proud to represent US values that way, I was a Youth Development Volunteer. I taught swimming, English, and aerobics, and took on projects like leading camps and building playgrounds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After Peace Corps, I decided to apply to Fulbright scholarship again, this time to Turkey, a place I had also spent time where a language I had pursued actively was spoken. Here came my big break. I was accepted as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) and prepared to leave, with all that entails for both me and my partner - quitting jobs, finishing leases etc. I also didn’t take a job in Brazil, for the Olympics. I wasn’t torn about that missed opportunity because I felt the Olympics could be such a dangerously negative force that I didn’t really want to be associated but I had been learning Portuguese specifically with the intention of translating in a big arena. Instead of heading to the beaches of Rio, my partner and I were buying cold weather clothing and mentally preparing for snowy mountains. Unfortunately for our plans, the year was 2016 and the Turkish people were preparing a coup attempt that would get all Fulbright visas canceled. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was working in Jordan at the time (because life comes full circle and if you want to go somewhere with enough determination you probably will) when I got an email. I looked when my cell dinged; I had a new email from Fulbright. I don’t remember it verbatim but I do remember feeling the color fall out of my face like in a silly cartoon, as I read the words telling me my Fulbright scholarship had been canceled. No ifs ands or buts, they would return the visa fees only. I sat on the curb and sobbed. Heartily. Here I was, someone who had always put the Fulbright scholarship at the top of my wishlist, having it taken from me. Of course, I was simultaneously sobbing about the new instability and uncertainty in a country I had loved spending time in, worried for my friends’ futures. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Selfishly I was pissed they didn’t think of an alternative for us; They gave us just a “Good luck in all your future endeavors.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So I said, “I will never apply again.” I was angry at Fulbright and deeply upset. I applied one more time extremely half-heartedly to Jordan. When I was passed in the first round I said I was done. Fast forward a few months, to after announcements have been made for each country and suddenly I receive an email from the Career Options staff at my alma mater, Hampshire College. It mentioned an expansion program: Brazil was beefing up its English Teaching Assistant (ETA) count because they had additional support money from the Brazilian government. With no travel/study/work experience in South America and a year since I had stopped studying even basic Portuguese, I felt underqualified. Still, I remember saying out loud how serendipitous it was that I had not taken a job in Brazil for a Fulbright but now maybe I could go on a Fulbright scholarship to Brazil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I worked extremely hard on my application for the few hours I had left before it was due and I crossed my fingers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you know, I was granted the fellowship. Each step afterward also felt like fate. I got my first choice for a site, Belem. My students, coworkers, and boss were brilliant, curious and supportive and the best part - as the year was coming to an end they announced that they were looking for 10 English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) to remain as mentors for the next group, staying an entire additional grant in the country. I was determined to be given the honor of leading the next round of recipients. When I was offered it, in a mere number of days I accepted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, here I am, preparing to begin a new semester and a new grant serving in the same city but this time, as a leader. My goals for this year are varied: a. I want to take and pass the CELPE-BRAS proving my Portuguese skills, b. I want to be an extremely supportive and well-respected mentor, c. I want to encourage Fulbright to actively seek out for more diverse participants, d. I want to be an excellent teacher and colleague and e. I want to leave here confident it what comes next. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the meantime, if you are thinking about Fulbright let me leave you with some tips from my own experience: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Persistence. If there is one thing my story shows it is that you might not get it on your first application, you might not get to go even if you do get it - but if you REALLY want a Fulbright scholarship you have a very good chance of getting one if you just keep applying with genuine dedication to the application. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As with all applications, you need to convince the reader that they are not just investing in you - they are investing in the future of all the people around you. Tell them how you will teach what you already know to the people in your host country AND how you will bring the knowledge you will surely gain abroad, home and elsewhere in your future travels. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Be genuine whenever possible. Maybe your story doesn’t feel like “enough” - if that is the case, what DO you bring? A successful Critical Language Scholarship essay I wrote wasn’t about the hardships I have faced primarily - it was centered around how I help people remember to look at the stars, and how I am there to hold them when they realize how small they are beneath those very same stars. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My last piece of advice is a bit of an outlier. If during this process you realize it isn’t for you - that is okay. You can go abroad and make more money. You can go abroad and do more intensive language study. You can go abroad and live in a host family and meet new people and learn to dance. Don’t be ashamed if it’s not what you truly want. If, however, you feel it is for you, hold on with both hands and just keep submitting those apps. I will turn 29 in this country but do not regret a single thing about how I have pursued this path. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As for your application. Each country requires slightly different things and I can only speak to the English Teaching Assistantship applications. In general, what you will need is: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Biographical Data - The usual run-down questions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Statement of Grant Purpose - A 1-page document that explains what you will be doing in the country, for ETAs that is why you are interested in teaching English as a foreign language. This is also where you talk about the appeal of your chosen country. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Personal Statement - A 1-page narrative to give the reviewers a better picture of you. Unlike the Statement of Grant Purpose, you will not be talking about the host country - you will instead be talking about what, in your life, got you to this point - how your background influenced you to apply for this, and why right now in your life the scholarship is a perfect fit. This is where people often discuss their background, intellectual, educational or professional development, the adversity they have faced, and exposure to other cultures. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Foreign Language Docs - Depending on the country you may be required to submit proof of your language ability for the language of your host country. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Recommendations - Three recommenders will have to fill out the Fulbright specific for your application (not a narrative letter), so get it to them quite early. It is a good idea to meet with your recommenders to discuss why you want the English Teaching Assistant (ETA) scholarship so that they can include some of that information in their recommendations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Transcripts - Official, from every school you have attended. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Though it seems like a lot, often times your undergraduate institution will have resources available to help you apply. They may even help you apply after you have already graduated. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you are interested in applying head over to: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/countries/regions to choose which country is right for you. Note the competitiveness of different countries based on the number of applicants and the number of slots open as that competitiveness may make or break your likelihood of being granted the scholarship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once you select which program you want to apply to create an account on the Embark Online Application https://iie.embark.com/apply/fusp-2018 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I would prioritize asking people to be your recommenders and ordering your transcripts as both may take some time. I would also make sure to have a copy of your resume and drafts of your essays ready for folks who do say yes to being your recommenders. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In your Fulbright scholarship application essay - focus on what makes you special. Explain how the investment in you does not end with you - that you intend to support people in their pursuit of English and how you will take your knowledge of the host country and host country language back to the US with you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Be honest and thoughtful. Show that you are prepared to work hard, as this is a professional opportunity above all else. Show that you are genuinely interested in the country you are headed to. Show that you are excited and willing to share American culture with people abroad. Show that you are passionate about language study and cultural exchange. Show flexibility in placement once accepted. If you only want to be in Rio, don’t ever apply to Fulbright Brazil, it does a disservice to the community you will end up in and you will have unrealistic expectations about your time in the country. Most of all show how you stand out from every other applicant in the pile. You will do that by discussing your passions and how those passions overlap with the English Teaching Assistant (ETA) program and working abroad at this point in your life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a very basic rundown of what got me here, in this Fulbright. If you have more questions about the program - https://www.cies.org/ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Good luck in your application process for this and all other scholarships. Keep searching, there is one out there made for you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Boa sorte! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Leanna Pohevitz</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/how-i-got-erasmus-mundus-scholarship.html">How I got the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship</a></b></div></div>Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-4407891087264101972019-03-10T07:08:00.000-07:002019-03-29T15:00:31.538-07:00How I got the Commonwealth Scholarship Twice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Written By: Chidinma Obieze</b> </div>
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Hi, my name is Chidinma Obieze and I am a 2-time Commonwealth scholarship award winner. First one was as a commonwealth shared scholar at the University of Bristol in 2016 and second as a distance learning scholar with the University of Liverpool. The Commonwealth scholarships have changed my life in so many ways and I am here to tell you how! </div>
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<b>How did I hear about the Commonwealth Scholarships?</b></h3>
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I am a medical doctor by profession and I graduated medical school in 2007 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I went through the motions of doing my Housemanship and National Youth Service and was lucky to secure a position at the National Hospital Abuja for my residency in 2010. In all that time, it never occurred to me to look for scholarships home or abroad. During my undergraduate days, I had tried to apply for Chevron and Mobil scholarships but wasn’t successful primarily because my state was not an oil-producing state at the time. That experience somewhat gave me a bad impression of scholarships. By the time I was 2 years into my residency program in Hematology, I realized I wanted to gain more in-depth knowledge of transfusion medicine. Thus began my search for courses in transfusion medicine. Through my husband, I learnt about the Commonwealth scholarships and my initial attempts to apply for it was disappointing because the phone number listed on the website for the Nigerian nominating body was unavailable and I never got a reply to the mail I sent to the listed email address. However, in 2015 I discovered the website opportunitiesforafricans.com and got to know about the Commonwealth Shared scholarships from there. Providentially also, a course in transfusion and transplantation sciences was up for the Commonwealth shared scholarship at the University of Bristol that same year. Although I started applying to Imperial College as my second option, I ended up completing and submitting just the one application for the course at Bristol University. As God will have it, I was successful the first time around and it was a truly life-transforming experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I got to know about the Commonwealth distance learning scholarships from the Commission itself after I became a beneficiary of one of their awards. After completing my MSc course in 2017, I returned home to Nigeria to complete my residency program and during that time, I wanted to keep challenging myself with my academics. Hence, I applied for the Commonwealth distance learning scholarship for an MSc course in Clinical trials at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine, and MPH (Management of Health systems) at the University of Liverpool. I was blessed to be offered both scholarships and after due consideration, I chose the MPH at the University of Liverpool.</div>
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<b>How I got the Commonwealth Scholarships</b></h3>
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One can only hazard guesses on why an application is selected over the next one for reasons of not being privy to the meeting of the scholarship board. However, these are some of the things I believe help to determine a successful application.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><b>Compelling personal statement:</b> Most of these applications require the writing of essays on why you think the scholarship and the course will be beneficial to you and your country as well as a personal statement. The Commonwealth scholarships are not an exception. You need to write a compelling personal statement, one that speaks of your passion and your ambition. Don’t be hesitant to sell yourself but sell yourself in an intelligent manner. Your personal statement cannot be generic. So for mine, I drew on my inspirations to become a doctor, the problems I have identified in the course of my practice and the things I had done so far to address them. I finished with my vision for myself and career and how my chosen course of study fitted in with these. Don’t worry if you seem to be repeating the same information in the essays. It is really not repetitive if you do the research to find better ways of answering the questions and draw deep into your history and experiences to highlight different aspects that bring out your essence. Spend the required time you need and do not be in a hurry to send off an application until you have reviewed your essays well. Very importantly also, pass the essays through a grammar app before submitting<br />
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<b>Good academic background:</b> Many people would have used the word excellent to describe the academic background required to secure a Commonwealth scholarship. However, from my experience, that may not be the case as I met a scholar during my study that had a second class degree. So do not let your second class degree deter you from applying. What is important I believe is to not have any fails in your transcript.<br />
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</b> <b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Committed referees</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> who are willing to write a comprehensive reference letter for you.</span><br />
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</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do not underestimate any section of the application, for </span>instance<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> the section on your volunteering experience.</span></div>
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</span> <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In all things, God has the final say. God’s grace and favor are indispensable in your application process.</span><br />
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<b>My experience in the UK as a Commonwealth Scholar</b></h3>
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The Commonwealth scholarship is wonderful in that it covers all the possible expenses of stay in a foreign environment including travel costs, accommodation, and feeding. However, it is up to the Commonwealth scholar to manage the funds to cover all these expenses (the real definition of living within one’s means!). I initially struggled to secure suitable accommodation but that eventually was sorted out. My course took place in a research facility outside the school’s campus and that made involvement in campus activities somewhat difficult. Nevertheless, I managed to work for the University in a paid volunteer role, joined knitting and yoga society and attended the activities of the International Society at Bristol. I attended an international conference in another city in the UK with part sponsorship from the Scholarship commission which was really great! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Take home message for Prospective Commonwealth Scholars</b></h3>
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I’ll like to encourage anyone who desires to further their education but doesn’t have the funds to consider applying for Commonwealth scholarships. They literally have scholarships for every field of study. My studies have given my career a huge boost and the exposure is certainly priceless. I’ll like for you to know that those that get scholarships don’t have 2 heads and that you could be one of them. Don’t give up!<o:p></o:p><br />
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Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-31177199107810569822019-03-07T01:37:00.003-08:002019-03-30T04:48:05.184-07:00Two Nigerians among Stanford University's 2019 Knight-Hennessy Scholars <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Two Nigerians Ayo Dada and Olamide Oladeji were among the 69 scholars that won the prestigious Knight-Hennessy scholarship at Stanford University. The Knight-Hennessy scholarship is poised to develop both the depth and range of subject expertise to confront the numerous grand challenges and opportunities of the future. Knight-Hennessy Scholars receive full funding to pursue graduate study at Stanford. They both join Solomon Oyakhire, an alumnus of the University of Lagos, who was the only Nigerian recipient of the scholarship in the first edition in 2018 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Stanford School of Engineering.<br />
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69 students who won the scholarship from around the world for The second cohort of scholars in the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program was announced on Tuesday, March 5, 2019<span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit;">. </span><span style="font-size: inherit;">The Knight Hennessy scholarship</span> received over 4,000 applications this year. The 69 scholars cut across 20 countries across in the world and will pursue degrees in 37 programs at Stanford University. The primary selection criteria used to evaluate applicants were independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.<br />
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<br />Meet the Nigerian Knight-Hennessy Scholars in the 2019 edition</h3>
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Ayo Dada</h4>
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Ayo Dada is not a name foreign to many Nigerians. He became a sensation in Nigeria and on social media when he became the first person to graduate with a perfect 5.0 CGPA from the University of Lagos. He was honored by the House of Representatives for his outstanding academic achievements. Ayo Dada aspires to find solutions to the problems of ethnic and gender prejudice and academic underachievement that are plaguing Nigeria. He interned in security services at the Central Bank of Nigeria, and in business operations at Procter and Gamble. He was named one of Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Nigeria. Ayo Dada would be pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology at Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences.<br />
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<b>Olamide Oladeji</b></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQx9UOtTfe5y4Jysk8P7yahDzkkSkQBlLBkFBZdLTrTNIdAzsZVjTcB1RXM1JFdaTLr05udeetyhrnpC8suMeMXZPo4QUjv2ANnKrImiqBkhIE19mLCHzeXhlih2F-uBrfWEc69ellP38/s1600/olamide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Knight-Hennessy Scholarship" border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQx9UOtTfe5y4Jysk8P7yahDzkkSkQBlLBkFBZdLTrTNIdAzsZVjTcB1RXM1JFdaTLr05udeetyhrnpC8suMeMXZPo4QUjv2ANnKrImiqBkhIE19mLCHzeXhlih2F-uBrfWEc69ellP38/s1600/olamide.jpg" title="Knight-Hennessy Scholarship" /></a></div>
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Olamide Oladeji is pursuing a Ph.D. in management science and engineering at Stanford School of Engineering. He graduated from the University of Ibadan with a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering, and from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with dual master’s degrees in electrical engineering & computer science and in technology & policy. Olamide aspires to contribute to industrial efforts in the innovation and regulation of sustainable energy systems, and to serve in Nigeria’s public sector. As a research assistant at the MIT Energy Initiative, he helped develop a computational model to inform electrification planning for increased electricity access in developing countries. </div>
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At the University of Ibadan, Olamide was selected as the university’s Google Student Ambassador, and was editor-in-chief of the Bello press organization. He has worked with various organizations across India, Spain, and the United States at the nexus of engineering, data science, and energy economics, and has completed community development and engineering projects in Nigeria. </div>
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He was also an MIT Tata Fellow.</div>
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Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-77380359445768460722019-02-15T14:21:00.000-08:002019-09-25T07:20:39.509-07:00How I Got a Chevening Scholarship and Chevening Scholarship Tips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Written by:</b> Sarah Egbo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctaujbWWTiiYZaPSIIOu8GygUltG3ZFvJ-OBl3UlM6DPO18f26UH0qA0HPNywSrb8gpO5ErtQdL5S0U8e-LWJoVhTMAKLIejyuahU8MzIQQK33gEDCI0dKYYa1xl4wbpzeznqsoIgNh0/s1600/IMG-20190215-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chevening scholarship" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="719" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctaujbWWTiiYZaPSIIOu8GygUltG3ZFvJ-OBl3UlM6DPO18f26UH0qA0HPNywSrb8gpO5ErtQdL5S0U8e-LWJoVhTMAKLIejyuahU8MzIQQK33gEDCI0dKYYa1xl4wbpzeznqsoIgNh0/s320/IMG-20190215-WA0002.jpg" title="chevening scholarship" width="213" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hi there!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I am Sarah Egbo, a graduate of Information Resource Management from Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria. I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree at </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">the University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom, under the <span style="background: white;">Chevening Scholarship Scheme</span></span><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Brief information about the Chevening Scholarship </span></b></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s international awards scheme aimed at the academic development of current and potential leaders. It is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. <b>Chevening offers two types of awards – Chevening Scholarships and Chevening Fellowships – the recipients of which are selected by British Embassies and High Commissions</b>. Scholarship recipients come from all parts of the world, so it is not restricted to a particular country or continent. The Scholarship covers one’s study at ANY university in the UK, coupled with return flight tickets and living expenses (which is termed ‘stipend’) during one’s stay in the UK.</span><o:p></o:p></div><h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">How I got to hear about the Chevening Scholarship</span></h2><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">After gaining my Bachelor’s degree, I had some free time before my participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme. I made the most of this time by searching for scholarship applications on the internet. I found quite a lot and applied to a few such as the <a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/03/commonwealth-shared-scholarship.html">Commonwealth Shared (UK)</a>, <a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/03/how-i-got-fulbright-scholarship.html">Fulbright (USA)</a> and the <a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/ptdf-scholarship-overseas.html">Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF-Nigeria) scholarships</a>. Unfortunately, I did not get positive feedback from the aforementioned scholarships and was becoming discouraged when a friend told me about the Chevening Scholarship. Apparently, I had seen the scholarship advert online but hadn’t taken it too seriously.</span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">Lucky for me, this friend of mine was a Chevening alumnus, so he knew the requirements which the scholarship body looked out for in the application stage. He advised me on how to go about the application, which does not only involve writing impressive statements but more importantly, participating in activities that would contribute to making my application an outstanding one, when placed into writing.</span></div><h3 style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_ucnyukzhnsm"></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The Chevening Scholarship Application Process</span></h3><!-- inposts --><br />
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<h3 style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">(Steps to take in order to have an outstanding Chevening Scholarship application)<o:p></o:p></span></h3><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">When applying for scholarships, one thing I strongly advise applicants to do is to, first and foremost, check out the requirements and intended beneficiaries. Chevening looks out for these key themes; leadership, networking, academic and work experience.</span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">For requirements, read them carefully and ask questions, where necessary. A major reason why several Chevening scholarship applicants are not selected is because they fail to meet the work experience requirement of at least two years. Even though they may have excellent essays, terms and conditions are not downplayed by the Chevening scholarship body. So, I made sure I met up with the work experience requirement before I started the application.</span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">A second thing to note is the prospective mold of recipients the scholarship favours. Chevening seeks persons who have/are contributing to their societies in a positive manner. They consider candidates more on the basis of leadership potential than academic prowess. In other words, you do not have to graduate with a first or second-class upper degree to get accepted. What they are more interested in is the voluntary work/ community projects that you have done, which has contributed positively in the society you live in, and how you mobilized people and resources to achieve such feat(s).</span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">In my case, among other instances given in my application, I indicated that I was an active member of the sustainable development goals (SDG) community development service (CDS) group during my NYSC year in Zamfara state. I highlighted that I championed outreaches and projects while in the group. I presented a major individual achievement, which was my contribution to the educational sector during my stay in Zamfara as a youth corps member. I carried out a computer literacy project in the school I was posted to work in. This involved providing the school with computer systems and facilitated computer skills training for staff and students of the school.</span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">The point here is that you have to go out of your comfort zone to do something noteworthy. This includes actively participating in volunteering services, conducting outreaches, projects, and anything else that is related to community development. This should be backed up with numbers and evidence to better convince the persons who are assessing your application. In my case, my computer literacy project was published by some newspaper agencies in the region both in print and online forms, so I included links to the online publication in my application as evidence. Providing evidence also makes your application unique. In your Chevening Scholarship application, you should present yourself as someone they need, not the other way round. Voluntary activities can also include that of religious organisations, but you have to present this in a convincing and smart manner.</span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">A third thing to note is the need to have your application seen by another person and good timing. A lot of people do not start writing their essays early until the last minute. Then they rush through it and do not give anyone to proof read as there is lack of time. This makes for a poorly crafted application. </span></div><h3 style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></h3><h3 style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_gjdgxs"></a></h3><h3 style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> Chevening Scholarship </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Interview and selection stages</span><o:p></o:p></h3><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">When your Chevening Scholarship application has passed through the application stage which runs from November through January, successful candidates are shortlisted for an interview from mid-February. The Chevening Scholarship interview period holds in the month of March. If invited for an interview, it is advisable that you prepare <i>very well</i> for it. If you are not a confident speaker, please hold a mock interview with those around you (family, friends, co-workers e.t.c). I did a mock interview with my parents and that helped me greatly at the real interview. The Chevening scholarship interview is basically an oral assessment of what you have written in your essays. It is also a chance to present other things, which the word count in the written application did not permit you to do. It is very important that you say what you have written in your Chevening Scholarship application because having a disjointed story will make the assessors believe that you were not the author of those essays. This will result in you not getting the Chevening scholarship, even though you are halfway through the selection stage.</span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">Results from the interview stage come in the month of June. During this period, I advise you to worry less about the interview results and focus more on other things such as getting unconditional offers from the schools you have indicated interest to study in. This is also a great time to prepare and write English language exams such as the </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) among others. These are requirements that enable you to fully secure the Chevening scholarship offer if your interview results come out positive. Failure to have an unconditional offer from a UK university and an English test which meets the Scholarship requirement will result in one losing the Chevening scholarship (this is most painful if you have come this far and you couldn’t get the Chevening scholarship due to not meeting such requirements). Once requirements are met, final arrangements are made and you are free to fly to the UK as from September!</span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">I must tell you, the Chevening Scholarship application process itself is a year-long and tasking period, but it is definitely worth it. During this period, a strong spiritual lifestyle and tenacious attitude are golden. </span></div><h3 style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Life in the United Kingdom as a Chevening Scholar<o:p></o:p></span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzxGluvj7JRiy-FMgw3PAQ2SLLFlzunrZJPAhKidLD3B3UIHHPz5F_NMpgevOffCyCztg20dInWLhMezwqoefYaIS3ZfS5-Znk6T2aw-qu1pntCV_U-Re2NfM-gcQY8lE8v_sLiLQe8M/s1600/chevening.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="chevening scholarship" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="809" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzxGluvj7JRiy-FMgw3PAQ2SLLFlzunrZJPAhKidLD3B3UIHHPz5F_NMpgevOffCyCztg20dInWLhMezwqoefYaIS3ZfS5-Znk6T2aw-qu1pntCV_U-Re2NfM-gcQY8lE8v_sLiLQe8M/s320/chevening.jpg" title="chevening scholarship" width="239" /></a></div><div><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">My stay in the UK so far has been a beautiful one, although I experienced culture shock at first and was homesick time. With time I got used to the weather, people and academic lifestyle. Chevening also organises academic and leisure events at different parts of the UK. These events have given me the chance to visit astonishing places such as Glasgow and Edinburgh (in Scotland) and Bath (in England). I have also experienced some of the UK cultures through festivals such as the Sir Burns Night (celebrated in honour of a famous poet in Scotland), and I learned about the history of the Romans stay in the UK when I went to visit the Roman Baths, which is why the town which the historic site is situated in, is called Bath.</span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">The Chevening experience I must say is a once-in-lifetime experience which I wish for everyone to experience. I hope the tips I have provided will help many in securing this prestigious scholarship. I believe that anyone and everyone is deserving of such scholarship if you follow the right path and are determined. I wish you all best of luck!</span></div><div style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;"><br />
</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">More information about the Chevening Scholarship can be found on these links;</span></div><h3 style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_e83xuxd3l70r"></a></h3><h3 style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 9.95pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.95pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_ahgraxylugzx"></a></h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.chevening.org/">https://www.chevening.org/</a> <a href="https://www.chevening.org/apply/application-timeline">https://www.chevening.org/apply/application-timeline</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
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</b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/international-scholarship-uk-germany.html">How I got Two International Scholarships to the UK and Germany</a></b></div></div>Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-18506624062350017292019-02-01T21:39:00.000-08:002019-09-25T07:21:25.171-07:00How to Prepare for an Interview with a Professor for Graduate School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixctC5t9H_Bo_X_uz_2EFpbbhLCH-g1-iWXXMkMhJkQ2TctoAMUY3yRsO3OnSbkQRl9Yj0t8U2a5h81SjjXLtOum9CxcIc0k5xxEKHFQgoM5lilUHIqCpPI8w61sZdVLSumQL5iyEuAVI/s1600/beard-beverages-break-630831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interview with a Professor" border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixctC5t9H_Bo_X_uz_2EFpbbhLCH-g1-iWXXMkMhJkQ2TctoAMUY3yRsO3OnSbkQRl9Yj0t8U2a5h81SjjXLtOum9CxcIc0k5xxEKHFQgoM5lilUHIqCpPI8w61sZdVLSumQL5iyEuAVI/s320/beard-beverages-break-630831.jpg" title="Interview with a Professor" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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If you are here it is probably because you have done a good job in your graduate school application so far. Professors are very busy people and would not ask for a chat or interview on Skype or Google Hangout if they do not think you are a very good candidate and stand a very good chance of being admitted to into their program and succeeding there. Celebrate your pyrrhic victory if you wish but the battle is not over yet. This is a good thing happening for you and there is absolutely no reason you should be tensed or be scared. So how should you prepare for this interview or "chat" to absolutely blow this professor away?<br />
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Firstly, you need to really calm down. This would be unlike any interview you have had. This would not be like Job interviews where the interviewers try to rattle you to see if you will break under little pressure. The professors are usually very nice and usually friendly. They know you might be tensed and will try their best to calm you down and get you to flow with them. This is usually more like a first date than a job interview. They are not trying to rattle you but are actually trying to just get to know you more and see if you are the right person to start a professor-student relationship with. So all you need to really do is present the best version of yourself.<br />
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The main reason a professor would be having an interview or chat is to be sure your research interests align with theirs. On a first date, both parties would usually like to know if they share common goals and interest. It would be catastrophic if they went into a relationship with very contrasting ideas about vital issues. Example, if one is looking for a partner to start a family with while the other is just looking for a fling. Total Disaster! The same thing applies here. In the chat/interview, you will both find out if you are a good fit for each other or if both of you should look elsewhere. They are really hoping you will be interested to join his/her research lab--else they won't have scheduled the <strike>date</strike> interview--so this is as much an interview for you as it is for the professor. To prepare for the interview with the professor, study everything you can about the professor's research interest and try as much as possible to read the professor's most recent research papers to know exactly what kind of research the professor is currently doing. Again, not so much different from a first date, a lot of people would read social media pages of their dates before they meet to know what their interests are. During the interview, the professor would like to know how much you know about his recent research. The professor would not be asking for technical details of his research but a general overview of the research area he is working on to know if it is something you are really interested in.<br />
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The professor would like to know about your past research experience. What research have you done in the past and why did you embark on that particular research? Did it lead to any publications? Does your past research have any bearing with your proposed research area? The professor would also like to know why you have chosen this particular research area and what you aim to achieve with the projects you will be working on. These are obviously questions whose answer would vary with each person so a lot of introspection before the interview would be helpful. Not much different from a first date where you might be asked about past relationships and what you are hoping to get from future relationships.<br />
<br />
If the chat or interview comes after you have submitted your application, most of the discussion would usually be based on your Statement of Purpose. While most discussions would research centric and be about research compatibility, the professor might have other questions or doubts that he wants you to clarify about your application. Some of these questions might include:<br />
<br />
Why did you get a low grade in a certain class that he feels is important?<br />
What was the reason for the gap year you had?<br />
After graduate school where do you see yourself? In the industry or in Academia?<br />
Are you single or married and do you have any kids?<br />
And so on...<br />
<br />
You should try and answer every question as honestly possible. Do not lie. Unlike in romantic first dates where you maybe cut some slack, Dishonesty is not forgiven in Academia. Be very concise and straightforward with your answers. Try to also be very polite, do not be too cocky and come across as a show-off that might be a total turn off to the professor. Just like it would be to your date.<br />
<br />
No date would usually want to ask all the questions. Asking your date questions shows you are really interested in that person. Do well to prepare a few questions that you could ask the Professor in the interview or chat. Some good questions to ask the professor during the interview are:<br />
<br />
What are the expectations of a graduate student in your lab?<br />
What will my daily routine be like?<br />
How does the department help me to adapt to graduate school life during the first year?<br />
<br />
The questions you can ask are in no way limited to the few listed above, but be careful of the kind of questions you ask during the interview just like you would not like ask the wrong questions on a first date.<br />
<br />
Finally, Go to the interview well prepared and present the best version of yourself. Like on a first date, do not go with absurdly high expectations, it may make you look desperate. Be yourself and hope it works out well.<br />
<br />
<b>Related Posts</b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/first-email-professor-graduate-school.html">How to Write a First Email to a Professor for Graduate School</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/follow-up-email-professor.html">How to Write a Follow Up Email to a Professor for Graduate School</a></b><br />
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</div>Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-82200112616166282692019-01-23T02:54:00.000-08:002019-03-30T04:52:33.530-07:00How to Write a Follow Up Email to a Professor for Graduate School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
In our previous post, we wrote about <a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/first-email-professor-graduate-school.html" target="">How to Write a First Email to a Professor for Graduate School</a>, in that post we also alluded to the fact that sometimes professors may want to reply but may simply forget to or it's possible they skipped your mail--they get dozens of emails from prospective students daily. Maybe, it just ended up in his spam folder.<br />
<a name='more'></a>We know how frustrating this can be, you have spent a lot of hours reading through the professor's research interest and papers to enable you to write an eye-catching email but you got no reply. The search for a potential graduate school--Master's or Ph.D. supervisor is not easy. Some are lucky to get a Professor's attention after a few tries but most aren't lucky. You need a lot of patience and perseverance if you are going to succeed at this. If you do not get a reply after about 2 weeks then you may want to send them a reminder. But how do you do that without sounding too desperate or just plain annoying?<br />
<br />
First of all, you do not need to resend them the exact mail you sent previously, what you need to do is to send them a short note that would increase the chances of your previous email getting read. Doing this also shows the professor that you are really interested in working with him/her in particular.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
Dear Professor John Doe, </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I wrote you a letter about two weeks ago, but given the uncertainties of email I do not know whether you received it. Thus I am resending my note just in case. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
[Insert copy of previous mail here] Don't forget to include the attachments</blockquote>
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<b>Related Posts</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/first-email-professor-graduate-school.html" target=""><b>How to Write a First Email to a Professor for Graduate School</b></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/how-to-know-if-department-funds-masters.html"><b>How To Know if a Department has Full Scholarship or Graduate Assistantship for Master's Students</b></a><br />
<br /></div>
Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-23855356975788357462019-01-21T23:26:00.001-08:002019-03-30T04:53:09.957-07:00How to Write a First Email to a Professor for Graduate School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
Finding the right graduate school program to apply to can be almost likened to trying to find a needle in a haystack. There are thousands of Universities out there and we cannot possibly apply to all of them so we have to shortlist Universities to apply to based on different factors--one of which is the availability of a potential supervisor for our chosen research area. Emailing potential supervisors is a very important step in graduate school application whether you are applying to a Master's or a Ph.D. program. No matter how strong you are as a graduate school applicant, you may not be admitted if there is no one in the department willing to supervise you. So how can you send an introductory email to a professor who you see as a potential supervisor and get his/her attention?<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
First of all, there is no one right way to do this. There are also so many wrong ways it can be done that would not only lead the professors to ignore your emails but could also get some of them so riled up that they could blacklist you.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
How <b><span style="color: red;">NOT</span></b> to Write a First Email to a Professor for Graduate School</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dear Professor. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
My name is Solomon Ubani, I have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Benin, Nigeria. I am very passionate about Artificial Intelligence, Travelling to space and finding a cure to Cancer. I will like an opportunity to work with you.<br />
CC: Email address of every professor whose email address you can lay your hands on</blockquote>
<br />
This kind of generic emails will mostly get ignored, a canned reply or even get you blacklisted by the professor because such emails show you to be very lazy and unserious. The professors would be able to tell that you probably sent the same email to a thousand other professors and would not waste their time on you. They are very busy people. Do not spam them.<br />
<br />
<h3>
How to Write a First Email to a Professor for Graduate School</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Subject:</b> Fall 202X Prospective Student - Lab Information Inquiry </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dear Professor John Doe, </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
My name is Solomon Ubani, I have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Benin, Nigeria. I am applying to Stanford University for Fall 2019 for a Masters in Computer Science. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I have been exploring graduate programs where I can research effective technological solutions to XYZ and would like to know about research opportunities to work with you. I have worked on a similar project at school involving ABC. I have perused the projects and publications on the UVW's Lab website and I believe it would be a very good fit for me because it's dedication to making advances in XYZ. My specific project will likely be in researching EFG.<br />
<br />
I hope you don’t mind my getting in touch, but I’d like to inquire whether you are currently accepting graduate students. If you are, would you willing to talk to me a bit more, by email or on the phone? </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Attached is my CV, Transcript, GRE scores and two of my research papers.<br />
I know you’re very busy and I would really appreciate any time you can give me. Thank you very much. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Regards. </blockquote>
Note: When sending attachments, combine them all as a single PDF file. Do not attach multiple files and send to them. You can use an online web tool like <a href="https://combinepdf.com/" target="_blank">Combine PDF</a> to achieve this.<br />
<br />
Now doesn't this look much better? This email shows you have a thorough understanding of the kind of research the professor is currently doing and you have done a lot of research yourself. You should absolutely know what kind of research the professor is currently working on by reading their recent research papers and be sure the work they currently do interests you before you email them. In your email try to be as concise and straight to the point as possible. Do not tell them how it has been your dream to be a scientist since you were a kid or how you were an A+ student in school. Such information is not necessary.<br />
<br />
No matter how well written your email, some professors would still not reply you for many different reasons.<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>They do not have an opening or funding for a new student.</li>
<li>They do not think you would be a good fit for them </li>
<li>They like you and want to work with you but would not reply you during the application season.</li>
<li>They simply forgot to reply</li>
<li>They might not have seen your mail</li>
</ul>
<br />
In the last two cases, you might want to send the professors a follow-up email after about a week or two.<br />
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<b>Related Posts</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/first-email-professor-graduate-school.html">How to Write a follow-up Email to a Professor for Graduate School</a></b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/how-to-know-if-department-funds-masters.html">How To Know if a Department has Full Scholarship or Graduate Assistantship for Master's Students</a></b></div>
Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-73764899998551330562019-01-15T23:59:00.000-08:002019-03-30T04:57:08.423-07:00How I won the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship to the UK<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<b>Written by</b>: <span style="background-color: white;">Salahudeen Tope</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I am Salahudeen Tope a graduate of Civil Engineering from the University<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> of Ilorin, Nigeria and </span>a Master's<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> graduate of environmental engineering and business management from Imperial College London through the PTDF Scholarship.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">What is the PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS) and how did you hear about it?</span></b><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), is a Federal Government agency with the mandate of developing indigenous human capacity and petroleum technology to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry. To achieve this mandate, it sponsors suitably qualified candidates selected through a competitive recruitment process overseas to pursue their MSc/Ph.D. programmes selected Institutions in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, United States, China etc. Successful candidates are awarded full scholarships which include the provision of flight tickets, payment of health insurance, payment of tuition and bench fees (where applicable) as well as the provision of allowances to meet the costs of accommodation and living expenses.</span></blockquote>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">With regards to how I heard about the PTDF scholarship, I came across a thread about the PTDF scholarship about 3 weeks to the closing date of the scholarship application on Nairaland</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">. At first, I was highly skeptical about the PTDF scholarship since I thought it would be too competitive and I stood no chance of winning it. I was also in doubt about the credibility of the selection process knowing how nepotism is rife in Nigeria especially in government agencies. But after in-depth research from online sources especially reading through the experiences of previous PTDF scholars on Nairaland, I decided to give it a try.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">You spoke about doing in-depth research before applying for the PTDF scholarship, can you tell us how you went about it?</span></b></h3>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Naturally, I pride myself as a highly analytical person, so I always like to have as much information about anything I’m getting into as I can and the PTDF scholarship was no exception. Also, I didn’t graduate with a first class nor had a very impressive resume, consequently, I knew the only way for me to have an edge is to be as informed as possible. With these factors in consideration, I searched the internet for several hours every day for any information I can find on PTDF and its scholarship award. I read Nairaland threads of the previous two rounds of the PTDF scholarship each with over 80 pages of posts. Nairaland was a really important source of information during the process. I also met a few past scholars on the platform who helped me significantly during the application. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Can you tell us about your academic and professional background, and do you think they helped strengthen your application?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Like I said earlier, I graduated from the University of Ilorin with a fairly high second class upper and I had a few leadership experiences during my undergraduate days. For instance, I was the general secretary of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Unilorin chapter. I was also active in my departmental association committees although I never contested as an executive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">With regards to job experience, at the point of application, I was working with the Niger State Agricultural and Mechanisation Development Authority (NAMDA) as a Civil Engineer. I believe all these might have had an impact in preparing to be very competitive and prevented me from losing a golden opportunity because I thought I wasn’t good enough.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Kindly tell us how the journey to winning the PTDF scholarship was like and the experience of winning it<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">After doing what I considered was good enough research about the PTDF scholarship, I proceeded to pay the application of a thousand Naira. The application was the easy part since shortlisted applicants had to write an exam to determine the winners --this has since been replaced with an interview. I must say I did put in my all to study for the exams, however, I’ll say what helped me keep the morale really high was a friend I met on Nairaland that was also writing the exam for the same course as me and we studied together. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of having a colleague with the same plan as you and thankfully, we both won the award after the exam. I must say it has really been a very wonderful experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">You mentioned something about changes in the format of the recruitment process of the PTDF scholarship, can you tell us what the changes are and tips to improve one’s chances in the current format of the PTDF scholarship?</span></b></h3>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Yes, that is true. The number of partner universities has been reduced a little. Also, there is no computer-based test for MSc applicants and the application is now completely free of any charges. The PTDF scholarship test has been converted to a panel interview which determines who ultimately wins the award. Although, there will be a little subjectiveness involved in the selection especially in the interview phase, I’ll share a few tips that will ensure an applicant sets themselves apart from the crowd. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">If you are still in the university and plan on applying to the scholarship, try as much as possible to improve your CGPA so you can get into a higher class of degree preferably first class. However, if that ship has sailed and you can no longer do anything about your CGPA, the subsequent tips are for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Submit the best O’level result you can as it counts towards your overall points. Also, ensure you get at least a research publication if you can and at least 5 professional, academic or volunteer awards before applying. Write the best statement of purpose (SOP) you can by following the required format. Completely and concisely answer the questions with relevant past experience and/or future plans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Finally, always remember that the scholarship is aimed towards developing the Nigerian oil and gas industry, so ensure you mention how your planned research field will be relevant to the industry in your SOP and be ready to answer a question on that as well in the interview.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Any tips on acing the PTDF Scholarship interview?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I would ask you to treat it like every serious job interview since it’ll make or mar your chances especially with how highly competitive the PTDF scholarship is. Take any requested materials along with you and try to form a good rapport with the interviewers. Smile, be confident, be friendly and of course know as much as possible on what you are going to study. Finally, don’t forget to Google how to ace an interview for more tips and please let Nairaland be your friend throughout the application process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Do you have any final words for future scholarship applicants?</span></b></h3>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">If you are finding it difficult to win a scholarship, just know you aren’t doing anything wrong it just isn’t time yet in so far you put your efforts into every application. Personally, the year I won this award, I was rejected by a total of 15 other scholarships until I won the PTDF which turned out to be the best of them. Just have faith and keep pushing, see you at the top.</span></div>
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Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-57085580675060403262019-01-15T06:15:00.001-08:002019-03-30T04:57:31.974-07:00How I got the Pan African University Scholarship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Written by: <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Abdulsamad Yusuf</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDyCXgKovYl8w01LWYbQmdrIWMIdptk6Lf_O5TAjmvg90UmkuuCvfLHKg_-P9ZGFDIiJhVNv8sRPOBAiw9qyifWo5JVxo76LzTviD19OXfU_KuPPe2Y7NGJGhF7oFHAkIjqByBo6DYY8/s1600/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pan African University Scholarship" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="974" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDyCXgKovYl8w01LWYbQmdrIWMIdptk6Lf_O5TAjmvg90UmkuuCvfLHKg_-P9ZGFDIiJhVNv8sRPOBAiw9qyifWo5JVxo76LzTviD19OXfU_KuPPe2Y7NGJGhF7oFHAkIjqByBo6DYY8/s400/image2.jpeg" title="Pan African University Scholarship" width="303" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 150%;">My name is Abdulsamad Yusuf. I did my B.Sc in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where I studied Physical and Health Education (Human Kinetics). I’m currently undertaking an MSc in Sports Management and Policy Development at the Pan African University Institute of Earth and Life Sciences (Paulesi), University of Ibadan, Nigeria. I got the Pan African University scholarship in the 2017/2018 academic session.<a name='more'></a></span></h3>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">How did you hear about the Pan African University Scholarship and what is it about?</span></b></h3>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Pan African University scholarship is one that still surprises me till today, this is so because of my attitude towards the application. I got a broadcast message on Whatsapp about the scholarship from an older cousin which I didn’t pay attention to.<b> </b>I didn’t bother to check the details of the scholarship not until the same person called me about two (2) weeks to the application deadline to know if I had sent my application, I told him I hadn’t and he encouraged me to go through it as my proposed course of study for Master's was just introduced and he feels I stand a chance especially due to my age. I wasn’t totally impressed as the Host University was a Nigerian University (University of Ibadan); I was at that time looking for opportunities outside Africa and had put forward some applications, with a few of them resulting in a partial scholarship. I eventually submitted my application a day before the deadline and the rest they say is history. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The Pan African University is a post-graduate training and research network of university nodes in five regions (West, East, North, South and Central Africa), supported by the African Union. The University aims to provide the opportunity for advanced graduate training and post-graduate research to high-performing African Students. Among the benefits of PAU scholarship is the promotion of students’ mobility and teachers as well as harmonizing programs and degrees. The scholarship brings together students from more than 30 different African countries; this affords one the opportunity to learn about different cultures and build a network of friendship. The most interesting part is the elimination of financial burdens a typical post-graduate student experiences.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">How much research did you put into understanding how the </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Pan African University</b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> scholarship works?</span></b></h3>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Having gone through the requirements <b>of</b> the scholarship which is not different from others; academic transcripts, 1<sup>st</sup> degree certificate, international passport, reference letters, personal statement and proof of English/French language proficiency. Ensuring that my Head of Department and project supervisor during my undergraduate strongly recommend me for the scholarship was of paramount importance. The scholarship board enjoined every applicant to include proof of demonstrated leadership skills and other relevant certificates in the application. I was lucky enough to have been among a group of students that attended a citizenship and leadership training programme that spanned two weeks during my final year in the University, I included this certificate. My voluntary service at the maiden edition of National Youth Games in 2014 while still an undergraduate was included in my “personal statement” as well.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">How did your academic and professional background contribute to you getting the </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Pan African University</b> </span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">scholarship?</span></b></h3>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I wasn’t the best student in my class as I graduated with a 2:1 (Second class upper) but was lucky enough to have been considered for the scholarship. I would later learn that points were allotted to students who have demonstrated leadership skills and other relevant experiences. Now I often encourage students (especially undergraduates) to take up volunteering jobs even if the incentives are not encouraging, the benefits don’t come immediately, it’s like a seed that takes time to germinate.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">What does the </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Pan African University</b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> scholarship cover?</span></b></h3>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The Pan African University Scholarship is a fully funded program to all students enrolled in its programmes. It covers tuitions fees paid directly to the host university, a monthly stipend which differs between Masters and Ph.D. students; the stipend is to support the students’ living expenses and medical insurance. A single, economy return air ticket between the recipient’s city of permanent residence and the host country, the scholarship also give research grants to its students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">How have you found the experience </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Pan African University</span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> scholarship</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">?</span></b></h3>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The turning point of my academic pursuit was winning this scholarship, making me realize the importance of excellence not only in academics but in all fields of human endeavour. I received lectures and enjoyed interactive sessions with more than 25 Professors who are the best at what they do across Africa. Winning the scholarship has not only made me believe in the African dream but has put me in a position where going forward academically and career-wise becomes a seamless journey. I’ll forever remain grateful to God and the African Union for this life-changing opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-31013030994999806962019-01-14T13:17:00.000-08:002019-03-30T04:58:47.549-07:00How I got Two International Scholarships to the UK and Germany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How I got Two International Scholarships to the UK and Germany</span></b></h2>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Written by: </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><b>Victor Agboga</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am Victor Agboga and recently graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with a master’s degree in African Development through the Standard Bank of Africa Derek Cooper Scholarship. I am currently undertaking another master’s programme in Global Governance at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. My second Master’s is funded through the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance, PPGG), a scholarship put together by the German Academic Exchange Service (<i>Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, DAAD</i>). For my bachelor’s degree, I studied philosophy at the Claretian Institute of Philosophy, an affiliate of Imo State University, Owerri</span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How I heard about the scholarships<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My intention to undertake studies abroad stemmed from the admiration I had for my professors in my bachelor’s programme who had studied in different countries and spoke several international languages. After my bachelor’s degree, I worked for two years as a political correspondent for a media outfit in Lagos while I pondered about furthering my studies. It was while doing some research at work that I stumbled across an LSE alumni blog which recounted how generous the university was with scholarships especially for people from developing countries and low-income background. I immediately checked the university website and perused through the courses and scholarships offered. But the first major challenge was to meet the admissions requirement including studying for the IELTS and writing a convincing statement of purpose. My case was a bit peculiar because I was switching from philosophy to politics/economics, so I had to justify the switch and demonstrate my suitability to study international development (African development subfield).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In order not to put all my eggs in one basket, I began to look for other scholarships and eventually applied for the Chevening, Commonwealth, African Initiative for Governance and DAAD scholarships. I rewrote my statement of purpose and CV to fit into the particular requirements of the different scholarship-awarding institutes. Most of these scholarships were discovered through a simple google search.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What is the Derek Cooper Standard Bank Scholarship?</span></b></h3>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Derek Cooper Standard Bank Scholarship is sponsored by the Standard Bank of Africa (also known as Stanbic Bank) and provides funding for about 9 African students yearly at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and LSE. Applicants are meant to apply to these universities where they are nominated for the scholarship. In other words, Standard Bank does not accept any scholarship application, rather applicants go through the aforementioned universities and indicate their need for funding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In my case, I went to the scholarship page of LSE and searched for scholarships available to Africans, and particularly Nigerian applicants. Kindly see the links below for more info on the Derek Cooper scholarship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://graduate.standardbank.co.za/standimg/Graduate/DerekCooperAfricaScholarship.html#tabs3"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://graduate.standardbank.co.za/standimg/Graduate/DerekCooperAfricaScholarship.html#tabs3</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/fees-and-funding/standard-bank-derek-cooper-africa-scholarships"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/fees-and-funding/standard-bank-derek-cooper-africa-scholarships</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">DAAD Scholarship</span></b></h3>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The German Academic Exchange Service gives thousands of scholarships annually to students from all over the world both in masters and Ph.D. levels. You can check the DAAD database to find out the courses and scholarships you are eligible for. </span><a href="https://www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/en/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/en/</span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On my part, I used the same materials that I submitted to LSE for my DAAD application with little adjustments. The same test scores (IELTS or TOEFL) can be used for several applications since the scores are globally recognized and can be used for a duration of 2 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How I managed two different scholarships in two different countries<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I began studying at LSE in September 2017 and was rounding off my first term when I received an email from DAAD saying that I had been nominated for another scholarship. I replied the email by pointing out that I was already studying on a scholarship in London but they insisted that it did not affect my eligibility for the German scholarship. After perusing through the master’s course at the University of Duisburg-Essen, I accepted the offer since it did not clash with my studies in London. I left London for Germany two days after my final exams and began a three-month German language course in Cologne. While my masters in Germany is entirely taught in English, DAAD recommended and paid for a brief German language course (ranging from 6 months to 1 year) for all scholarship holders. I joggled writing my master’s dissertation for LSE with the language course in Cologne and flew between Germany and the UK often (about 1hr 30mins journey) to see my supervisor and make use of the library in London. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What does the scholarship(s) cover?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Both scholarships cover tuition and living allowance. The DAAD scholarship further covers health insurance, spousal and child support (for married scholars) as well as travel and research grants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My experience so far…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I find myself fortunate to be a recipient of two international scholarships. My experiences at both universities have afforded me the opportunity to meet new people, broaden my network and acquire critical insights into issues pertaining to Global and African political economy. Studies have been both exciting and challenging in equal measures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scholarship Tips for other applicants</span></b></h3>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The need for perseverance cannot be overemphasized. Applicants should not lose hope in spite of rejections. I was rejected twice by the Chevening and AIG selection committees. AIG was particularly painful because I made it through to the final stage after scaling five rounds of selection which included computerized tests, essays, and a 4-hour interview. However, out of the 10 finalists, the University of Oxford was to select 5, and I was among those who were not selected. Looking back at that experience, I believe it made me a stronger applicant for other scholarships and in less than 5 months after the seemingly disappointing experience, I got the Derek Cooper Scholarship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Also, a good undergraduate degree is required by most scholarship committees; i.e. a first class or a high 2-1. In addition, read samples of statement of purpose online and try to draw lessons from them. State clearly in your statement of purpose why you selected that course and that university and how these align with your future goals. Mention particular modules and professors in the university that you find interesting and how they can help you achieve your goals. It is also important to pay attention to the particular admission requirements of different universities. They might be similar but there are often some differences. For instance, some universities accept WAEC for proof of English proficiency while others require international standardised tests such as IELTS and TOEFL.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Finally, send out your application to different universities and scholarship committees as it would increase your chances. After all these, relax, pray, get useful work experience including volunteering and wait.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-54566772569563907442019-01-10T14:07:00.000-08:002019-03-26T06:28:32.557-07:00Tips on How To Ace The PTDF Scholarship Interview <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAYN_6quXQKl1R78lv4QkQ3R8m0krWa1T9YJjImEWmog9sHmb82oZ2PwyggMs1_cZpdc_7Tvo19j170vx4Fw-0aRypJUjkeMWd0gb7JqRYB9jDSqrhz4O8DQNxTve_XwSkcEdCQfJzfk/s1600/PTDF+scholarship+Interview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PTDF Scholarship Interview " border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="607" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAYN_6quXQKl1R78lv4QkQ3R8m0krWa1T9YJjImEWmog9sHmb82oZ2PwyggMs1_cZpdc_7Tvo19j170vx4Fw-0aRypJUjkeMWd0gb7JqRYB9jDSqrhz4O8DQNxTve_XwSkcEdCQfJzfk/s1600/PTDF+scholarship+Interview.jpg" title="PTDF Scholarship Interview " /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So you have been shortlisted for the PTDF scholarship interview? Congratulations! But so has many other people from your state who will be competing for very limited spots with you so this post is meant to give you a glance of what to expect in the actual interview as well as to give you some tips on how to ace it. First of all, do not be tensed. The PTDF scholarship interview is more of an informal chat than a conventional interview. It usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes There is absolutely no need to be scared. You've got this!</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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</b></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>MSc 2019/2020 PTDF SCHOLARHSIP PROPOSAL ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE </b></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1. <b>MOTIVATION </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A. <u>How did you develop your research interest and why is important?</u> <b>Maximum 7 marks </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To answer this question you state how you came about your current research area and why you have decided to pursue this particular area. It could just be passion or it could be because it aligns with a past research project or maybe because of the bearing it has with your future professional goals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">B. <u>Why have you decided to do a master's degree?</u> <b>Maximum 8 marks </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Unemployment or an opportunity to just travel out is not the answer to this question. Concisely explain how you quest for more knowledge and how your Bachelor's degree was not enough to quell your burning desire for more knowledge. Also, you might be asked why you can't gain such knowledge in Nigeria, explain why your chosen schools abroad would be more suited to your chosen research area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">C. <u>Why do you want to go into your chosen field?</u> <b>Maximum 5 marks </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There is no one right answer to this question and it is one of the many questions in this interview whose answer is unique to everybody. A lot of introspection before the interview is necessary to get this question right. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOTAL <b>MAXIMUM 20 marks </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2. <b>ASPIRATION </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A. <u>What do you plan to gain from your current research goals and your career goals?</u> <b>Maximum 8 marks</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This answer to this questions is unique to everyone but just make sure whatever answer you give has some bearing with the mandate of the PTDF scholarship scheme which is aimed at developing indigenous human capacity and petroleum technology to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">B. <u>What do you hope to do immediately after you complete your master's degree?</u> <b>Maximum 7 marks</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Please do not make the mistake of telling the PTDF scholarship panel that you do not intend to return to Nigeria after your postgraduate studies. That is enough grounds to disqualify you. Remember the PTDF scholarship scheme is aimed at developing indigenous human capacity and petroleum technology to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. So as far the interview is concerned there should be no doubt in the mind of the PTDF scholarship panel that you intend coming back to Nigeria to impact the Oil and Gas sector. The answer you give to this question depends on your field of study and your area of research. It could be that you aim to proceed to a Ph.D. and eventually take up a career in research and teaching, do relay that to them. It could be that you plan to return and kick off a career in the Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria, you should also relay that to them. Tell them what your plans are after you finish your postgraduate studies but make sure your plans are in line with the mandate of the PTDF scholarship scheme.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOTAL <b>MAXIMUM 15 marks </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3. <b>PERSPIRATION </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A. <u>How have your previous academic research and professional experiences prepared you for a master's degree? </u><b>Maximum 7 marks </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here you can try to explain how your past has influenced your decision to proceed to get a master's degree. Unemployment or chance to go abroad are not good reasons and not what the PTDF scholarship panel are looking to hear. There is really no specific answer to this question for everybody as your answer depends on your own unique situation. Maybe you did some good research work in your undergraduate project and you are hoping to continue research in that area in graduate school. Or maybe you currently work in the Oil and Gas sector and that has given you some research ideas you hope to pursue in graduate school. Everyone's case is different.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">B. <u>What exceptional achievements have you made?</u> <b>Maximum 8 marks</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do well to use this as an opportunity to sell yourself to the PTDF scholarship interview panel. Do not sell yourself short but do not lie. You could be caught and that would be the end of your PTDF scholarship dreams, there is no coming back from that. This is another situation that is unique to everybody so do well to state your academic and professional achievements that you consider exceptional and also state why you think they are exceptional.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">C. <u>In the course of your career/academic experiences what contributions and/or impact have made</u>?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is similar to the previous question and is self-explanatory. State what contributions and impact you have made so far in your professional or academic journey. Have you done some groundbreaking research in your field? Say so. Were you the Founder/President/Exco of a professional body related to your field? State so. These are just a few examples.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <b>Maximum 5 marks</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOTAL <b>MAXIMUM 20 marks </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4. <b>INTERVIEW</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A. <u>Comportment </u><b>Maximum 5 marks</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The PTDF scholarship panel awards marks for comportment. Please try as much as possible to show confidence while speaking and answering interview questions. Even when you feel the interview is not going your way, do not fret. Speak audibly and dress neatly to the interview. Do not talk too much or you risk opening yourself up for more questions that you may not be able to answer. Be as polite as possible to the interviewers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">B. <u>Application to the oil and gas Industry</u> <b>Maximum 5 marks</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The PTDF scholarship panel wants to know how your research proposal/Statement of Purpose relates to the Oil and Gas Industry and how the research you are pursuing would benefit the Oil and Gas industry and its expected impact on national development. It is not enough to tell them your proposed research would change the face of robotics and Artificial Intelligence as we know, but you also have to go ahead and explain to them how the Nation and the Oil and Gas industry will benefit from your proposed research. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">C. <u>Knowledge of subject matter</u> <b>Maximum 10 marks</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes! Do not go to the interview to sell wolf tickets--claiming to do things everyone knows you are not going to do. The PTDF scholarship interview panel is not stupid. Many of them are Professors and Industry experts and have enough experience and background knowledge to know when someone is bullshitting them. Some of them might ask you technical questions about your specific field. The question would usually be on concepts you were taught as an undergraduate or your final year project as an undergraduate while others in the PTDF scholarship panel would ask you questions from your statement of purpose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOTAL <b>MAXIMUM 20 marks </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">5. <b>QUALIFICATION </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A. <u>First Degree:</u> First Class = 10 marks. Second Class Upper = 8 marks. Second Class lower = 5 marks </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This part is pretty self-explanatory. The PTDF scholarship panel usually awards marks on basis of the class of degree you graduated with. Those with First class degrees earn the maximum 10 points while those with Second Class Upper and Second class lower degrees earn 8 and 5 points respectively. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOTAL <b>MAXIMUM 10 marks</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">6. <b>PUBLICATIONS </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A. <u>Reputable Journal:</u> at least a paper: each paper is 5 marks <b>MAXIMUM 5 marks </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do come with evidence of publication in any reputable journal or conference as it counts in your favour and it's an easy way to earn 5 marks. The PTDF scholarship panel usually prefers publication where you are the first author.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOTAL <b>MAXIMUM 5 marks </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">7. <b>NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL AWARDS/PRIZES </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A. At most 4 awards: each award is 2.5 marks <b>MAXIMUM 10 marks </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Original copies of awards and evidence of Professional membership here could count in your favour. Awards could be anything from:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Best graduating student from your Department</li>
<li>Best graduating student from your Faculty</li>
<li>Best graduating student from your University</li>
<li>Previous scholarships e.g MTN foundation scholarship, State Government Scholarship, Federal Government Scholarship, AGIP scholarship, Shell Scholarship and so on</li>
<li>Awards earned at the end of NYSC (National Youth Service Corp)</li>
<li>Bring any award that shows you have been outstanding in any group whether professional, voluntary or academic.</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOTAL <b>MAXIMUM 10 marks </b></div><div><br />
</div><b>GRAND TOTAL = 100 MARKS</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Tips for those in the Ph.D. Category</b></h3>It goes without saying that the bar is raised a little higher for aspiring Ph.D. candidates. Below are some questions that you should prepare for.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Ph.D. 2019/2020 PTDF SCHOLARSHIP PROPOSAL ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE </b></h3>1. <b>INTRODUCTION</b><br />
A. Appropriateness of Proposal Title. <b>Maximum of 3 Marks</b><br />
B. Background of Study. <b>Maximum of 3 Marks</b><br />
C. Statement of Problem. <b>Maximum of 3 Marks</b><br />
D. Significance of study to the oil and gas sector. <b>Maximum of 3 Marks</b><br />
E. Aim(s) and Objectives of study. <b>Maximum of 3 Marks</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> TOTAL<b> MAXIMUM 15 Marks</b><br />
<br />
2 <b>LITERATURE REVIEW </b><br />
A. Extent of existing knowledge used and currency. <b>Maximum of 4 Marks</b><br />
B. Relevance of literature to the research. <b>Maximum of 4 Marks</b><br />
C. Acknowledgment of sources. <b>Maximum of 4 Marks</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> TOTAL<b> MAXIMUM 12 Marks</b><br />
<br />
<b>EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY/MATERIALS AND METHODS </b><br />
A. Relevant Materials/Specification/Sampling Methods/DesIgn Method. <b>Maximum of 4 Marks</b><br />
B. Technique(s) or methods used for data collection. <b>Maximum of 4 Marks</b><br />
C. Methods of Data Analysis. <b>Maximum of 4 Marks</b><br />
<br />
TOTAL<b> MAXIMUM 12 Marks</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>EXPECTED RESULTS/OUTCOMES AND REFERENCES</b><br />
A. Analysis/Interpretation/Discussion of results. <b>Maximum of 3 Marks</b><br />
B. References (currency and consistency of style). <b>Maximum of 4 Marks</b><br />
C. Quality of the proposal (language, structure and literary style). <b>Maximum of 4 Marks</b><br />
<br />
TOTAL<b> MAXIMUM 12 Marks</b><br />
<br />
<b>CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE AND BENEFITS OF RESEARCH TO NIGERIA</b><br />
A. Contributions to Knowledge. <b>Maximum of 5 Marks</b><br />
B. Benefits of Research to Nigeria. <b>Maximum of 5 Marks</b><br />
<br />
You will also be assessed in the Interview, Qualification, Publications, National/International awards/prizes in a format exactly like the Master's assessment template above.<br />
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<b><br />
</b></div>Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-6570252294568558272019-01-09T09:55:00.000-08:002019-09-26T08:10:07.019-07:00How I got the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at McGill University for Postgraduate Studies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="WordSection1"><h2 style="mso-line-height-alt: 0pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Memoir of a Mastercard Scholar at McGill- Hammed Akande</span></b></h2><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="page1"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.5pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b> Written by:</b> Hammed Akande</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.5pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWAdPGXmn36slNqhC04Zb2xmXWKyX70lVmxidY_d8Y-JtiJriCrDff5J6DKAYze3_kpjAOS8vx1smof_QU5AqFBUUyfpJJiVcbME1fDTfm3mP_YEFzMjapcvdo62z1e_ysYT-X117Z-w/s1600/Hammed+Adedamola+Akande.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at McGill University for Postgraduate" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWAdPGXmn36slNqhC04Zb2xmXWKyX70lVmxidY_d8Y-JtiJriCrDff5J6DKAYze3_kpjAOS8vx1smof_QU5AqFBUUyfpJJiVcbME1fDTfm3mP_YEFzMjapcvdo62z1e_ysYT-X117Z-w/s320/Hammed+Adedamola+Akande.JPG" title="Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at McGill University for Postgraduate" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 148%; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 148%;">My name is Hammed Adedamola Akande, and I am a 2018 Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholar at McGill University, Canada. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Wildlife Management (First Class Honors) from Osun State University, Nigeria. Please use this link to view our page </span><a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/mastercardfdn-scholars/mcgills-scholars"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 148%;">https://www.mcgill.ca/mastercardfdn-scholars/mcgills-scholars</span></a><u><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 148%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 8.95pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 145%; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 145%;">I’m honored to be invited to share my story with you, hopefully, it helps and motivates someone out there.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 145%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><br />
</div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Brief information about Mastercard Scholarship and how I get to hear about it</span></b></h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 147%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 147%;">MasterCard Foundation Scholarship (hereinafter referred to as <b><i>MCF</i></b>) is a Scholarship for African students. It’s for academically talented but economically disadvantaged students (<b>See paragraph</b> <b>before the conclusion on this financial issue</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 147%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 147%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: .35pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Read more on MCF here; (</span><a href="https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/becoming-a-scholar/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/becoming-a-scholar/</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.5pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 149%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 149%;">Sometime in 2013 during my undergraduate days, I was checking the internet on a cool night looking for scholarship opportunities, and I saw the advert of MCF. Since then, I have been following MCF and as an active member of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship thread on Nairaland Forum. I wanted to apply to study at the University of Arizona and University of Michigan, but I could not complete the application for reasons I can’t even remember--perhaps they required a standardized exam I could not afford at that time. I resolved to keep track of the scholarship and promised myself to apply to the MCF scholarship for my master’s program when I am done with undergraduate studies in Nigeria. With time, I garnered experience on the requirement of MCF and how best to approach the application. Initially, the MCF was supporting only undergraduate applicants, but luckily for me, MCF started accepting masters application sometime in 2014/2015. I completed my first MCF application in the 2017/2018 session--I could not complete my application in 2016 because I could not get my transcript on time. I applied to both the University of British Columbia and McGill University and was accepted at McGill University but was rejected from the University of British Columbia.</span></div></div><br />
<div class="WordSection2"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Strongest Motivation for Mastercard Foundation Scholarship</span></b></h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 149%; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 149%;">MCF--to the best of my knowledge--are interested in students that have shown strong leadership potential and are academically talented. I am the founding chairman and pioneer National President of “Nigerian Society for Environmental Conservation- NSEC”. NSEC is a society of conservation students, scientist, and professionals, which started since 2015. This society is one of the largest (probably the largest) student conservation body in Nigeria with members all over the six Nigerian geopolitical zones. I have also attended many conferences nationally and internationally and published in peer-reviewed journals. In addition to my professional and leadership experience, I graduated in the top 1% of my class, which made me believe I was qualified to apply for the MCF Scholarship and thus my motivation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><br />
</div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How did you make your essays to stand out?</span></b></h3><!-- inposts --><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 156%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 156%;">There is no general rule or answer to this question. I believe what works for you might not work for others--so uniqueness is the key here. Try your best to describe convincingly why you should be considered for the scholarship. While writing my essays, I discussed all my professional experiences, from founding a National NGO to organizing two national conferences and many symposium and workshops, coordinating and leading delegates for an International Conference. I stated all awards achieved thus far. It is worth noting that myself (and a lady in my class) were the first students to graduate with a first-class degree from my department, and I stated this when completing the form. I discussed how my academic achievements have assisted me to build my career professionally, how it has motivated me to become a strong leader, how I assisted people by organizing free Maths and physics tutorials for 100 Level students in the University for five years and also how I did data analysis for researchers in my University. Basically, Scholarship organizations want to see and be convinced that you will be an asset and you are worth every penny they spend on you. You must be able to convince them that you are an exceptional student. I would say you should be free to brag about your achievements when writing your essays--since they are noteworthy achievements--but strive to remain humble in real life. If you don’t say it, they won’t know you deserve it. All efforts count including activities in a Church or a Mosque.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 8.6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 145%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 145%;">Please quantify your essays as much as possible. "I am the president of an NGO". Fine and good. But, why does it matter? Or why should we care? Let them know that you have organized a program </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">that assisted over </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">X</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> people who may be children, youths, adults, women or the handicapped. Be sure to explain why and how your work is significant. Discuss like a researcher, Professors will read your essays. Let them know you have attended conferences and be sure to explain why it matters. Perhaps, you won a grant to conduct the research or present in the conference, and how people/community have benefitted in such a program (even if it is just 10 people).</span></div></div><div class="WordSection3"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 8.85pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 149%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 149%;">Like I said in the introductory part, I had my Bachelors degree in Wildlife Management. I have always wanted to study wetland and greenhouse gas emissions, and its impact on biodiversity (bird, and others) and climate. Due to the flexibility of Bioresource Engineering department of McGill, I am studying M.Sc Integrated Water Resource Management (with focus on <i>wetland</i> <i>ecosystem</i>). Having taken some courses during my undergraduate days that qualify me admissible<i> </i>to the department (as evident in my student transcript), I was able to convince the departmental chair while writing my personal statement and I was nominated for the Mastercard scholarship. After my nomination, I submitted my admission document on January 15, 2018, and got my admission on January 25, 2018.</span></div><h3 style="line-height: 17.15pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Selection criteria</span></b></h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 149%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 149%;">If you have not volunteered for any organization, please do so. It really matters a lot and would go a long way to help your application, Your grades alone would not do you much good. Although MCF emphasizes a lot on community service--of course they want people that will develop Africa--you must also have good academic standings that will make you admissible to that MCF partner school (specifically true in the case of McGill). In McGill for example, McGill prioritizes high academic achievement to secure admission. This means, your grade, your other academic achievements such as publications and your leadership work will make you fit for this school. Grade and other Academic achievements for McGill admission, and Volunteer work majorly for MCF at McGill.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 9.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 147%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 147%;">Of course, if you are an undergraduate applicant, you may not have much volunteer work which is quite understandable, and emphasis might be on your O’level results. But as a graduate scholar, you have more experience and are expected to have some volunteer experience.</span></div></div><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">MCF and the <span style="color: #222222;">economically disadvantaged background issue</span></span></b></h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 149%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 149%;">I would argue (of course in my opinion) that priority is not on how poor you are on the MCF scholarship. Rather than focusing on demonstrating how poor I was, I focused on why I deserved the scholarship. It should be noted that my tuition fee for five years (excluding other fees like feeding, accommodation) at Osun State University was <s>N</s>500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and I stated that when completing the form. I also used my mum's statement of account which had an inflow and outflow of money which was not too high and not too low and also included my own bank statement. It is worthy to note that 3 out of the 6 MCF graduate scholars here at McGill University had their Bachelors in the United States, and 1 of the undergraduate scholars had her A’level in the UK. Thus, if the poverty level was prioritized, they should not have been selected. I’m encouraging people to focus on why they deserve the scholarship and show all their achievements. If any scholarship organization will show financial pity on a nation, they will likely consider some East African countries and not West Africa (especially Nigeria, as they believe we are rich).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 1.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:line
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.5pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 156%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 156%;">It has been a life changing experience here at McGill University, thanks to God, my family and the support of the Mastercard Foundation. I’m glad to be among the 6 M.Sc scholars selected throughout Africa for MCF scholarship at McGill University. McGill is proud to be a global school in the beautiful city of Montreal, home to more than 10,000 International students and ranked in the top best 40 Universities in the world and second in Canada after University of Toronto (QS University rating). I would encourage everyone to try and never lose hope. It is really worth the try. Lastly, diversify your chances, and don’t limit your scholarship search to one application. There are many fishes in the ocean, the more you applications you put forward, the better your chances of landing one of them. I wish you success.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 8.35pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 147%; text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 147%;">N.B</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 147%;">; The above write-up is my own opinion, and do not in any way reflect the opinion of<b><i> </i></b>MasterCard Foundation, McGill University, or any other organization affiliated with Mastercard or that I am affiliated with. Lastly, I declare no conflict of interest.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/fully-funded-masters-degree-scholarship-canada.html">Fully Funded Masters Degree Scholarship In Canada</a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/international-scholarship-uk-germany.html">How I got two international scholarships to the UK and Germany</a></b></span></div></div>Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-55176896578984825522019-01-08T03:33:00.000-08:002019-03-26T06:29:54.369-07:00Fully Funded Masters Degree Scholarship In Canada<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In a previous blog post, we wrote about <a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/how-to-know-if-department-funds-masters.html">how to get a Fully Funded Masters Degree Scholarship in Computer Science in the United States</a> and also in another blog post, we wrote about <a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/how-to-know-if-department-funds-masters.html">How To Know if a Department has Full Scholarship or Graduate Assistantship for Master's Students in the United States</a>. But what about Canada? A lost of potential graduate students prefer to seek admission in Canada rather than the United States for a variety of reasons which could include the availability of scholarships or funding, employment opportunities post-graduation, immigration opportunities post graduation and so on.<br />
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In recent times, Canada has become more immigration friendly than the United States especially to international students coming from countries in Africa and Asia. Canadian Universities are generally more likely to have scholarship opportunities or full funding for masters students from the first semester, unlike the United States where all or most of the funding and scholarships are reserved for Ph.D. students. Almost all the time, Canadian Universities provide funding or scholarship for their Master's students who are going to be doing a thesis.<br />
<a name='more'></a>The scholarship or funding are usually generous and would usually cover their tuition, accommodation, feeding, and other living or miscellaneous expenses. It should also be noted that Canadian Universities do not provide scholarships or funding for the student's going for an Industrial Master's program, course-based Master's program, Taught Master's program, and Professional Master's program. Student's in these categories are usually self-funded. The scholarships would usually come in the form of a research assistantship, teaching assistantship, fellowships or a combination of these three. <br />
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It should be noted that while it is easy to get scholarships or funding after being admitted into a Thesis based program in Canadian Universities, It is not easy to get admitted into such programs because they are insanely competitive and a lot of such programs would require you to secure a thesis supervisor during application which is no small feat.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">Below is a list of Canadian Universities that provide scholarship or full funding to their Master's students (Thesis Option) </h4><!-- inposts --><br />
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<div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Dalhousie University</li>
<li>University of Toronto</li>
<li>University of Saskatchewan </li>
<li>University of British Columbia</li>
<li>University of Waterloo</li>
<li>McGill University</li>
<li>Simon Fraser University</li>
<li>Universite de Montreal</li>
<li>Queen's University</li>
<li>University of Calgary</li>
<li>University of Ontario Institute of Technology</li>
<li>University of Manitoba</li>
<li>University of Ottawa</li>
<li>Western University</li>
<li>York University</li>
<li>Saint Mary's University</li>
<li>St. Francis Xavier</li>
<li>McMaster University</li>
</ul><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1617601306/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1617601306&linkCode=as2&tag=javanian02-20&linkId=7a9e650240084ac24fe7170d3c54baf5" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1617601306&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=javanian02-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=javanian02-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1617601306" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<b>Related Posts</b></div></div></div><div><b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2018/12/fully-funded-masters-degree-in-computer-science-usa.html">Fully Funded Masters Degree Scholarship in Computer Science in the United States</a></b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/how-to-know-if-department-funds-masters.html">How To Know if a Department has Full Scholarship or Graduate Assistantship for Master's Students</a></b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/mastercard-foundation-scholarship-mcgill-postgraduate.html">How I got the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at McGill University for Postgraduate Studies</a></b></div></div>Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-18774394230904678152019-01-07T09:50:00.000-08:002019-03-26T06:30:14.778-07:00How I got the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Written by:</b> <strong style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: rgb(250 , 250 , 249); font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17.12px;">Babaniyi Olaniyi</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVJS6wn_r-IlBnXjjJH6gkIoN9XIq0BvCU_vXCMRKqyA0d7LQlE1ndmG24gVQez-RP4OzUqumHs-vygDSpHSjSdToxMPVnw4ioLibXSeR6vtiH8FeYzU5h_iwuiCv2HQvPNbdktXv6uo/s1600/IMG_20170904_163040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Erasmus Mundus Scholarship" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVJS6wn_r-IlBnXjjJH6gkIoN9XIq0BvCU_vXCMRKqyA0d7LQlE1ndmG24gVQez-RP4OzUqumHs-vygDSpHSjSdToxMPVnw4ioLibXSeR6vtiH8FeYzU5h_iwuiCv2HQvPNbdktXv6uo/s320/IMG_20170904_163040.jpg" title="Erasmus Mundus Scholarship" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: #fafaf9; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%;">Meet Babaniyi Olaniyi, a recipient of the 2017 Erasmus Mundus European Union Scholarship studying Quantitative Economics at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, a graduate of Mathematics and Statistics from Kwara State University class of 2016 and recipient of the Dr. Bukola Saraki 2016 academic award prize as he shares his academic journey with the Erasmus programme.</span></strong><br />
<a name='more'></a><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: #fafaf9; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: #fafaf9; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: #fafaf9; color: maroon; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">What is ERASMUS and how did you hear about the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The European Union's <b>Erasmus</b> programme is a funding scheme to <b>support activities in the fields of Education, Training, Youth, and Sport</b>. It is funded by the European Union, it supports individuals to spend mobility or volunteer abroad and organizations to collaborate in project partnerships. The best part of the Erasmus life is that one gets to study in the best universities in Europe, for instance, my first year was in Bielefeld Germany while my second semester is in Barcelona. The programme allows you to experience different cultures, learn different languages, travel around Europe, and most importantly make life-long friendships.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Regarding how I heard about the programme, to be honest, I don’t want to say this in order not to appear sanctimonious but there are things beyond our control as humans, some call it luck, others – favour, grace, serendipity, chance, whatever one chooses to call it was what happened to me. I was fresh out of school and awaiting the outcome of the NYSC call-up, I decided to use the period to search and apply to graduate school in the US, fortunately, I was an ardent reader of Nairaland forum and I met someone who was searching for a graduate with a strong quantitative background for a particular job, since I had a knack for math, I decided to apply. He was a beneficiary of the scholarship as well and encouraged me to apply, the rest, as they say, is history.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: #fafaf9; color: maroon; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">How much research did you put into understanding how the scholarship works?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was opportune to know an alumnus who put me through the application process and the process was seamless since I met the required qualifications. However, there is not a one-size-fits-all for Erasmus programs since different programs have different requirements as they are in different countries, the general requirements remain transcripts, passport, reference letters, proof of English proficiency (varies). The scholarship requires one to select four affiliated universities where one decides to study, I chose two in my case - Bielefeld University and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona as they were highly ranked, and I have a natural preference for Barcelona because of the weather and opportunity to learn Spanish language. The process is not stressful, one should obey instructions and when faced with problems, contact the programme coordinator.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: #fafaf9; color: maroon; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">How did your academic and professional background contribute to you getting the scholarship?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><!-- inposts --><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My programme (Quantitative Economics) is one which is math heavy and I think my background played a large role since I had A’s in almost all the math courses in my undergraduate studies. In addition, I had to take online courses on creative writing to improve my writing skills as writing was not my forte and the result was evident with the scholarship. I graduated with a first-class degree and worked an undergraduate teaching and research assistant during my undergraduate studies and I guess that served as a signal of strong research potential; besides, I served as the P.R.O, Deputy Senate President, and Senate President of the National Association of Mathematics Students of Nigeria (KWASU chapter) and which was an evidence of leadership skill.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: #fafaf9; color: maroon; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Did you make any strategic decisions to increase your chances, such as choice of course or university?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I think the best strategic decision one can make while applying for a scholarship is to apply to programmes which one fits perfectly and meet the requirements. I applied to two programmes Quantitative Economics and Mathematical Modelling in Engineering, though these weren’t the courses I studied in my bachelors’ but since my degree was in Mathematics and Statistics, they believed I had the strong quantitative background needed to succeed and I had to mention in my personal statement why I made the switch to Economics and Engineering respectively. Interestingly, I was admitted and funded to study Quantitative Economics and was waitlisted for funding in the other programme. Furthermore, the impact of strong referees cannot be over-emphasized as this is where many people fall short, I was fortunate to have a good relationship with my professors who in turn wrote glowing recommendation letters on my behalf.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: #fafaf9; color: maroon; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">What does the scholarship cover?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It covers the full tuition fees and a monthly stipend (which varies according to programs), travel allowance and a thesis allowance.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: #fafaf9; color: maroon; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">How have you found the experience?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It has been a life-changing experience which I would always be grateful to God and the European Union. Saying I’m on Mountain Everest of ecstasy is an understatement to how I feel about the experiences so far, I am a classmate to some of the smartest people in the world, student of some of the most brilliant professors, tourist to some of the most beautiful cities and to crown it all, friend to some of the world most wonderful people. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: #fafaf9; color: maroon; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Can you share additional tips that may be useful?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-plus_en"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-plus_en</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Nigeria alumni have a group on facebook called <b>Erasmus-Mundus Nigeria<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The beauty about Erasmus programs is that there is a program (which includes funding) for everyone irrespective of your status, be it students, lecturers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Check the requirements, submit required documents, and pray for the best. Though a majority of my classmates graduated with distinction from their respective schools, however, this is not a rule of thumb as others also had good grades such as second-class upper degrees. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dreams are neither too big nor goals too high, but minds are either too small to conceive them or arms too short to achieve them. Venture outside your comfort zone!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/international-scholarship-uk-germany.html">How I got two international scholarships to the UK and Germany</a></b></span></div></div>Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-49039103771232866432019-01-02T03:23:00.000-08:002019-03-30T05:00:48.631-07:00How To Know if a Department has Full Scholarship or Graduate Assistantship for Master's Students <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you were like me, one of the main factors considered when applying to a master's program is if the department offers full funding or scholarship--which could come in form of fellowships, Research Assistantship or Teaching Assistantship--to their master's students from the first semester. Getting admitted into your dream school would be pointless if you would not be able to attend because you cannot afford to pay Tens of thousands of dollars for tuition alone. Most Universities in the United States do not offer funding or scholarship to their master's students as most of the funding or scholarship is reserved for their Ph.D. students and a significant number of universities who fund their master's student won't do so from the first semester. <a href="http://www.solomonubani.com/2018/12/fully-funded-masters-degree-in-computer-science-usa.html">In a previous blog post, we provided a list of Universities in the United States that fund master's student's in computer science from the first semester</a>, but the list is not exhaustive and does not account for other STEM disciplines other than computer science. In this post, we will show a few ways to know if a department or program can offer you full funding or scholarship from the first semester in a master's program.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
1. Reading the department's or program's website</h2>
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Perusing the department's or program's website as intuitive as it sounds is something a lot of people do not do. A lot of departments state on their website whether they offer funding or scholarships to master's students or not. Some would even go as far as stating the criteria they consider when offering funding or scholarships to master's students such as TOEFL scores (especially in the speaking section), GRE scores, GPA and past research or teaching experience. Some department or programs are also nice enough to state what percentage of their master's students in previous admission cycles got funded or scholarships. So if you are trying to find out if a department or program you are interested in offers funding or scholarships for master's students, the department or program website should certainly be your starting point.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
2. Contacting the Graduate Coordinator </h2>
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Many times, the information about funding or scholarships for master's students on the departmental websites is usually vague and ambiguous. Some departments do not update their sites regularly, so the information there about funding or scholarships might be outdated or maybe you just need some form of verbal or written feedback from someone who actually works at the department and in the right position to answer your questions. The person who you should be looking to contact is the department's Graduate program coordinator. The Graduate Coordinator is the authorized person in the department to speak on issues like funding, scholarships, eligibility, prerequisites and so on. The graduate coordinator could go by other titles such as Director of Graduate Programs or something similar. You can always find the contact of the Graduate coordinator on the department's website when you look at their staff directory or it could be placed on the web page that lists the requirement for prospective master's applicants.<br />
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When emailing the graduate coordinators, it helps to state if you are a local/international student, your undergraduate insitution, what semester you will be applying to Fall, Spring or Autumn. State clearly what information you need--in this case information on funding or scholarships. It may also be helpful to attach transcripts, GRE scores, TOEFL scores, CV/Resume, and research papers (if any) to enable them to give you more informed feedback. The attachments should be combined into a single PDF file.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
3. Asking Current Students on Linkedin </h2>
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Some Graduate coordinators in some departments would give you canned replies which are still information already on their website when you email them to inquire about funding. The replies are usually very vague and not very helpful. If you are still interested in a particular program but you still do not have enough information on your chances of getting fully funded or scholarships to make a decision on whether to apply or not, then asking the current graduate student's in the department might be a good way to go. In my own experience, the students I have contacted on Linkedin have given me information on funding and the department in general that I did not find elsewhere. Some of them are usually very enthusiastic and willing to help. You can follow the steps listed below:<br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Register or log in to your Linkedin account</li>
<li>In the search bar, type as an example "Teaching Assitant Stanford University Computer Science" or "Research Assitant Harvard University Computer Science" or "Graduate Assitant Computer Science MIT"</li>
<li>Linkedin would display a lot of results based on your search query, then go through the profiles of some the results, check their profiles to see if they are currently graduate students in the department, if they are, add them to your connections and wait for them to accept your request. You might want to add up to 10 or 12 of them and hope a good number of them would accept the invitation to connect. </li>
<li>When they have accepted, message them and politely start by thanking them for adding you to their connections and proceed to ask your questions as concisely as possible--do not waste their time with small talk. </li>
</ol>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
4. Checking past admission offers on thegradcafe </h2>
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When it comes to seeking admission into graduate schools in the United States, Canada, The UK and so on, thegradcafe.com is a site that would provide you with a lot of information that you just wouldn't find elsewhere. Thegradcafe.com has a database of over 500,000 admission results so it is certainly a place you would want to look. On thegradcafe.com applicants in past admission cycles post their admission decisions, GRE scores, GPA and whether they were funded or got a scholarship or not. It is a good place to compare your profile with profiles of past applicants who were admitted or were rejected from the program you are applying to. Simply use the search bar in the sites' homepage and type the department and the school you intend applying to and it would display a lot of information from past admission cycles dating years back. Example, when you type "computer science Stanford" this is the result it displays. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66KyLuV3apiSJFkBO7-SHiEaPnc1vnLeTdyHbUFUjGP6L22sif_ByGE4uurK-0QJprUEBTl3U5Hhs_uAS3aMidvas5JalzAJoxO38wnHAoM8c-2Sxp-lN9M_9yC7yHGSATSrxnpY3bS8/s1600/gradcafe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Full Scholarship or Graduate Assistantship for Master's Students" border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="1125" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66KyLuV3apiSJFkBO7-SHiEaPnc1vnLeTdyHbUFUjGP6L22sif_ByGE4uurK-0QJprUEBTl3U5Hhs_uAS3aMidvas5JalzAJoxO38wnHAoM8c-2Sxp-lN9M_9yC7yHGSATSrxnpY3bS8/s640/gradcafe.png" title="scholarship" width="640" /></a></div>
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The screenshot does not show all the results, it only shows a very small portion of it. </div>
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<b>NB</b>: Whether you are perusing the department's website, contacting the graduate coordinator or the program chair or looking for information on thegradcafe, LinkedIn or Quora, please always ask questions that are laser targeted to your own situation and profile. Some departments might fund or give scholarships to master's students from the first semester but would only do so if you had your first degree in the United States, they do not fund or give scholarships international students from the first semester. Some departments funding or scholarships only cover out-of-state tuition, some only offer funding or scholarship to students applying for the Fall semester and some departments only fund or give scholarships to students with a GRE score, TOEFL score or GPA above a certain score--which is usually much higher than the minimum scores required to get admitted. With this in mind, it is very important to ask questions or seek answers specific to your situation.<br />
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<b>Related Posts</b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2018/12/fully-funded-masters-degree-in-computer-science-usa.html">Fully Funded Masters Degree Scholarship in Computer Science in the United States</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/fully-funded-masters-degree-scholarship-canada.html">Fully Funded Masters Degree Scholarship In Canada</a></b></div>
Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-60959616356595068972018-12-27T13:09:00.001-08:002019-03-26T06:30:49.800-07:00Fully Funded Masters Degree Scholarship in Computer Science in the United States<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">There are very few Universities in the United States that offer full funding or scholarships to masters students in Computer Science from the first semester. Ph.D. applicants are usually given priority for funding or scholarships. If you apply to top research universities, you may be offered funding or scholarships, usually in your second semester but for some applicants, getting fully funded or a scholarship from the first semester is very important else they would not be able to pursue their master's degree in the United States because of the cost.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>What is funding and how does it work?</b></h3>Funding or scholarships usually comes in form of Teaching Assistantship (TA) or a Research Assistantship(RA). In the case of a Teaching Assistantship, in addition to your graduate school work, you would be required to perform tasks such as grading tests and quizzes, assisting undergraduate students in the lab and so on while in the case of a Research Assistantship you would be required to assist a Professor in his/her research work by doing tasks like simulations, writing programming code, setting up experiments and so on. Both RA's and TA's are usually expected to work for 15 to 20 hours a week.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>What expenses does full funding</b> or scholarships<b> usually cover?</b></h3>Tuition (Full funding usually comes with a full tuition waiver). Students that fully funded also get stipends that would cover accommodation, feeding, transportation and other miscellaneous expenses.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>What expenses does full funding or scholarships NOT usually cover?</b></h3><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Visa Fees</li>
<li>Flight tickets</li>
<li>Student Fees</li>
</ul><br />
Most funding or scholarships goes to Ph.D. students. Unlike masters students, Ph.D.'s are usually funded from the first semester. So if funding or a scholarship is a priority then you may consider applying directly to a Ph.D. program. Most Universities in the United States do not require a masters degree to apply for their Ph.D. Program. But Ph.D. Programs in Top Universities are insanely competitive and most people who apply do not get in.<br />
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Here are some Universities in the United States that give full funding or scholarships to Computer Science masters students from the first semester. The list is not exhaustive and would be updated as time goes on.<br />
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<li>Florida State University</li>
<li>Bowling Green State University</li>
<li>Austin Peay State University</li>
<li>Ball State University</li>
<li>East Tennessee State University</li>
<li>New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology</li>
<li>Auburn University</li>
<li>Middle Tennessee State University</li>
</ol><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>What criteria's do these Universities consider before they give funding</b> or scholarships<b> to Masters students?</b></h3></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Time of Application: Many Universities give funding or scholarships to qualified applicants on a first-come-first-serve basis. If funding or a scholarship is very important to you, then you are advised to apply early. Funding and scholarships are limited and not every qualified applicant may get it. Apply early!</li>
<li>GPA: 3.0+ / 4</li>
<li>GRE: 160+ Q, 150+ V, 4+ AWA</li>
<li>TOEFL: 100+ (with 23+ in the speaking section for TA's)</li>
<li>Past Teaching Experience for TA's</li>
<li>Past Research Experience for RA's</li>
</ul></div><div>It is really advisable to contact the departments to inquire about the situation of funding or scholarships before applying. Go to departmental websites and find the Graduate coordinator and ask questions. They are there to answer your questions. For those interested in a Research Assistantship, it is usually advisable to contact Professors in the department that you share research interest with, share your ideas with them, tell them you would love to work with them and ask them if they would be able to fund you. You just might get lucky. Good luck.<br />
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<b>Related Posts</b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/how-to-know-if-department-funds-masters.html">How To Know if a Department has Full Scholarship or Graduate Assistantship for Master's Students</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/fully-funded-masters-degree-scholarship-canada.html">Fully Funded Masters Degree Scholarship In Canada</a></b></div></div>Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-38920342593899229262016-09-04T09:05:00.001-07:002019-03-30T05:01:37.772-07:00Storage Bindings For Variables<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhO0hA53zS5-QXS8TKYr-WuUQtSSDYCDiH90j2RyfpPyy4VnboP168-Sohjdw8fN55H2YG-HeDO2Pvb__ic_BFVSkPiowMIccXpICtsyZHOx6h4bdj7S8IwLl0SnJGOIw-uRcc7aFqUI/s1600/abstract-achievement-bright-614117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Storage Bindings For Variables" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhO0hA53zS5-QXS8TKYr-WuUQtSSDYCDiH90j2RyfpPyy4VnboP168-Sohjdw8fN55H2YG-HeDO2Pvb__ic_BFVSkPiowMIccXpICtsyZHOx6h4bdj7S8IwLl0SnJGOIw-uRcc7aFqUI/s400/abstract-achievement-bright-614117.jpg" title="Storage Bindings For Variables" width="400" /></a></div>
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This post is meant to describe variables into four different categories based on their Storage Bindings. The Binding categories will be</div>
<ul class="postList" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); list-style: none none; margin: 29px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="graf graf--li graf-after--p" id="3a88" name="3a88" style="letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 30px;">Static Variables</li>
<li class="graf graf--li graf-after--li" id="56a2" name="56a2" style="letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 30px;">Stack Dynamic variables</li>
<li class="graf graf--li graf-after--li" id="dd9d" name="dd9d" style="letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 30px;">Explicit Heap Dynamic variables</li>
<li class="graf graf--li graf-after--li" id="b972" name="b972" style="letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px;">Implicit Heap Dynamic Variables</li>
</ul>
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<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Static Variables</span></div>
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Static variables are bound to memory cells sometime before execution and remain bound to the same memory cells until program execution terminates. This means values are assigned to the memory cells of a variable before the execution of a program begins. Global variables are usually static variables although a lot of languages allow subprograms to have static variables called “local static variables”. Class variables in a lot of language implementations are usually static variables. Class Variables are created sometime before program execution begins.</div>
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<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Strengths</span></div>
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-Static Variables are fast. They can be addressed directly unlike other variables that require indirect addressing which is usually slower.</div>
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-Static Variables are history sensitive. They always remember.</div>
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<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Weaknesses</span></div>
<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--p" id="5854" name="5854" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
Static variables reduce programming flexibility. They do not support recursion.</div>
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<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Example of a Static Variable In Java</span></div>
<pre class="graf graf--pre graf-after--p" id="0ff4" name="0ff4" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: menlo, monaco, "courier new", courier, monospace; margin-top: 43px; overflow: auto; padding: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">class StaticVariableEg
{
<span class="markup--strong markup--pre-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">static</span> int count=0; //<span class="markup--strong markup--pre-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">count is a static variable </span>
public void increment()
{
count++;
}
public static void main(String args[])
{
StaticVariableEg obj=new StaticVariableEg();
obj.increment();
System.out.println(obj.count);
}
}</pre>
<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--pre" id="e44e" name="e44e" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 38px;">
The Implementation of static class variables in Java is similar to that of <span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">C# and C++</span>.</div>
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<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">C and C++</span> have a <span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">static</span> specifier that can be used in variable definitions in a function to make the variable static.</div>
<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--p" id="6050" name="6050" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Stack Dynamic Variables</span></div>
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In stack dynamic variables, storage bindings are created during the “elaboration” of a variable, Not when execution starts but when execution gets to the variable(elaboration). Stack Dynamic variables are created at run time when execution has begun. Like static variables, deallocation cannot be done until execution is complete. In stack dynamic variables both allocation and deallocation is done from the run time stack</div>
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<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Strengths</span></div>
<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--p" id="871c" name="871c" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
Stack Dynamic variables are more flexible than static variables. They can be used in recursive subprograms.</div>
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<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Weaknesses</span></div>
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Stack Dynamic variables are not history sensitive. Their values can permanently change during execution.</div>
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Stack Dynamic variables are slower than static variables because of the incurred overhead in allocation and deallocation of variables and also it requires indirect addressing.</div>
<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--p" id="2d79" name="2d79" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
In Java, C++, and C#, variables defined in methods are by default Stack dynamic</div>
<pre class="graf graf--pre graf-after--p" id="0c17" name="0c17" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: menlo, monaco, "courier new", courier, monospace; margin-top: 43px; overflow: auto; padding: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">class StackDynamicEg
{
void counter()
{ <span class="markup--strong markup--pre-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">int count = 0; //Stack Dynamic variable</span>
}
}</pre>
<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--pre" id="afca" name="afca" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 38px;">
<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Explicit Heap Dynamic Variables</span></div>
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In Explicit Heap Dynamic variables allocation and deallocation are done at run time by <span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">explicit</span> instructions written by the programmer. Allocation and Deallocation of explicit Heap Dynamic variables is done from the heap. They are created with Pointers and Reference variables.</div>
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<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Strengths</span></div>
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They are very memory prudent.</div>
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They can be used to create dynamic data structures like Linked Lists and Trees that can grow and shrink during execution</div>
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<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Weaknesses</span></div>
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They require pointers which are relatively more complex to implement</div>
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They are slower than static variables because of the incurred overhead in allocation and deallocation of variables</div>
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<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">In C++</span></div>
<pre class="graf graf--pre graf-after--p" id="7100" name="7100" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: menlo, monaco, "courier new", courier, monospace; margin-top: 43px; overflow: auto; padding: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">int *intnode; // Create a pointer
intnode = new int; //<span class="markup--strong markup--pre-strong" style="font-weight: 700;"> Create the explicit heap-dynamic variable</span>
delete intnode; //<span class="markup--strong markup--pre-strong" style="font-weight: 700;"> Deallocate the heap-dynamic variable</span></pre>
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In <span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Java all objects are explicit heap dynamic variables</span> and are accessed through reference variables. In contrast to C++, <span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Java does not allow explicit deallocation of variables, deallocation is done implicitly by the garbage collector.</span></div>
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<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Implicit Heap Dynamic Variables</span></div>
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In Implicit Heap Dynamic Variables, allocation and deallocation are done only when the variable is assigned a value at runtime. Allocation and deallocation are done at runtime from the Heap.</div>
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<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Strengths</span></div>
<ul class="postList" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); list-style: none none; margin: 29px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="graf graf--li graf-after--p" id="3046" name="3046" style="letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 30px;">They are very flexible</li>
<li class="graf graf--li graf-after--li" id="560f" name="560f" style="letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px;">They make optimum use of memory</li>
</ul>
<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--li" id="464c" name="464c" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">Weaknesses</span></div>
<ul class="postList" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); list-style: none none; margin: 29px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="graf graf--li graf-after--p" id="702e" name="702e" style="letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 30px;">They are very slow</li>
<li class="graf graf--li graf-after--li" id="0588" name="0588" style="letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 30px;">They are not history sensitive</li>
</ul>
<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--li" id="c482" name="c482" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 29px;">
<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">In Python</span></div>
<pre class="graf graf--pre graf-after--p" id="1e9e" name="1e9e" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: menlo, monaco, "courier new", courier, monospace; margin-top: 43px; overflow: auto; padding: 20px; white-space: pre-wrap;">#!/usr/bin/python
str = ["Java", "Python", "C++", "Delphi", "Fortran"] <span class="markup--strong markup--pre-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">#implicit heap dynamic variable 'str' is created at runtime</span>
print str
str = 5 <span class="markup--strong markup--pre-strong" style="font-weight: 700;">#implicit heap dynamic variable which was previously a list of length 5 is now an integer</span>
print str</pre>
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<figure class="graf graf--figure graf-after--pre" id="f270" name="f270" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); margin: 52px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; position: relative; z-index: 100;"><div class="aspectRatioPlaceholder is-locked" style="margin: 0px auto; max-height: 405px; max-width: 700px; position: relative; width: 700px;">
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<div class="progressiveMedia js-progressiveMedia graf-image is-canvasLoaded is-imageLoaded" data-action-value="1*RJsIQXIDVjgjU-xrOqUm0Q.png" data-action="zoom" data-height="419" data-image-id="1*RJsIQXIDVjgjU-xrOqUm0Q.png" data-scroll="native" data-width="724" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; cursor: zoom-in; height: 405px; left: 0px; margin: auto; max-width: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: background 0.2s ease 0s; width: 700px;">
<canvas class="progressiveMedia-canvas js-progressiveMedia-canvas" height="42" style="backface-visibility: hidden; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 405px; left: 0px; margin: auto; opacity: 0; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: visibility 0s linear 0.5s, opacity 0.1s ease 0.4s; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: hidden; width: 700px;" width="75"></canvas><img alt="Storage Bindings For Variables" class="progressiveMedia-image js-progressiveMedia-image" data-src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*RJsIQXIDVjgjU-xrOqUm0Q.png" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/800/1*RJsIQXIDVjgjU-xrOqUm0Q.png" style="backface-visibility: hidden; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 405px; left: 0px; margin: auto; opacity: 1; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition: all 0s linear 0s, all 0.4s ease 0s; visibility: visible; width: 700px; z-index: 100;" title="Storage Bindings For Variables" /></div>
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<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--figure" id="56bd" name="56bd" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 38px;">
Please, this topic is open for discussion. Let us talk more on implementation in other languages I didn't mention or challenges encountered in implementation. I recommend <a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" data-href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/013394302X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=013394302X&linkCode=as2&tag=javanian02-20&linkId=5d02e23a2e06c96927de243f4bfaad19" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/013394302X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=013394302X&linkCode=as2&tag=javanian02-20&linkId=5d02e23a2e06c96927de243f4bfaad19" rel="nofollow noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.54); background-color: transparent; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 0px calc(1em + 1px); background-repeat: repeat-x; background-size: 1px 1px; http: //www.w3.org/2000/svg\"><line x1=\"0\" y1=\"0\" x2=\"1\" y2=\"1\" stroke=\"currentColor\" /></svg>"); text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Concepts of Programming Languages (11th Edition) 11th Edition by Robert W. Sebesta</a> to anyone who wants an elaborate explanation of the topic. It is a really great book.<br />
<b style="letter-spacing: -0.063px;"><br /></b> <b style="letter-spacing: -0.063px;">Related Posts</b><br />
<b style="letter-spacing: -0.063px;"><br /></b> <b style="letter-spacing: -0.063px;"><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2014/09/favorite-languages-for-numerical.html" target="">Favorite Languages For Numerical Analysis & Scientific Computation</a></b></div>
<div class="graf graf--p graf-after--figure" id="56bd" name="56bd" style="--baseline-multiplier: 0.17; --x-height-multiplier: 0.375; background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.84); font-family: medium-content-serif-font, Georgia, Cambria, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: -0.003em; line-height: 1.58; margin-top: 38px;">
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</div>
Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-82641283765818774882014-09-25T20:34:00.001-07:002019-03-30T05:02:16.301-07:00Online Resources for a Computer Science Undergraduate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Computer science being the ever dynamic field it is comes with the quite herculean task of having to keep yourself apprised with the latest in the field. If you are an undergraduate in the University studying Computer science and you feel what you get in your lecture halls in school is not just enough, then this article is for you. It contains a list of websites that contain enough information to keep you up to speed in the field and also aid you as you walk through your school curriculum.</div>
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<li><b> </b><a href="https://www.coursera.org/"><b>Coursera:</b></a> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Coursera is an education platform that partners with top universities and organizations worldwide, to offer courses online for anyone to take, for free. </span></li>
<li><b> <a href="http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm">MIT OpenCourseWare:</a></b> MIT OpenCourseWare is a web-based publication of virtually all MIT course content. OCW is open and available to the world and is a permanent MIT activity.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://webcast.berkeley.edu/">Webcast.berkeley</a>:</b> Webcast.berkeley is the campus program for recording and publishing course and campus events for students and learners around the globe. Audio and video recordings of class lectures and special events are processed and made available to viewers, typically through UC Berkeley's YouTube and iTunes U distribution channels.</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.udacity.com/courses#!/all">Udacity</a>:</b> Focuses more on vocational courses for professionals. Has courses on JavaScript Basics, Programming Foundations with Python, Intro to Data Science, Intro to Artificial Intelligence, Intro to Inferential Statistics, Machine Learning, Computer Networking, Applied Cryptography, and so many others</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Related Posts</b></div>
<div>
<b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2014/08/admission-requirements-into-computer.html">Admission Requirements Into Computer Science Department In A Nigerian University</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2014/09/favorite-languages-for-numerical.html">Favorite Languages For Numerical Analysis & Scientific Computation</a></b></div>
</div>
Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-30979926928655340542014-09-25T20:20:00.001-07:002019-03-30T05:02:42.900-07:00Favorite Languages For Numerical Analysis & Scientific Computation <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Fortran:</b> Anyone who thinks FORTRAN is some ancient archaic language is speaking out of nothing but sheer ignorance. Lauded by many as the numero uno of Programming Languages in Scientific Computation combined with its amazing speed (the fastest high-level language), It seats on my number one spot in computational science. It's easy to learn, use and its imperative structure and enables fast prototyping coupled with support for arrays, modular programming and generic programming, object-oriented programming, and concurrent programming.<br />
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It is used in computationally intensive areas such as numerical weather prediction, finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, computational physics, and computational chemistry. (Wikipedia)<br />
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Cons: Poor File I/O support.<br />
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<b>Python:</b> With the numpy library, ipython interactive shell, and SciPy Library, Python is preferred by many in areas of scientific computation. Its rise in fame over the past decade coupled with its legacy to put code readability over every other thing, it has been tipped by many to lead the trail in scientific computation in a decade from now.<br />
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Cons: Slow for time-critical tasks, Most people use it for prototyping and implement code in Fortran or C.<br />
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<b>C:</b> Has numerous libraries for Scientific Computation. Its speed and power have made it the preferred choice in actual code implementation.<br />
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Cons: It's a low level language, makes fast prototyping difficult.<br />
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<b>MATLAB:</b> Preferred by scientist who don't have a solid programming background because of its interactive environment and visualization and easy to learn nature. Developed by a Numerical analyst and its fame in academia makes it a much-preferred choice to use.<br />
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Cons: Slow, most of the critical parts are eventually written partly or entirely in C and Fortran.<br />
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The order is totally my opinion, feel free to disagree or/and add yours.<br />
<br />
<b>Related Posts</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2016/09/storage-bindings-for-variables.html">Storage Bindings For Variables</a></b></div>
Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4559208011128889198.post-68938588993928778352014-08-15T13:23:00.002-07:002019-03-30T05:03:58.706-07:00Admission Requirements Into Computer Science Department In A Nigerian University<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.168182!/image/head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Admission Requirements for Computer Science" border="0" height="228" src="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.168182!/image/head.jpg" title="Admission Requirements for Computer Science" width="320" /></a></div>
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Due to the pandemonium Computer Science aspirants face as a result of lack of correct subject combination in a bid to get admitted into the university, This post is detailed to keep them apprised on the requirements and any shortcomings they might have to avoid making very avoidable and catastrophic mistakes that a lot of aspirants make.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />O-Level (Waec, GCE, Neco) Subject Combination For Computer Science Aspirants</b></span><br />
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Candidates seeking admission into the Computer Science Department should have at least five (5) credits in not more than two sittings (some Universities don't accept more than one) in the following three subjects<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>- Mathematics</li>
<li>- English Language</li>
<li>- Physics</li>
</ul>
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And any other two science subjects from</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>- Economics</li>
<li>- Geography</li>
<li>- Chemistry</li>
<li>- Biology</li>
<li>- Agricultural Science</li>
<li>- Further Mathematics</li>
<li>- Health Science</li>
<li>- Food and Nutrition</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jamb (UTME) Subject Combination For Computer Science Aspirants.</b></span></div>
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Candidates Seeking admission into Computer Science department must have the following subjects as part of her subject combination</div>
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<a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2019/01/ptdf-scholarship-interview.html">Tips on How To Ace The PTDF Scholarship Interview</a><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>- Use of English</li>
<li>- Mathematics</li>
<li>- Physics</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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And any other one from</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>- Chemistry</li>
<li>- Biology</li>
<li>- Agricultural Science</li>
<li>- Economics</li>
<li>- Food/Nutrition</li>
</ul>
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<b>Related Posts</b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.solomonubani.com/2014/09/online-resources-for-computer-science.html">Online Resources for a Computer Science Undergraduate</a></b></div>
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Solomon Ubanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12621987873859914497noreply@blogger.com0