OVERVIEW ON THE TIPS FOR USA/EU SCHOLARSHIPS
The country with enormous amount of funding for international students is the UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA. The entry process is super rigorous, cost ineffective and demanding,
but trust me, it's worth every penny. Although, the need to write a GRE, is what makes USA
application more demanding.
Next to USA is Canada (An amazing country, and with great love for immigrants). But in
Canada, they value high achieving candidates, high achieving in the sense that you have to have
a profile that is competitive enough. Since GRE isn’t required here, other metrics such as
research experience, teaching experience, leadership/volunteering roles and lastly, an approval
from a professor. I prefer you mail professors in this case. I mailed about 100 professors before I
could get a positive reply, which later didn't turn out well. Hehe. Once you are lucky to get a
professor to accept you into his lab, because of your research ties and experience with him, you
will be sure to get admitted. Another way to easily get Canada is, if you are a high Achieving
Student. Canadian schools love high achievers really well, because most Indians and Chinese
with superb profile also apply.
For Europe, Hmmmmm! They barely make enough opportunity for fully funded scholarship to
the International students. Most times, you will easily get in, when you are either self funded or
you have an external Scholarship like Erasmus, PTDF, TETFUND, Commonwealth and
Commonwealth shared Scholarships. When an external body is funding you, you will most likely
get into UK schools with ease.
Here are indexes to consider when selecting a school for Graduate studies?
1. A professor willing to bring you into his lab/ready to fund you.
2. A school with amazing full funding records, and not the one with deficits
3. Be aware that all those schools with free application waivers are usually competitive. So
spread your tentacles.
4. Your standardize test scores (GRE, IELTS, TOEFL) score
5. A school with good African (Nigerians) community/network. For assistance as regards
accommodations, school guidance and Inquiries etc.
6. History of Admission pool.
7. History of financial aid record, and supports for admitted students with deficits.
8. Research area that aligns with your interest.
9. Positive response from both professors and department Graduate coordinators from mail reply.
10. School/course ranking.
My Opinion: If you noticed, the school or course ranking is the least important here. This is
what most enthusiastic applicants always consider first, and they end up spending so much
money on Ivy League schools and face tough competitions. Almost all schools abroad (USA,
CANADA, UK, Netherlands, etc) are worth going into, as some rank better than our local
universities. But if you are really into school ranking/classifications, this is a better approach to
it.
In the USA, there are R1, R2 and R3 schools (Carnegie classifications for research schools).
These are ways to classify universities into Very High research (R1), High research (R2) and
Research (R3) schools. A school ranked 200 may become an R1, while a school ranked 100 may
be an R2. So, what is all the classification about?
Another striking point to consider in your application is FLAGSHIP schools. A flagship is the
top school in a state. For example, University of Kentucky Lexington is a flagship in Kentucky,
while University of Tennessee Knoxville is the flagship at Tennessee. Most public schools are
flagship, and note that a highly ranked school (or even IVY league) in a state, may not be the
flagship of the state.
Therefore, it is wise never to discredit any school anywhere, no matter its ranking.
In the USA for example, there are top tiers, middle tiers and Lower tiers Or simply say
Ambitious Schools, intermediate and then safe schools. The IVY league schools are a whole
class on their own. You need some good amount of courage or balls to drop applications into
them. Mind you, prospective applicants do apply and make it into IVY Leagues, so it is not
IMPOSSIBLE. Therefore, when applying to schools, give 10% to IVY Leagues, 20% to
Ambitious schools, 50% to intermediates and then 20% to safe schools. This is a smart way of
applying.
Here is an example of schools and suggested application percentage for prospective candidates.
10% IVY leagues
STANFORD
HARVARD
MIT
20% Top
University of California Barkeley
University of Daleware
University of Pennsylvania
Cornell University
University of Michigan
University of Massachusetts, Armhest
50% Intermediate
University of Tennessee
University of Cincinnati
Drexel University
Michigan State University
University of Oklahoma
North Dakota state Uni
South Dakota State University
University of Kentucky
Baylor University
20% Safe
University of Toledo
University of Mississippi
Bowling Green State University
University of Missouri St Louis
I'd say start reaching out to them profs even as you prep for GRE. Some of them are happy to
know you're even prepping. That's how you get to build a strong contact with professors. Aim at
mailing like 5-10 different professors a day. If you don't apply smartly, you may be unlucky,
despite your good scores and profile. Note that before you mail a professor, it is wise to have a
good or little knowledge of what the professor is into, you may also have to read one or two of
his recent papers (if need be), because some professors are quite thorough and may even suggest
a zoom meeting to know more about you. Attach to the email, any document that would present
you as a worthy candidate. These documents could be Publications, resume, awards,
recommendation letters, transcripts and degree certificates etc. Be very concise and present your
interests precisely.
Here is a template to mail professors:
Dear Prof. (Sur Name)
My name is (add name). A graduate of Chemical Engineering with GPA of *** of a 5.00 scale and has
worked as a research intern at Federal Institute of Industrial research, Oshodi Lagos (FIIRO) in the
Chemical, Fibre and Environmental (CFET) division. I am an incoming post graduate (MA.Sc) student to
‘University name’ and i intend to apply for fall 2019.
My primary research interest is in the area of Biomass conversion and Biofuels. I have two published
research papers on Name of papers' and Name of paper', which were both published by ‘Name of
journal’ in 2018. I have read some of your articles related to these topics. I really enjoyed it and it gave
me many insights for my future research.
I have also explored your Google Scholar profile in detail; your research area in ‘Renewable Energy’
seems like an excellent fit for me. I also read your recent paper on “name the paper and talk about your
concerns”. I intend to work with you if given opportunity.
I humbly wish to inquire whether you are currently accepting graduate students (For Graduate Research
Assistant) and if you will be willing to accept me, as it would be an edge and aid for my admission into
“name of University”. Also I have some question I’d like to talk to ask you about as regards the new
aspect of sustainable energy you are currently working on.
I know you are very busy; however, I would sincerely appreciate any time you give me. Also, kindly find
attached, my academic resume, transcripts and research publications (as well as any other document
that would give you an edge) for your perusal.
Thank in anticipation.
Sincerely,
Your name
Worried about low GPA? Check this out.
How I got 4 Ph.D. offers in the US with a CGPA 2.79 — and what you can learn from it.
https://medium.com/@youngladesh/how-i-got-4-ph-d-offers-in-the-us-with-a-cgpa-2-79-and-
what-can-you-learn-from-it-5f460e6bfbb1
There is what they call WES GP conversion. In USA/CANADA, They use 4.0 scale. You can
convert your GPA from a 5.00 scale to a 4.00 scale. Use, www.wes.org.
Take for example, an applicant going for Petroleum research related course. In places like
Alaska, Oklahoma, Carolina and North Dakota, are oil rich locations in the USA... Academics
there are more into Petroleum Engineering, Geology and Geosciences. That's where the oil
industry boom in the USA.
Many Petroleum Engineers from Nigeria going for Graduate degrees go mostly to these schools.
When you are attached to a Prof for 2-5 years, your research is not always lab. Most times Oil
industries like TOTAL, shell, Chevron and Mobil etc fund most of these Researches. And you as
a Graduate student, when you work for them, there is a very high tendency you work with them.
Opportunities like this are very rare. And even if eventually you don't work with them, the
degree and top notch experience in your field, gives you an edge over other Graduates.
General Overview, it's good to start with *Princeton Cracking The GRE*....
Then move to magoosh videos for both AWA, VERBAL and QUANTITATIVE. For Verbal:
ETS official guide would help. For Quantitative: Manhattan is good.
Verbal
Ets official guide
Ets verbal workbook
Ets gre bigbook RC, TC and Short argument
Manhattan 2 books on verbal
Manhattan 5lb
Vocabulary.com to know words
Word power made easy for words
Aldaily.com for article reading
Magoosh online
All scholarly or graduate level article, Ets verbal test your innate ability not what you quickly
cram for exam, so make reading a hobby.
RC 99 good for RC
Barron book and 6 test questions
Majortests.com
Gre prep club.com
You can repeat materials for verbal, understanding is key
Quant
Ets official guide
Ets quant workbook
Nova gre maths bible
Magoosh quant
Manhattan 5lb
Manhattan 6 books
Princeton 1014
Ets Bigbook for data interpretation
Gruber
Kaplan online question bank
Gmat official guide
Majortests.com
Gre.kmf.com
320 gre maths question
Gre prep club.com (just search for hard questions)
Arun Sharma (when you decide to score 170 Q)
Here is a long list of GRE/TOEFL/IELTS study link:
GRE Study Materials
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1rjn3qCDudnaS1xmpQ49lEtOF8k9P-aRA
1. Magoosh Premium Videos
2. Magoosh Videos
3. Manhattan 8 Series, 5lb and Flash Cards
4. ETS powerprep II
5. The official TOEFL Guide
6. Word Power made easy Norman Lewis
7. Baron GRE simulator
8. The ETS official Guide
9. All materials DanjaNaija recommended initially.
10. Kaplan New GRE Premier
11. Baron's New GRE 19th edition
12. Cracking the GRE
13. GRE premier 2017 with 6 practice test
14. 1014 practice questions
15. Princeton Review - Word Smart etc...
GRE material:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B7nHCBWxDxOmVUMyNHIwcndRWUk?usp=sharing
TOEFL material:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B7nHCBWxDxOmVUkzcUtPbFllWjg?usp=sharing
Some material and Test Links:
https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/0BwL0u5z5gikqeVpycHhCb3NqT1E?usp=sharin
g
Princeton 1014: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7sWQEWGG8KVa2h2Z3I0OF9UZTA/view
RC 99: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzAGuwgxcqXBZy1yWWtKNjRtS0k/edit
Manhattan 1-8 Detailed Study :
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B7pHmA0_3jXRMzFxdVpock01RnM&usp=drive_we
b
Manhattan 5 lb book : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B01ryZg8Xk2TUllXdEFlS1dYa28/view
GRE Math NOVA:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7pHmA0_3jXRSmRWSE1VOVZDNFE/view
Barrons GRE : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9tUCVobKTHEd1Rvam5hVmh6ejA/view
Kaplan GRE : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B01ryZg8Xk2TRXBYbkxuZU16OHM/view
Random GRE Material and stuffs:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9tUCVobKTHEU0tlT2FwMm9yTzA
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7pHmA0_3jXRNE5kTVVxRmh3UW8
MAGOOSH ALL LINKS
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BzGaCExEzSbYZzBuQ2llRkltRlU?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BzGaCExEzSbYeGsyNlM5bmR2aWM?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BzGaCExEzSbYajNVdzFFYXYteTQ?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BzGaCExEzSbYak1JU2JpR0k1eG8?usp=sharing
For all TOEFL aspirants!
NOTEFULL 14 videos containing how to approach each and every question in all 4 sections
(MP4 files) -
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0jD1AGq9B3XZ1AteHA0SU45RGc?usp=sharing
Barron's TOEFL (7-tests) (iso file) -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0jD1AGq9B3XV2x1TU9mOWNUMms/view?usp=sharing
Cambridge Prep 4th edition (7-tests) (iso file) -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0jD1AGq9B3Xb2x2WmdSUDJWVWc/view?usp=sharing
TOEFL official guide 4th edition (PDF file) -
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0jD1AGq9B3XQ0FVbmtTaTZVNFk
TOEFL official guide 4th edition software (exe file) -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0jD1AGq9B3XaUlDNzhhNjhMclk/view?usp=sharing
TOEFL essay Q&A (PDF file) -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0jD1AGq9B3XSjU4NjkwdHNSeTQ/view?usp=sharing
Gre and SOP LOR Link Official Guide and Books and Practice Test Software
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7mWmZjqCvVNdUxFVFdLMWxZVVU
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4I2krQSCsvUbFZaR0k1a0UxeXM
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9tUCVobKTHEU0tlT2FwMm9yTzA
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxdSQRxHMVdDflJkdkViTnVhSmJaejFrd3dHWGR3THkz
LXMtRi1WVVVvLXZWWmdKMjJYczQ
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7sWQEWGG8KVcG9sWTdoeHBFTEk
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7mWmZjqCvVNRFhoWkxLc3lBUjg
Toefl Link Software for Practice Test and Offical Guide
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7mWmZjqCvVNSW5CdHBlYVRlZG8
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7mWmZjqCvVNWkFubVcyeEdSSjA
Use google chrome
Gre-visa
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8TEhTwuBgsjOGpXbFU5SHVGUTA
Gre A-z materials
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/0B4I2krQSCsvUbFZaR0k1a0UxeXM
Ielts materials
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B4jUITic1j4pWHBhZUxXclRGVWs
(all Materials)
https://drive.google.com/folder/d/0Bx3ATsTWBh6efmdZTEoxdC15RC1FbzYxcVlCTzRrZUYy
LVJna2FOc2VYcVE2ZnAwdWNGeU0/edit
Tests:
Learnwordlist.com
Freegretest.net
Number2.com
Www.greguide.com
Takenthegre.com
800score.com
Testden.com
GRE Practice Test Links:
1.http://www.manhattanprep.com/gre/practice-gre-test-full.cfm
2. https://www.manhattanprep.com/gre/resources/
It requires registering with the website first to access the test.
3.http://www.princetonreview.com/ChooseProducts.aspx?&testtype=TCA&producttype=FRE&
productdetail=OnlineFreePracticeTest
http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/free-gre-practice-test#!practice
Click on ENROL and then checkout. After registering with them the paper will be made
available.
4. http://www.kaptest.com/GRE/Explore-the-GRE/gre-practice-test.html
Register for self-proctored and instructor-proctored tests.
5. http://www.mygretutor.com/tests.aspx
Sign up and have access to free gre test.
6. http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/powerprep2/download
Download the software and give 2 full length practice tests.
7. https://www.4tests.com/gre#StartExam
Click on ‘Continue’ and Start your Test.
8.http://www.greguide.com/free-gre-full-length-tests/gre-full-test-1.html
9.http://www.greguide.com/gre-practice-tests.html Click on ‘Continue’ and Start your Test.
10.http://www.testden.com/challenge/free-gre.asp Register and have access to free tests.
11.http://www.mockgre.com/ Login and get a free mock test.
12.http://www.mhpracticeplus.com/gre.php MC Graw and Hill (click on begin Practice Test)
13. http://www.wiseswan.com/practice-tests/gre Register and get access to the test
14.14.https://gre.crunchprep.com/login/auth Login and get access to the tests
15.http://www.testpreppractice.net/GRE/Free-Online-GRE-Practice-Tests.aspx Click to
Continue
16. http://barronstestprep.com/gre/practice.php Register and get a free test
17.http://takemocktest.com/ Create and Account to get access
18.18.https://www.greedge.com/prepare-gre-mock-test-papers-online Register for a free mock
test.
19.http://www.examfocus.com/gre/ Click on Begin test to continue.
20.http://takemocktest.com/login/index.php
Create an account to get access.GRE Practice Test Links:
1. http://www.manhattanprep.com/gre/practice-gre-test-full.cfm
2. https://www.manhattanprep.com/gre/resources/ It requires registering with the website first to
access the test.
3.http://www.princetonreview.com/ChooseProducts.aspx?&testtype=TCA&producttype=FRE&
productdetail=Online
FreePracticeTest
http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/free-gre-practice-test#!practice
Click on ENROL and then checkout. After registering with them the paper will be made
available.
4. http://www.kaptest.com/GRE/Explore-the-GRE/gre-practice-test.html Register for self-
proctored and instructor-
proctored tests.
5. http://www.mygretutor.com/tests.aspx Sign up and have access to free gre test.
6. http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/powerprep2/download Download the software
and give 2 full
length practice tests.
7. https://www.4tests.com/gre#StartExam Click on ‘Continue’ and Start your Test.
8.http://www.greguide.com/free-gre-full-length-tests/gre-full-test-1.html
9.http://www.greguide.com/gre-practice-tests.html Click on ‘Continue’ and Start your Test.
10.http://www.testden.com/challenge/free-gre.asp Register and have access to free tests.
11.http://www.mockgre.com/ Login and get a free mock test.
12.http://www.mhpracticeplus.com/gre.php MC Graw and Hill (click on begin Practice Test)
13. http://www.wiseswan.com/practice-tests/gre Register and get access to the test
14.14.https://gre.crunchprep.com/login/auth Login and get access to the tests
15.http://www.testpreppractice.net/GRE/Free-Online-GRE-Practice-Tests.aspx Click to
Continue
16. http://barronstestprep.com/gre/practice.php Register and get a free test
17.http://takemocktest.com/ Create and Account to get access
18.18.https://www.greedge.com/prepare-gre-mock-test-papers-online Register for a free mock
test.
19.http://www.examfocus.com/gre/ Click on Begin test to continue.
20.http://takemocktest.co
IELTS MATERIAL
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B4jUITic1j4pWHBhZUxXclRGVWsSaw this on
another group.
GRE material:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B7nHCBWxDxOmVUMyNHIwcndRWUk?usp=sharing
TOEFL material:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B7nHCBWxDxOmVUkzcUtPbFllWjg?usp=sharing
Some material and Test Links:
https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/0BwL0u5z5gikqeVpycHhCb3NqT1E?usp=sharin
g
Princeton 1014: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7sWQEWGG8KVa2h2Z3I0OF9UZTA/view
RC 99: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzAGuwgxcqXBZy1yWWtKNjRtS0k/edit
Manhattan 1-8 Detailed Study :
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B7pHmA0_3jXRMzFxdVpock01RnM&usp=drive_we
b
Manhattan 5 lb book : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B01ryZg8Xk2TUllXdEFlS1dYa28/view
GRE Math NOVA:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7pHmA0_3jXRSmRWSE1VOVZDNFE/view
Barrons GRE : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9tUCVobKTHEd1Rvam5hVmh6ejA/view
Kaplan GRE : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B01ryZg8Xk2TRXBYbkxuZU16OHM/view
Random GRE Material and stuffs:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9tUCVobKTHEU0tlT2FwMm9yTzA
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7pHmA0_3jXRNE5kTVVxRmh3UW8
MAGOOSH ALL LINKS
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BzGaCExEzSbYZzBuQ2llRkltRlU?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BzGaCExEzSbYeGsyNlM5bmR2aWM?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BzGaCExEzSbYajNVdzFFYXYteTQ?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BzGaCExEzSbYak1JU2JpR0k1eG8?usp=sharing
For all TOEFL aspirants!
NOTEFULL 14 videos containing how to approach each and every question in all 4 sections
(MP4 files) -
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0jD1AGq9B3XZ1AteHA0SU45RGc?usp=sharing
Barron's TOEFL (7-tests) (iso file) -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0jD1AGq9B3XV2x1TU9mOWNUMms/view?usp=sharing
Cambridge Prep 4th edition (7-tests) (iso file) -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0jD1AGq9B3Xb2x2WmdSUDJWVWc/view?usp=sharing
TOEFL official guide 4th edition (PDF file) -
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0jD1AGq9B3XQ0FVbmtTaTZVNFk
TOEFL official guide 4th edition software (exe file) -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0jD1AGq9B3XaUlDNzhhNjhMclk/view?usp=sharing
TOEFL essay Q&A (PDF file) -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0jD1AGq9B3XSjU4NjkwdHNSeTQ/view?usp=sharing
Gre and SOP LOR Link Official Guide and Books and Practice Test Software
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7mWmZjqCvVNdUxFVFdLMWxZVVU
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4I2krQSCsvUbFZaR0k1a0UxeXM
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9tUCVobKTHEU0tlT2FwMm9yTzA
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxdSQRxHMVdDflJkdkViTnVhSmJaejFrd3dHWGR3THkz
LXMtRi1WVVVvLXZWWmdKMjJYczQ
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7sWQEWGG8KVcG9sWTdoeHBFTEk
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7mWmZjqCvVNRFhoWkxLc3lBUjg
Toefl Link Software for Practice Test and Offical Guide
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7mWmZjqCvVNSW5CdHBlYVRlZG8
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7mWmZjqCvVNWkFubVcyeEdSSjA
Use google chrome
Gre-visa
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8TEhTwuBgsjOGpXbFU5SHVGUTA
Gre A-z materials
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/0B4I2krQSCsvUbFZaR0k1a0UxeXM
Ielts materials
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B4jUITic1j4pWHBhZUxXclRGVWs
