Today, the 8th of June 2011 marks a paradigm shift in my life…
Today I had my F1 Visa Interview scheduled at the American Consulate at Mumbai, India.
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Unnecessary Details:
1. Documents Carried:
a. Academic Transcripts
b. GRE Score Sheet
c. IELTS Score Card
d. Pass books submitted for the I-20
[No Property Documents, No Family Bank statements, No Fancy tomfoolery]
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2. Attire:
Complete Formals.
Navy Blue Suit, White Shirt.
[Yeah, you didnt need to know this, but there might be someone who does.. So read on!!]
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The Interview:
My Visa Interview was scheduled at the American Consulate in Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, India.. At 11 AM today, the 8th of June 2011. I was quite nervous due to my inadequate preparation.
At this juncture I must acknowledge the reassurance my dear friends Ms. SS, Ms. AS, and Mr. VN gave me… (Names withheld due to my personal whimsy. No requests made…)
Cell-phones etc aren’t really allowed. and theres no storage space.
But theres this shop near the consulate which lets you deposit your cell-phones for a small fee of Rupees 100/- :shocked:
The interview didnt begin until 12.00 PM. A lot of numbers were called out.
And no.. No particular order is followed… (If I can be whimsical, so can the consulate) :/
Cutting an extremely infuriating long story short..
Heres getting to the part your’e really interested in: :D
The dude before me was rejected, and given the dreaded Yellow Slip. :scared:
I got inside Booth 4.. My Visa Officer (VO) was a Caucasian Male in his Mid 30s.
VO: Good Morning!
AV: Good Afternoon :lookround:
VO: So, youre going to the United States to study??
AV: Yes Sir!
VO: Which University??
AV: HIBS
VO: Never heard of it.. Where’s it??
AV: San Francisco California :scared: :Shocked:
VO: Is it a stand-alone College or Affiliated to any University??
AV: Its a Private B-School accredited by the NEASC, BAC, and is also a member of the AMBA. Its Ranked 61 Worldwide by the Financial Times, and 27 Worldwide by Which MBA?
(Thanks Mr. VN and Ms. SS)
VO: How did you get to know about this School??
AV: I had attended a World Education Fair in Mumbai, where I got the privilege to be interviewed by the Director of Admissions of the college. She gave me a preliminary Go-ahead, and i was also granted a partial scholarship at a later stage. hence I decided to join this school.
VO: You got a Scholarship?? How much?? For then entire program or First year??
AV: $8,000. my program itself is a One-year masters.
VO: Is it an MBA or a Masters Degree??
AV: (Duh!!) Its a Masters in Digital marketing.
VO: What’s your Bachelors??
AV: Management Studies, Marketing Major.
VO: Did you give GRE??
AV: Yes Sir.. i scored 1460/ 1600.
VO: Great Job!! Math Score??
AV: 670 :embarrassed:
VO: And verbal??
AV: 790 :hopeful:
VO: Generally We see Indian students score higher in Math than Verbal. So, youre different??
AV: Maybe So, Sir!! :blush:
VO: Who is sponsoring your education??
AV: As I said I have a partial scholarship, I have my own savings, and my Father is sponsoring the rest.
VO: Your Visa is approved, you will receive your stamped passport by Courier.
AV: :stunned: :stammering: Thank you for your time.. you have a great day!!
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Observations:
1. No questions on why USA, why HIBS, etc.
2. No questions asking for my intent of returning to India.
3. No questions on my fathers Employment. or my Siblings.
4. No questions on my Program, and Why i chose it.
5. No questions about my family background.
I guess the GRE score did it. There is no set pattern.
I had no answers prepared, and as a result I just went with the flow… and wasn’t flabbergasted at my experience being different from that of my Friends’ last week.
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My 2 cents:
Dont be shy about wearing a suit.
Brave the heat, the sweat. A first impression is often lasting. (Thanks again Ms. SS)
A smile and a pleasant greeting helps. Build a rapport. Be likeable. ;)
Read up on your college, rankings, accreditations etc. You need to know where your money is going.
And lastly.. Be positive…
Have a bunch of awesome friends to boost your morale like I surely had…
Love you guys. :)
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