A Delhi-based student’s F-1 visa denial is stirring discussion online, not for a missing document or red flag in finances — but for the way he answered one of the most routine questions at the US Embassy interview: “Why this university?”

The student, who had secured admission to the Master’s in Finance programme at CUNY Baruch College in New York, had the basics covered — an I-20 form, financial backing through a $58,500 loan and matching savings, and a strong academic profile. Still, none of that was enough to save his application.

Sharing his experience on Reddit, the applicant described how the interview took an unexpected turn. When asked about his choice of university, his response was simple: “I found Baruch while searching for colleges which accept 3-year undergraduate degrees in US” and “read a lot of good things about this college on platforms like LinkedIn.”

That was the end of the conversation — and his US dream, at least for now.

Seeking clarity, the student asked the Reddit community, “Can someone please help me know why my visa got rejected? I will be grateful if anyone can provide any insights. And is there any point in reapplying?”

The post quickly drew dozens of reactions, many of them critical of how unconvincing his university justification sounded.

“Your answer doesn't show commitment. It feels as if you searched up the universities you were accepted into in 10 minutes and decided your future career,” one Redditor wrote bluntly.

Another user echoed the sentiment: “Never given an interview (upcoming) so don't know but, your why university answer was not it. It felt as if you first decided to go to the US and then started looking for universities. It should be the other way around.”

But it wasn’t just the university explanation that raised eyebrows. Some felt his answer about financial planning may have made things worse.

“I thought the reason for his rejection was coz how he answered his finance question,” one user noted.

Others pointed out what the applicant should have done differently — especially when discussing money.

“The question about finances - always start with your parent(s), savings and then loan. They know you have plans to work in the US to pay off the loans,” one Redditor advised.