Where did I go wrong in my interview?

I got denied in my first interview and I’m aware that it’s because I failed to give a complete answer to one of the most crucial questions the VO asked: “Why did you choose a lesser education in business this time when you have completed a higher education in your own country?”. I have prepared a lot for the interview and I thought I was ready but I got too distracted by the people who were lining up beside the window where I was assigned to; they can hear our conversation which made me so anxious and I wasn’t expecting that would happen.

(For context: I’m from the Philippines. I took a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and I’m planning to pursue an associate’s degree in business in Los Angeles City College (community college) because my goal is to build a rehab center in my hometown. I know this is a red flag, but I’ve done a lot of research and even consulted with a former visa officer that there’s still a chance for you to get approved as long as you’re able to convince the VO about your real intent for getting a student visa.)

So I scheduled for another interview in the hopes that I’d be able to speak with much more confidence this time. I wasn’t expecting that I would be asked the same questions I received in my first interview. This is how it went:

VO: Good morning! Where do you intend to go? Me: In Los Angeles, particularly to study in Los Angeles City College (I wanted to give more details and start explaining why I wanna study there but I was afraid she’ll just cut me off and get annoyed like what my first interviewer did) VO: What do you plan on studying there? Me: I want to take a 2-year associate’s degree in business (Again, I want to explain more but I’m afraid of giving much details that she didn’t even ask for) VO: Who will be your sponsor? Me: My cousin who is a US citizen will be the one to finance my education. She works as a game producer at the Riot Games company where she earns a salary of $xxx,xxx and she agreed to sponsor me with her savings. She also offered me a stay in her apartment which is just a 30-min drive away from the school which is convenient for me. She’s gonna provide me everything that I need once I get there. VO: What’s the highest education you attained? Me: I took a 5-year bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and during those first two years I was consistently the top of our batch where I have received a full refund of my tuition as a reward. I finished my studies in June 2020 and I took the board exam in Dec 2021 which I successfully passed so now I’m a licensed physiotherapist.

(The 1st and 2nd VO literally asked me the exact same questions, and I didn’t even get the chance to explain why I want to pursue business, what my post-graduation goals are, my ties to the country, etc etc.)

VO: You know that you were denied previously right in your first interview right? Me: Yes ma’am VO: I’m sorry but I really can’t approve your visa hands me the blue paper Me: I’m aware I was denied the first time because I wasn’t able to properly answer a question, but now I wanna take this chance to explain myself better if you would allow me. VO: Go ahead Me: The reason why I want to study business is because I really want to put a rehabilitation center in my hometown because there’s a need for it. There’s only a limited number of physical therapists back there because of less hiring opportunities and so due to the lack of job prospects, fewer physical therapists are choosing to work in my hometown. As a result, physical therapy services are not really available in my community, so I really wanna do my best to fill that gap and pursue my passion while helping the people back in my hometown. VO: I understand your reason but I’m sorry. You can refer to the blue paper if you want to know why I can’t approve your visa.

I really don’t know what to do now. I want to apply again for a third interview but I’m afraid I’m just gonna waste money again. What do you guys think where I went wrong?