How I got a Fully Funded Scholarship for my MSc In US🇺🇸With Second Class Lower|NO GRE,TOEFL,IELTS|

Summary

In this episode, the host interviews a master's student in computer science who secured a fully funded scholarship despite having a lower GPA and no GRE/GMAT. The student shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of early school selection, understanding requirements, and the strategy shift to contacting professors for potential research assistantships. He highlights the significance of a well-crafted email with a specific subject line, persistence, and genuine interest in the professor's research to stand out among applicants.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The guest began the process of applying for a master's program in 2018 during his third year of undergraduate studies, focusing on school selection and understanding requirements.
• 🔍 He emphasized the importance of researching schools and their specific requirements early to prepare for the application process post-graduation.
• 📚 The guest had a lower GPA and did not take the GRE or GMAT, yet still aimed for a fully funded scholarship, showing that these are not the only determining factors for success.
• 🇺🇸 The process involved targeting schools in the U.S. and considering the cost of attendance, highlighting the financial aspect of studying abroad.
• ✉️ After facing six rejections, the guest changed his strategy by reaching out to professors directly who were looking for students to work with, which can lead to funding opportunities.
• 🤝 The approach of contacting professors involves showing genuine interest in their research and demonstrating a willingness to contribute to their work.
• 📝 Crafting an effective email to professors is crucial, with a focus on a clear and specific subject line, proper salutation, and concise content that showcases the applicant's interest and qualifications.
• 🕒 Timing is essential when sending emails to professors, suggesting early morning sends to increase the chances of the email being noticed and read.
• 🔑 Persistence is key in following up with professors, with a reminder email sent after a reasonable interval if there is no response.
• 🌐 The guest's success story demonstrates that a lower GPA and lack of standardized test scores do not preclude one from securing a fully funded scholarship with the right approach and determination.
• 📈 The importance of tailoring the application strategy based on individual circumstances and being open to alternative paths, such as direct professor contact, is highlighted.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of the video session?

The main purpose of the video session was to interview an individual who secured a fully funded scholarship for his master's degree in computer science, despite having a lower GPA and not taking the GRE or GMAT, to share his journey and strategies with the audience.

What did the individual start preparing for his master's application in 2018?

In 2018, the individual began the process of school selection for his master's application, aiming to understand the requirements and application fees of various schools before his graduation.

Why was it important for the individual to start the application process before graduation?

It was important because after graduation, it becomes more difficult to obtain references and transcripts, which are crucial for the application process.

What was the individual's strategy for selecting schools for his application?

The individual's strategy involved researching schools based on shared requirements and then narrowing down his search using specific criteria such as English proficiency requirements and the acceptance of his transcript.

How did the individual handle the initial rejections he received?

After receiving six rejections, the individual analyzed his approach and decided to search for professors who were looking for students to work with, as these professors often have research grants that provide full funding.

What was the individual's approach to contacting professors for potential research opportunities?

The individual researched professors' profiles, their research areas, and personal websites to find those looking for students. He then reached out to them with a well-crafted email expressing his interest in their research.

Why is the subject line of the email important when contacting professors?

The subject line is important because it gives a clear indication of the purpose of the email and can determine whether the professor opens and reads the email, especially if they receive many emails daily.

What advice does the individual give for writing the first email to a professor?

The individual advises to keep the email concise, address the professor appropriately, introduce oneself, express genuine interest in the professor's research, and demonstrate determination to join the research group.

What is the significance of timing when sending emails to professors?

The timing is significant because sending the email early in the morning, considering the time zone differences, increases the chances of it being seen and read by the professor before their inbox gets flooded with other emails.

How did the individual ensure his emails stood out among others sent to the same professors?

The individual ensured his emails stood out by being specific, avoiding generic content, and showing a deep understanding of the professor's research area, which demonstrated his genuine interest and determination.

What was the individual's final outcome after changing his strategy and contacting professors?

After changing his strategy and contacting professors, the individual was able to secure a fully funded scholarship and admission to his desired program.