Let me tell you a story about my close friend, John Adewale, a regular guy who managed to achieve something extraordinary. John didn’t come from a wealthy background or have access to fancy test prep classes. He didn’t pay for agents to help with his applications or worry about standardized tests like the GRE or IELTS. Yet, he successfully landed not one but five fully funded scholarships to study in the United States!
When John first told me about his plans, I thought, “This is going to be tough.” But John had a secret weapon: relentless determination and a knack for finding hidden opportunities. Today, I want to share his story with you to inspire and show you that it’s absolutely possible to achieve your study-abroad dreams, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Here is how he did it!
John’s journey began with a simple yet powerful belief: “There has to be a way.” He was determined to find opportunities that wouldn’t require standardized tests like GRE or IELTS. Growing up in a small town, John didn’t have much exposure to international education systems, but he made up for it with curiosity and countless hours of research.
The first thing he did was focus on universities that waived application fees for international students. He spent weeks combing through websites, forums, and scholarship databases, often staying up late into the night. “I wanted to apply to as many schools as possible without spending a fortune,” he told me.
John also discovered that many universities in the US offered fully funded scholarships specifically for international students. He took note of schools that allowed students from non-English-speaking countries to use a letter of proficiency from their previous institutions instead of an IELTS score. This was a game-changer for him because it eliminated the need for expensive tests.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. John faced rejections, long waiting periods, and moments of doubt. But instead of giving up, he treated each setback as a learning opportunity. “Every rejection taught me something new about the process,” he said.
The real breakthrough came when John stumbled upon a few universities with generous funding opportunities, such as research assistantships, fellowships, and full-tuition scholarships. He realized that by tailoring his application to highlight his academic achievements and extracurricular activities, he could stand out even without standardized test scores.
The Strategies
1. Research, Research, Research
John’s first step was to dig deep. He focused on universities with fully funded scholarships that didn’t require GRE or IELTS. He started with websites like 4icu.org/us for the list of all the universities in the USA, and it became his go-to resource. He also joined online communities, like study-abroad Facebook groups, Reddit threads, X (Formerly Twitter) where he found valuable tips from other students.
“I found schools that waived the application fee for international students,” John said. “It saved me so much money, and it encouraged me to apply to more places without worrying about costs.”
2. Crafting a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)
John poured his heart into his SOP. He wrote about his passion for his field of study, his accomplishments, and how he planned to contribute to his chosen universities. “I wanted to show them that I wasn’t just asking for a scholarship—I was offering value,” he explained.
He also sought feedback from friends and mentors. “I must have rewritten that SOP at least ten times,” he joked. But it paid off, as many schools commented on how compelling his application essays were.
3. Leveraging a Proficiency Letter
Instead of taking the IELTS, John requested a letter of proficiency from his undergraduate institution, which confirmed that his entire education was conducted in English. Most of the universities he applied to accepted this as a substitute for IELTS, saving him both time and money.
4. Highlighting His Strengths
John made sure to emphasize his academic performance and leadership skills. He included certificates from online courses he had taken, as well as details of volunteer projects he had worked on. “Even if it seems small, add it to your CV,” he advised. “You never know what might catch their attention.”
5. Applying for Assistantships
For some universities, John applied for research and teaching assistantships. He reached out to professors whose research aligned with his interests, introducing himself and expressing a desire to work on their projects. “It’s scary at first, but once you get a positive response, it’s all worth it,” he said.
6. Staying Organized
With multiple applications in progress, John kept an Excel sheet to track deadlines, requirements, and responses. “Organization is key,” he emphasized. “You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity because you forgot a deadline.”
7. Following Up
After submitting his applications, John didn’t just sit back and wait. He followed up with the admissions offices to confirm receipt of his documents and show his continued interest. “Sometimes, a polite follow-up email can make a difference,” he said.
The Results
John’s hard work and persistence paid off. Out of the ten schools he applied to, five offered him fully funded scholarships! These scholarships covered everything, including tuition, housing, and even living expenses.
“I couldn’t believe it,” John said, grinning as he recalled the moment he received his first acceptance letter. “It felt like all the sleepless nights and effort had finally been worth it.”
Today, John is pursuing a Doctoral degree at one of the top universities in the US. He’s thriving academically, building a network of global connections, and even mentoring other students who are looking to follow in his footsteps.
Here’s the breakdown of the universities John applied to, the ones he gained admission to, and the one he ultimately chose:
10 Universities He Applied To:
- University of New Mexico
- Oregon State University
- University of Kansas
- Southern Illinois University
- University of Alabama
- Texas Tech University
- Mississippi State University
- North Carolina State University
- University of South Dakota
- University of Maine
5 Universities That Offered Him Admission and Fully Funded Scholarships:
- Oregon State University – Offered a full-tuition scholarship and a research assistantship.
- University of Kansas – Provided a fellowship covering tuition and a monthly stipend.
- Southern Illinois University – Gave a full scholarship through a graduate assistantship.
- University of Alabama – Offered a teaching assistantship with full tuition coverage.
- Mississippi State University – Awarded a research assistantship, including housing and a stipend.
The University He Chose:
John ultimately chose Oregon State University, citing its world-class program in his field of study, supportive faculty, and excellent research opportunities.
Why John Chose Oregon State University
John had five amazing offers, but Oregon State University (OSU) stood out for several reasons:
- Strong Research Program
OSU is known for its cutting-edge research in his field of study. The university’s focus on innovation and providing resources for students to thrive academically made it the perfect place for John to pursue his master’s degree. - Research Assistantship Opportunity
The research assistantship OSU offered was tailored to his interests. It covered his tuition and also provided a generous monthly stipend. Moreover, the assistantship aligned with his long-term goals, giving him hands-on experience that would enhance his resume and career prospects. - Collaborative Faculty and Mentorship
During the application process, John reached out to a professor whose research aligned with his academic interests. The professor’s welcoming and supportive attitude convinced John that OSU was where he’d thrive academically and personally. - Diverse and Inclusive Environment
Oregon State University has a reputation for being inclusive and welcoming to international students. John valued the opportunity to study in a multicultural environment where he could connect with students and faculty from all over the world. - Cost of Living and Location
Corvallis, where OSU is located, offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other university towns in the US. This was an important factor for John as he wanted to minimize financial stress during his studies. - Career Opportunities
The university has strong connections with industry leaders, offering excellent internship and job placement opportunities for graduates. This was a big selling point for John, who wanted to ensure he’d have a solid path forward after completing his degree. - Campus Facilities and Resources
John was impressed by OSU’s state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped labs, libraries, and support services for graduate students.
Lessons from John’s Story
John’s journey teaches us some powerful lessons:
- Persistence Pays Off: Rejections and setbacks are part of the process. Don’t let them stop you.
- Be Resourceful: Opportunities are out there, but you have to look for them. Use every tool at your disposal, from online forums to university websites.
- Tell Your Story: A strong SOP and well-crafted application can make you stand out, even if you don’t meet every requirement.
- Think Smart: Save money by applying to schools with no application fees, waivers for IELTS/GRE, or assistantship opportunities.
- Ask for Help: Whether it’s feedback on your essays or advice from alumni, don’t hesitate to seek guidance.
If John could achieve this, so can you! His story is proof that determination and strategy can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
So, what’s stopping you? Start researching, start applying, and who knows—maybe one day, I’ll be writing about your story. 😊
What do you think of John’s journey? Let me know in the comments, or share your questions below!
