In this first edition of the #JourneyToScholarship series, Chioma Aloh, a Nigerian and first year PhD student, shares with us her journey to winning her 5-year fully funded scholarship at the Auburn University, Alabama, USA.
Tell us briefly about the scholarship you won?
The route to securing a fully funded position at Auburn University, Alabama was a tedious but promising one. I got a PhD position in the Chemistry department for at least 5 years.
What was the entire process like?
I started scouting for schools to apply to in September 2017 and I sent my first application in December of that same year, all these to portray that the search for schools is a very important part of the process. The overall process is overwhelming till you secure a spot, I learnt to multitask in the best way possible to meet up with deadlines as a priority applicant.
What were the hitches you encountered during the scholarship search and application process, and how did you get around them?
I had written the English proficiency (IELTS) months before I decided I was going to the US, unfortunately not many schools in the US accept the exam as opposed to TOEFL. This restricted the number of options I had to choose from. Also, due to monetary constraints I opted for schools that would accept my unofficial transcript given the option of sending the official copy on getting the admission. With all this in mind, I selected four schools, looked through their minimum requirements, made sure I met them and began preparations for GRE. Typically, most schools require a good GPA, adequate research experience, a few publications and specified percentile of GRE and IELTS/TOEFL score. In situations where I wasn’t sure of the information on the school’s page, I sent a mail to the graduate coordinator stating my complaints, I always got a reply.
I selected schools by looking at the rankings of my department of choice on US news and at their acceptance rate. This gave me a good idea of what I wanted, also I made sure to check if the department and research areas of the professors I would likely work with suited me or if it had any semblance to what I wanted.
Preparing for GRE and IELTS required time, dedication, discipline and the right materials. I joined some groups on WhatsApp and on Telegram of like-minded people pursuing the same goals, the general goal was simple: do everything in the right way possible to secure a position. I got materials, sample letters, apps and loads of encouragement from them.
What was your Unique Selling Point (What you think made you stand out from the competition and helped you to win the scholarship)?
I think I was selected for the position because my SOP (statement of purpose) was concise and my results (IELTS and GRE) were pretty good.
What word do you have for aspiring scholars seeking similar opportunities?
Securing a PhD spot requires tenacity and a few good people by your side. The process is different for everyone but usually the aim is the same and that’s what binds us together: secure a position doing all the right things possible and in time. Good things take time, be patient with yourself.
Meet the Scholar, Chioma Aloh
Chioma is a PhD student of Chemistry at Auburn University, Alabama. She received a 1st class bachelor’s degree in applied biochemistry at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She is an EducationUsa Alumni and currently received a scholarship from Auburn University, Alabama. To fulfill some of the scholarship’s requirement, she teaches general chemistry classes where she guides and prepares students for chemistry practical in the laboratory. Working alongside her Supervisor, Dr. Holly Ellis, she is currently looking into sulfate metabolism, specifically alkanesulfonate monooxygenase system. The study is to understand the novel mechanism of desulfonation by this system amongst other things. As an EducationUsa Alumni, she is dedicated and keen on working interested Masters/PhD candidates through the application process and offer advices on other areas pertinent to the process.
#JourneyToScholarship is a periodical featuring the success stories of students who won study scholarships in the hope that it inspires you to envision the possibilities of making it through the process. For any questions please leave a comment below or get in touch.
It takes resilience and dedication to achieve the unachievable. Her story is inspiring and I’m glad I read it. Thank you Scholarleen!