Since her stint in Mumbai, Ashima's had quite the journey, including a two-year fellowship where she taught 70 students from a low-income community and co-founding a non-profit to improve healthcare access for marginalised communities. More recently, while Ashima was working as an independent consultant, collaborating with government, non-profit, and private organisations to build climate resilience and adaptation strategies for these groups, she went on something of a spree and applied to 10 master’s programs that combined general policy insights with climate change and sustainable development.
But here’s the kicker: she got into ALL of them and bagged over USD 200,000 in
The impressive list of colleges and universities she got accepted into include Oxford, Columbia,
As Ashima prepares to leave for Oxford, where she will pursue Master of Public Policy, we got in touch with her to ask her how she managed to achieve this monumental feat. While she works towards her ever-evolving passion for public policy and sustainable development, other aspirants can probably take a page or two out of her book!
Ashima attributes her success in applying to international universities to the a few unique aspects. Here are five such major factors that helped her application stand out from the crowd in her own words:
Demonstrate the uniqueness of candidature through evidence
“I believe it is of utmost importance to be able to substantiate the claims that one makes in their applications with respect to their profile, work experiences, leadership qualities, and most importantly, the impact that one has created in the society. Since my college days, I have maintained a detailed record of all initiatives and opportunities I have engaged in, documenting my involvement thoroughly. For my master’s applications, I included such documentation through publications, data evidence, and other relevant sources. Additionally, I encouraged my recommenders to provide evidence supporting the qualities they intended to highlight in their letters. This approach fosters transparency and credibility in the application, avoiding the use of superlatives and ensuring grounded presentation of one’s profile.”
Showcase alignment with the specific program and the university
“It is essential to thoroughly research and understand the focus and advantages of the specific program before drafting application essays. This ensures that you can effectively align your profile and professional experiences with the program and the university. The application should clearly demonstrate how the program’s unique features will enhance your knowledge, skills, and career goals. In my view, the applications should be highly tailored to the specific program and university to which one is applying to.”
Be honest with one’s limitations and gaps in current knowledge and skill set
“In my view, there has to be a demonstrated need for upskilling and applying to the program. One should be able to discuss the obstacles and hindrances one has experienced in their current profile, and a genuine need to upskill to overcome such challenges. Additionally, the application should also discuss how the program/university will help the applicant in addressing such challenges, and in helping one grow in their professional journey.”
Connect with alumni and articulate well-considered future goals
“Applicants should clearly outline their professional goals, both short-term and long-term, within their applications. It is important to demonstrate that you have engaged with alumni to gain insights into the opportunities provided by the program and the university. Additionally, the application should detail how the program and the university will support you in achieving these advanced goals. This approach reflects thorough research and preparation, showcasing the uniqueness of the program and university as your commitment to leveraging these opportunities effectively.”
Discuss your contribution to the growth of the program/university
“Many applicants overlook this aspect in their applications. It is crucial to articulate how you will contribute to the program and university both as a current student and as an alumnus. This demonstrates a strong commitment to the institution. You should describe how you plan to leverage your skills and knowledge in specific areas, such as conferences or journals, to contribute meaningfully to the institution. This reflects your genuine interest and dedication to the institute, and a mutual relationship that you wish to nurture with the institute.”
While the pointers Ashima shares are undoubtedly helpful, she stresses on how its the candidate profile that matters most. You can check out her profile here.
Furthermore, as dedicated as Ashima is towards her cause and her
Going forward, Ashima is committed to using her education to advance her career in the public policy sector with the goal of contributing to the well-being and uplifting of marginalised communities, mostly by addressing the intersections of education, healthcare and climate change. And we wish her all the very best!