Someone you know has left or is planning to leave. 1,000 Ways To Japa will speak to real people and explore the infinite number of reasons and paths they use to get to Japa
Chinwendu always knew she wanted a world-class education, even before finishing her undergraduate degree. In this story, she shares how she’s now living her dream as a PhD student at an Ivy League university in the USA, on a full-ride scholarship that covers everything from living expenses to books.
Where do you live now, and when did you relocate from Nigeria?
I moved to the United States in August 2025 and am studying for a PhD.
Congratulations!
Thank you.
How did that happen?
My goal has always been to further my education. Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a university professor, so I knew I needed to pursue postgraduate studies. After graduating last year, I immediately started working toward that goal.
Right. What degree are you chasing right now?
It’s a PhD program. Technically, I could earn a Master’s through coursework, but my scholarship is specifically a PhD scholarship.
Nice. Is it a fully-funded scholarship?
It’s fully funded, covering tuition, books, insurance, and even living expenses.
Goals! How did you get the scholarship?
There’s no single “format” I followed, but I’ll explain how I did it.
First, I started preparing early in my undergraduate days because I knew what I wanted. From my second year, I was already following scholarship pages on LinkedIn and Twitter. I had seniors who also shared opportunities, so I stayed updated. On my part, I worked hard to maintain a strong CGPA because it was non-negotiable. I graduated with a 4.87/5.0.
That’s insane
I know! Apart from academics, I attended seminars, career development programs, and even award nights; things most undergraduate students ignore. But those programs motivated me, especially when other students were recognised for their work. I also took up leadership roles because I knew graduate schools don’t just look at academics; they want to see extracurriculars too. All of this shaped my CV and my story to be more than “I graduated with a first class.”
After graduation, I started applying to schools. I created a spreadsheet of schools, their requirements, whether they had application fees, deadlines, and everything else. It helped that I also had a small circle of friends chasing the same dream — we encouraged each other through rejections.
Application fees can be quite a large sum, and I didn’t have that. So I emailed schools to request waivers, and surprisingly, many granted them. That’s one tip to keep in mind. Don’t just see a $150 application fee and give up when you can ask for a waiver.
Thanks for the tip. Do you have more?
You should also prepare your application documents: statement of purpose, transcripts, and recommendations. For writing statements of purpose, I took online courses (you can find these on Coursera). I also followed people who shared reliable information on scholarships, like Michael Taiwo Scholarship, Scholarship Café, Banda Khalifa, Mercy OJetunde, and so many others.
Most importantly, I kept good relationships with my lecturers. Recommendation letters are vital. They’re not written overnight, so I always give them time.
Finally, I prayed. Honestly, you’ll face many rejections, and sometimes, the only thing that keeps you going despite the rejections is faith.
Speaking of rejections, did you receive any?
Plenty. I applied to several U.S. schools, but not all accepted me. What shocked me was that some Ivy League schools considered me, while other schools rejected me. At first, it felt crazy, but I realised maybe I just wasn’t the right fit for them.
That’s crazy. What other practical tips can you share for those currently applying?
You need to understand that graduate school applications are not easy. Nobody will give you funding just because you want it. You must be willing to put in the work.
My first tip is to keep a spreadsheet of schools, deadlines, requirements, and funding availability. Without that, you’ll be lost.
You should also apply strategically. Some schools don’t offer funding, and some schools do. Know what each school offers if you don’t have enough money to self-sponsor.
Your statement of purpose is a great place to show a genuine interest in the school. Don’t just write “this school is prestigious.” Everyone writes that. Mention specific professors or programs that align with your goals.
Another tip is to start your search for recommendations early. Don’t bring up your requests at the last minute. Build genuine relationships. Even if all you do is send them “Happy New Month” messages, just do something to maintain the relationship.
You should also resist the urge to lie in your essay. Nobody knows your story better than you, so don’t outsource your application to AI or ghostwriters. The people reviewing your application can tell when your story lacks authenticity.
Lastly, please follow instructions. If the school says 1,000 words or two pages, stick to it.
Quick one about funding. In U.S. schools, is it automatic, or do you apply separately?
For most U.S. schools, funding is tied to your admission. You don’t apply separately. If they admit you, they’ll offer funding through scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships. That’s why it’s so competitive. Unlike the UK, where many programs are self-funded, Most U.S. schools typically won’t admit you without funding.
Before we wrap up, let’s talk about your Statement of Purpose. What do you think you did right that made you stand out?
I still look at my essay sometimes and wonder, “Is this what got me in?” But I think what worked was being real. I told my story, linked my past experiences to my future goals, and followed the school’s instructions. I included my extracurriculars, research interests, and why their program fits me.
One big tip is not to use the same SOP for all schools. You don’t want to apply to Texas but accidentally write “Florida” in your SOP.
I hear that! How are you settling into your new school and environment so far?
It’s been good. I’m adapting, enjoying the summer, and slowly adjusting to this new phase of life. God bless Nigeria, but I’m happy here.
On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you in the U.S?
Ten over ten. I’m so happy here and excited about research.
Want to share your japa story? Please reach out to me here.
