How a Brazilian Student Earned the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship for a Master’s in Health, Well-Being, and Sustainable Buildings at UCL

My name is Jéssica Pompeu. I was born in the state of Pará in the northern region of Brazil, specifically in the Amazon. I graduated from the Federal University of Pará with a degree in Architecture and Urbanism. Since my graduation, I have been focused on studying architectural accessibility and supporting inclusion, especially after my nephew was born and diagnosed with cerebral palsy. This personal experience inspired me to work toward making my hometown more accessible for him and for all children with disabilities.

I have always aspired to pursue an international master's degree to learn how other countries address issues of accessibility. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s degree in Health, Well-Being, and Sustainable Buildings at the University College London.

Chevening Scholarship Details

In 2023, I took a significant step in my academic journey by applying for the Chevening Scholarship for the first time. This prestigious opportunity not only allowed me to pursue my studies at a top institution but also recognized my potential to contribute to my field. I was thrilled to know that I had been awarded the Chevening Scholarship, which gave me valuable support for my studies.

In addition to the Chevening Scholarship, I was granted a £3,000 scholarship from Manchester Metropolitan University for my academic achievements. This incredible honour further validated my efforts and commitment to my education.

After carefully considering my options and their long-term benefits, I decided to pursue my master's degree at the University College London (UCL). I believe this decision will greatly enhance my academic and professional prospects, allowing me to make the most of this transformative experience.

Educational Background

As an undergraduate student in Architecture and Urbanism, I was dedicated to my studies and graduated with a 3.53 out of 4 GPA. My undergraduate program gave me a solid foundation to apply for a master's degree. While I had a strong academic background, my volunteer work and activism played a significant role in my success during the application process for the Chevening scholarship and for acceptance into universities such as University College London, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the University of Derby. At this point, I had only two years of experience as a licensed architect, but the extracurricular activities I participated in helped me stand out during the Chevening application process.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University College London and Other Institutions?

The first thing I did was research universities and courses that would best fit my goals. I started by using the course search tool on the Chevening website, which saved me a lot of time and helped me find the right course. Once I decided on my three university options, I began writing my personal statements, preparing my curriculum, and translating the necessary documents. I also started studying for the English test. I took the IELTS exam three times before achieving the required grade for the university I am currently attending. Persistence was key in this process. To improve my chances of success, I studied English for the test and completed multiple timed mock tests, allowing me to simulate the actual exam as closely as possible.

 How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Applying for the Chevening Scholarship can often feel overwhelming, but focusing on your purpose can significantly facilitate the process. Diving into the hard steps becomes easier when you have a clear idea of what you want for your career and what motivates you.

One key element that contributed to my success was a deep understanding of my story and experiences. Reflecting on my journey allowed me to develop a sense of self-awareness essential for my application. Building this self-knowledge and self-confidence played a substantial role in writing my personal statement. I could articulate my aspirations, the challenges I have faced, and the unique qualities that make me a deserving candidate for the scholarship.

Moreover, this confidence proved valuable during the interview process. Despite feeling quite nervous, having a strong sense of my achievements and motivations allowed me to present my strengths effectively. Thus, I expressed my qualifications and passion for making a positive impact in my field.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

As I said before, my self-awareness and self-confidence made my application stand out. Of course, there were days when I didn't feel as confident, but I put in extra effort when I felt better. Don't worry if you have bad days; we all experience them. Just do what you can on those days and work harder on the days when you feel more capable. Keep your purpose in mind; it will motivate you to never give up!

My passion for my field drove me to tell my story with confidence and love so the evaluators could see my sincerity. So always be genuine!

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

There are a couple of important lessons I learned during my journey.

Firstly, I wish I had started studying for the IELTS test earlier. My English level was not fluent at that time, and preparing well in advance would have made the process less overwhelming. Additionally, earlier preparation would have saved me a lot of money since I wouldn't have had to take the test three times and pay the fees each time.

Secondly, I learned the importance of celebrating all of my achievements. I applied to three universities, and I felt genuinely happy each time I received an email stating that I had passed. However, I didn't correctly celebrate these. I waited to celebrate until I knew if I had received the Chevening Award, which made the journey much more stressful. Therefore, I advise others to enjoy their journey and celebrate every step along the way!

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My first piece of advice is to start preparing early. The more time you have to prepare, the greater your chances of success.

The second piece of advice is to seek out Chevening alums. They can share how they prepared for the process and may be willing to mentor you, which can significantly contribute to your success.

Thirdly, take the time to understand and be proud of your journey. This self-awareness will help you describe your experiences and tell your story effectively. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the STAR method and ensure that you apply it when presenting your story.

Finally, be sure to provide detailed information about your experiences. Generalizations won't help you stand out, which relates to my third piece of advice regarding the STAR method.