How a Public Sector Analyst from Pakistan Won the Fully Funded U.S. Fulbright Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Business Analytics at The George Washington University

My name is Savera Shah, and I’m from Pakistan, currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA) at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. I maintained a 3.81 CGPA during MSBA. I bring over five years of experience at the Central Bank of Pakistan, where I worked at the intersection of policy analysis, public sector impact-evaluation, and strategic government communications.

Motivated by a desire to combine data-driven decision-making with meaningful public impact, I chose to pursue graduate studies in business analytics. I was particularly drawn to this field for its ability to surface actionable insights that support smarter policies and more effective development programs — a direction I aim to continue in, especially in applying data-driven solutions to public sector challenges in Pakistan.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I was fortunate to be selected for the U.S. Fulbright Scholarship.  This prestigious award covers full tuition, living expenses, health insurance, air travel, and other necessary costs. The Fulbright program is highly competitive and awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to community service and returning to contribute to Pakistan.

In addition to this, I was also offered the GW School of Business Fellowship Award, distributed across the duration of the program (i.e, 1.5 years).

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BBA) from Sukkur IBA University in Pakistan, graduating with distinction and earning an academic medal with a CGPA of 3.53. My undergraduate education was fully funded through a competitive Merit Scholarship and Talent Hunt Scholarship awarded for all four years of study.

During those 4 years, I actively led student initiatives as the head of the Marketing Club, Public Speaking Club, and Literacy Club. I also won various entrepreneurial competitions and secured an honorary award in the Pakathon Business Plan Competition held in Toronto, Canada.

The multidisciplinary nature of the program offered me flexibility to explore concentrations in Marketing, Finance, and Human Resource Management. My coursework spanned specialized areas such as economics, statistics, public policy, and consumer behavior — providing the analytical and strategic foundation that ultimately inspired me to pursue further studies abroad.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

My primary goal was to secure a fully funded master’s scholarship, and the Fulbright Program was my clear choice given its emphasis on academic excellence, leadership, and cultural exchange. I began my preparation nearly a year in advance, starting with comprehensive research on graduate programs in business and policy data analytics. I prioritized programs that emphasized applying analytics to real-world policy problems, reflecting both my professional background and long-term goals.

To identify the best fit, I used university ranking platforms, analyzed course syllabi, reviewed faculty research, and explored opportunities for experiential learning, such as capstone projects. I also reached out to alumni from previous Fulbright cohorts and university representatives to gain insights on academic fit and program expectations.

Beyond preparing the standard Fulbright application materials, such as the Personal Statement and Research Objectives, I also dedicated time to meeting university-specific requirements. These included tailoring my resume to reflect relevant skills and experiences and crafting targeted leadership essays requested by certain institutions to assess personal impact and potential.

Through this process, I shortlisted three top programs—Columbia University, George Washington University, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)—based on their course offerings, research capabilities, and alignment with my policy-oriented career path. While the Fulbright Placement Committee ultimately matched me with George Washington University, I was honored to receive offers of admission from Columbia University, Arizona State University, Tulane University, Brandeis University, and GWU.

Standardized Test Preparation

As part of the Fulbright application process, I took both the GRE and TOEFL. I dedicated three months to GRE preparation, following Gregmat’s 3-month study plan and supplementing it with ETS official materials, Magoosh, and Manhattan Prep resources. My primary focus was on strengthening quantitative reasoning and improving time management. For the TOEFL, I practiced extensively using YouTube-based mock sessions and official TOEFL preparation guides, particularly targeting the listening and speaking sections. I achieved a TOEFL score of 113 and a GRE Quantitative score of 160, both of which reinforced the strength of my overall application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Fulbright Scholarship?

The first step I took in preparing my Fulbright application was to reflect deeply on my background, experiences, and the challenges I have encountered in my journey to improve public sector development. This has been a longstanding passion of mine. I centered my entire application on one core theme: the urgent need for data-backed policymaking, especially in areas like financial inclusion, gender equity in banking, and the way central banks communicate with the public.

During my tenure at the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), I served as a policy and communication analyst, where I witnessed firsthand how abundant data often goes underutilized in policy implementation, such as financial inclusion. Through my work, I realized how crucial it is especially for developing countries like Pakistan, to adopt advanced analytical tools to make meaningful inferences and shape evidence-based outreach strategies. Inadequate use of data in policies to target audiences emerged as a key hurdle, and one I sought to address through my future studies in business analytics.

In my personal statement, I told my story of growing up in a community where I witnessed the normalization of women’s oppression and systemic denial of their right to education. This reality only strengthened my determination to break free from societal constraints and pursue education and a meaningful career. I emphasized how empowering women through education and financial inclusion has always been personal for me, not just professional.

The Fulbright application was comprehensive, requiring academic transcripts, GRE and TOEFL scores, essays, recommendation letters, and a well-defined statement of purpose. I put significant effort into articulating a clear career vision: how my experience in the public sector would be enhanced through the study of business analytics, and how I intended to use that knowledge upon returning to Pakistan.

I revised my essays multiple times, incorporating feedback from Fulbright alumni, mentors and not to forget my recommenders, who supported greatly with their comments. Moreover, I reached out to relevant professors and my current manager for recommendations. These experiences helped me present a compelling case for why a Fulbright scholarship would allow me to contribute even more effectively to public sector innovation and inclusive development in Pakistan.

What Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe the clarity of purpose in my application was the differentiator. My background was not just academic, but I had a tangible professional impact. My work demonstrated leadership, initiative, and a strong public service orientation. The combination of a good academic background, public sector experience, clear post-graduation goals, and a well-aligned degree program helped strengthen my case.

Also, I believe it is how you present yourself with confidence and truth. I remember I was too stressed while preparing for my interview, but it was all about who I was as a real person, beyond the words that I used in my application.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

If I could go back, one thing I would definitely do differently is start preparing for the GRE earlier. I underestimated how demanding the verbal section could be, especially while managing a full-time job. Balancing work and prep was challenging, and starting earlier would have helped ease that pressure. I also wish I had reached out to more university admissions officers at the beginning of the process to better understand each program’s culture and whether it aligned with my goals.

Another lesson I learned is the importance of not overthinking every step. The Fulbright process is long and can be emotionally taxing as it stretches over a year and involves constant evaluation and anticipation. I often found myself overwhelmed, caught up in trying to perfect every element of the application. Looking back, I believe that trusting the process, taking one step at a time, and maintaining perspective would have helped me stay calmer and more focused.

Additionally, I now realize that I could have done deeper research when choosing my program. While I am grateful to be pursuing an MSBA, which has equipped me with technical and analytical skills, I’ve come to understand that a program with a more specific focus on public policy or economics in conjunction with data analysis might have been an even better fit for my long-term goals. Fortunately, the flexibility in my current program has allowed me to pivot and take electives that support my aspirations.

If I could give advice to my anxious self a year ago, it would be this: Take a breath. Trust yourself and the work you’ve put in. Don’t try to control everything, focus on doing your best with each task, and let the rest unfold. Every step, even the uncertain ones, is leading you somewhere meaningful.

Advice for Future Applicants

First and foremost, relax. Rejection or any setback is not the end of the road; it's simply a step forward in your journey. You may give your absolute best and still face disappointment. That’s okay. Don’t let it shake your confidence or lead to self-doubt. Not getting a particular opportunity doesn’t mean you’re not deserving; it might just mean something better is on the horizon. Remember: you miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t take. So keep trying.

I firmly believe in the idea that “nothing comes before its time, and nothing beyond what’s destined for you”. Trust that what’s meant for you will find its way.

Another important piece of advice: reach out to people. Ask questions, seek guidance, and learn from others’ experiences. I made the mistake of starting this late and often struggled with self-doubt as a result. I was genuinely surprised by how generous and helpful people can be if you just reach out.

Start early, especially with your essays. Take time to reflect deeply on your personal story: your background, the impact you’ve made, your long-term goals, and why a scholarship like Fulbright is the right bridge for you. Talk to alumni, join applicant communities, and seek feedback wherever you can. And remember, if you’re unsure about something, just ask. No one expects you to know it all.

Above all, stay authentic. These scholarships value purpose, potential, and the willingness to make a difference more than perfection. If your vision includes giving back to your community, let that shine through every part of your application.

Lastly, if you're reading this and need help, I’m happy to support however I can. You've got this.