Using Data to Drive Change: A Pakistani Student's Journey to Columbia University with a Fulbright Scholarship

My name is Zohha Sheikh, and I am a Pakistani national currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, with a concentration in Economic and Political Development and a specialization in Data Analytics and Quantitative Analysis. Born and raised in Pakistan, my academic and professional journey in People Policy Strategy and Consultancy in both Pakistan and the MENA region, has been shaped by a deep commitment to inclusive governance and gender-equitable workforce policies. I chose to pursue graduate studies in public administration to strengthen my ability to design data-informed, inclusive policy frameworks—particularly in service of marginalized communities and underrepresented groups in Pakistan’s public institutions.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I am grateful to be doing so as a recipient of the U.S. Fulbright Scholarship, which supports my entire two-year master’s program, covering full tuition, health insurance, living expenses, airfare, and other necessary costs.

In addition to Fulbright, I was also awarded a $100,000 internal scholarship from Columbia University, distributed across the two years of my program.

Prior to accepting Fulbright, I had received two fully funded offers from the University of Nottingham in the UK: the Developing Solutions Scholarship and the Nottingham Business School Dean’s Scholarship, together covering full tuition. While I had formally accepted and prepared to begin my studies in the UK, I withdrew just days before departure upon receiving my Fulbright award which later confirmed my placement at Columbia.

Educational Background

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Management Science from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), where I graduated with Distinction and a CGPA of 3.80. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong foundation in organizational behavior, strategic planning, and human resource management. However, it was through deeper inquiry into Pakistan’s public and corporate structures that I became acutely aware of the limitations of existing people policy frameworks—particularly the lack of inclusivity and data-driven decision-making. Motivated by these gaps, I explored the intersection of workforce governance and gender inclusion through a project for a local cab startup, where I served as a policy consultant. I mapped employee behavior through geo-data, conducted field interviews with female drivers, and developed policy insights to increase in female driver participation. This early work crystallized my interest in inclusive, evidence-backed policies.

To expand this commitment further, I joined Careem (Uber’s Subsidiary) as a Technical Recruitment Consultant, where I worked on a project concerning gender equity in tech. Via this project, I was able to study best practices in policy and research within think tanks in MENA region and private organizations in the US. This knowledge helped me draft diversity-focused KPIs and a data-driven policy proposal to increase female participation across the organization. These experiences, rooted in both data analysis and policy reform, gave me the clarity and motivation to pursue a master's degree focused on public policy, development, and quantitative methods—tools I now seek to apply in service of equitable, systemic reforms in Pakistan’s public sector.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Institutions in the US?

To prepare for graduate school applications, I began by identifying four universities—Columbia University, University of Chicago, Georgetown University, and Rutgers University—based on the strength of their public policy curricula, particularly in development studies and data analytics. I carefully reviewed course offerings, faculty profiles, and research centers aligned with my goals. These preferences were submitted to the Fulbright Program, which then finalized the university application strategy on my behalf.

Fulbright managed the submission process using my personal statement and study objectives as core materials, and I was informed of any additional requirements—such as university-specific essays or recommendation letters—which I completed accordingly. I was fortunate to receive admission offers from all four institutions, and Columbia University was selected as my final placement by Fulbright.

How did you prepare for GRE and TOEFL?

To meet standardized testing requirements, I prepared for the GRE over two months using ETS PowerPrep Plus, Manhattan Prep, and Magoosh Vocabulary resources. After my Fulbright selection, I also sat for the TOEFL, preparing exclusively with the Official ETS Guide, and achieved a score of 117.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Fulbright Scholarship?

To prepare for the Fulbright Scholarship, I began by asking myself a fundamental question: which community or issue do I most deeply care about impacting? The answer lay in my lived experience — watching women in my family struggle at thier jobs due to the absence of basic workplace amenities, and later, observing similar systemic barriers as an HR professional in Pakistan. These moments shaped my resolve to work toward reforming institutional policies that exclude or disadvantage women.

The two most critical components of the application were the Personal Statement and the Study Objective, each serving a distinct purpose.

In my Personal Statement, I presented my story in a personal yet purposeful way, emphasizing the formative experiences, motivations, and values that shaped my commitment to public service. From my mother’s work journey to my policy initiatives at places I have worked at, I reflected on how these experiences fueled my desire to make workplaces more inclusive and data-informed.

In my Study Objective, I focused on the systemic gap between Pakistan’s public administration and its underutilization of data in policy formulation. I outlined how my background in management science, field experience, and planned training in public policy and analytics would enable me to address these issues. I also discussed both my short-term goals—such as contributing to inclusive workforce policies—and long-term aspirations of working toward building a gender-focused policy platform to support structural change in Pakistan.

For my letters of recommendation, I approached two workplace supervisors who had closely observed my leadership on equity-focused projects, and one professor who could speak to my academic and analytical strengths. Their letters reflected both my professional capabilities and commitment to public interest work.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was not a long list of achievements, but the humility and honesty with which I approached my story. I didn’t try to oversell myself — instead, I chose to translate the softness, truth, and sense of purpose that I carry within me. I’ve always believed that we should be humbled by knowledge, and that the more we learn, the more we realize how much we don’t know.

Even during the interview, I remember sitting in the waiting room for an hour, listening to my fellow applicants — each one doing incredible work in public service, policy, and community support. And in that moment, rather than feeling competitive, I felt grateful. Grateful to be among people who care this deeply. I even said in my interview: “If I’m lucky enough to be selected, I know I’ll gain more than I give. Because being part of the Fulbright ecosystem means being surrounded by people who constantly push you to think bigger and do better.”

That yearning to learn more, serve better, and grow alongside others was, I think, the quiet strength of my application. I wasn’t trying to be the loudest voice in the room — I just wanted to be the most genuine. And I hoped that would be enough.

What would you have done differently if you are going through the process again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would remind myself to breathe and let go of the need to control every outcome. I carried a lot of stress and anxiety during the process, constantly overthinking each step — whether I was making the right choices or presenting myself in the best possible light. In hindsight, I realize that trusting the journey is just as important as preparing for it.

I also would have given myself more space to gain clarity about the field I truly wanted to commit to. When I initially applied to the University of Nottingham, I pursued a program in Business Analytics. But through deeper reflection and the Fulbright application process, I shifted my focus toward Public Policy and Data — a field that aligns far more closely with my long-term purpose. Looking back, I’m genuinely grateful for that pivot.

If nothing else, I would’ve told myself this: you don’t have to have all the answers figured out. Sometimes, being open, present, and willing to grow is enough.

What advice would you give for those looking to apply for a similar scholarship?

Lastly, through this message, I want to reach out to everyone out there chasing a dream and quietly carrying the weight of uncertainty and self-doubt. Please remember — effort and outcome don’t always move in sync. You may give it your all and still not see the result you hoped for. I know that’s heartbreaking. And yes, it's unfair. But so often, life is.

No scholarship, no award, no acceptance letter defines your worth. What matters is that you tried — earnestly, bravely, vulnerably. So give it your best, then let go. Let destiny meet you where you are. Whatever the outcome, you are still worthy. You are still enough. I see you, and I am rooting for you with all my heart.

There’s a lot of guidance out there on technical things — how to write a personal statement, which documents to submit, how to structure a CV. And all of that matters. But what no one talks enough about is the emotional rollercoaster — the self-doubt, the waiting, the comparisons, the constant questioning of “am I good enough?” If you’re going through that, I want you to know: you’re not alone. So if you ever need someone to talk to — for clarity, for perspective, or just to be reminded that you’re not the only one — please feel free to reach out. I will always be happy to help.