The Beginning: A Dream That Seemed Impossible
Let me take you back to March 2023. I was in my final year at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, studying Computer Engineering. My GPA was decent (3.6), I had done a couple of internships at local tech companies, and I was about to graduate with a typical engineering degree.
One evening, while scrolling through LinkedIn, I came across a post about the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. I clicked through to the website and started reading about the program—full funding, world-class education, a community of global leaders. It felt like reading about a different universe.
"That's for students from elite colleges," I told myself. "Students with perfect GPAs, international publications, startup founders. Not for someone like me from a local Nepali university."
But I couldn't stop thinking about it.
The Strategy: Building a Competitive Profile
After connecting with mentors through Aspiraway, I realized I needed a strategic approach. Here's what I did over the next 8 months:
1. Identified My Unique Angle
Instead of trying to compete on traditional metrics where I'd be average, I focused on what made me different. I had spent two summers volunteering with an NGO that installed solar panels in off-grid villages in Nepal. That became the center of my narrative—how technology can solve real-world problems in developing countries.
💡 Lesson Learned:
Your background isn't a limitation—it's your superpower. Universities want diverse perspectives. Don't try to be like everyone else; embrace what makes you unique.
2. Strengthened My Academic Profile
I reached out to a professor at my university who was working on renewable energy systems and asked if I could assist with research. She agreed, and I spent the next four months working on a project analyzing energy consumption patterns in rural households.
We eventually published a paper in a local engineering journal. It wasn't Nature or IEEE, but it showed I could conduct and communicate research.
3. Mastered the Tests
I knew my English test scores needed to be competitive. I dedicated 2 hours daily to IELTS preparation using free YouTube resources and practice tests. I scored 8.0 overall. For the GRE, I used free resources like Magoosh and scored 325 (169 Quant, 156 Verbal).
💡 Money-Saving Tip:
You don't need expensive coaching classes. I spent ₹0 on test prep beyond the registration fees. The internet has everything you need—you just need discipline and consistency.
4. Crafted a Compelling SOP
This was the hardest part. I went through 12 drafts of my SOP. I used Aspiraway's AI SOP generator to create the first draft, which gave me a solid structure. But then I spent weeks refining it, adding personal stories, and ensuring every sentence added value.
"The turning point was when a mentor told me: 'Stop trying to impress them with big words. Write like you're explaining your passion to a friend over coffee.' That advice transformed my writing from stiff and formal to genuine and compelling."
The Application Journey
I applied to 12 universities across the US, UK, and Canada. The process was exhausting—each application required customized essays, specific formatting, and careful attention to deadlines.
Between August and December 2023, my life revolved around applications. I worked part-time to cover application fees (which totaled nearly ₹1,40,000), studied for tests, refined my SOP, and maintained my final year grades.
The Hardest Parts
Self-Doubt: There were countless moments when I almost gave up. When I'd see posts from students at IITs getting into MIT, I'd think, "What chance do I have?" But connecting with other students through Aspiraway who were in similar situations helped tremendously.
Financial Stress: Application fees add up quickly. Between IELTS (₹15,500), GRE (₹22,000), and 12 university applications, I took on freelance web development projects to earn this money.
Imposter Syndrome: Even after getting the Cambridge offer, I felt like there had been some mistake. This feeling only intensified during the Gates Cambridge interview.
The Gates Cambridge Interview
The interview invitation came in February 2024. I had three weeks to prepare for the most important conversation of my life. I booked sessions with two Gates Cambridge scholars through Aspiraway who walked me through common questions and how to structure answers.
On interview day, the panel asked about my research goals, my work in rural Nepal, and how Cambridge would help me achieve my vision. The key moment came when they asked: "There are many talented students. Why should we choose you?"
"I said: 'I won't claim to be the most talented applicant. But I can promise that every pound invested in my education will create exponential impact. In Nepal, 15% of the population still lacks electricity access. The work I want to do at Cambridge—developing AI-optimized microgrids—could change that. I'm not here just to advance my career. I'm here to solve problems that keep 2 million people in darkness.' That authenticity, I believe, made the difference."
Life at Cambridge: The Reality
Now, six months into my program, here's what I wish someone had told me:
The Good
- World-class resources: Access to cutting-edge research facilities and professors who are leaders in their fields
- Incredible peer network: My cohort includes scholars from 40+ countries with amazing stories
- Research opportunities: I'm working on projects that could actually be deployed in developing countries
- The Gates Cambridge community: 80 scholars who become lifelong friends and collaborators
The Challenging
- Academic intensity: The pace is relentless. Weekly problem sets and research deadlines require excellent time management
- Imposter syndrome: It doesn't go away. You just learn to work despite it
- Cultural adjustment: From Kathmandu's chaos to Cambridge's quiet formality was jarring
- Being away from family: This is harder than I expected, especially during festivals like Dashain
My Advice: What I'd Tell My Past Self
- Start early, but don't overthink: I started 12 months before deadlines. That was perfect. Don't wait until senior year, but also don't stress about it in sophomore year.
- Your background is your strength: Don't try to compete with IIT or Ivy League students on their terms. Your experiences from Nepal are valuable and unique.
- Quality over quantity: I applied to 12 universities. In hindsight, 6-8 would have been better with truly great applications.
- Get real feedback: Family will say your SOP is great. You need honest feedback from people who've succeeded. That's where mentor calls were invaluable.
- Build a genuine profile: Don't do things just for your CV. Admission committees can spot resume padding. Do what genuinely interests you.
- Apply for every scholarship: Don't self-reject. I almost didn't apply to Gates Cambridge because I thought I wasn't "good enough." That would have been the biggest mistake.
- Network with current students: Talking to students at my target universities gave me insights worth more than any blog post.
- Prepare for rejection: I got rejected from Stanford, MIT, and Carnegie Mellon. It stings, but one great acceptance makes up for all the rejections.
- Take care of your mental health: The application process is emotionally exhausting. Talk to friends, take breaks, and don't let your self-worth depend on admission decisions.
One Year Later: Was It Worth It?
Absolutely, unequivocally, yes.
A year ago, I was a student from Kathmandu with big dreams and no clear path. Today, I'm researching AI applications for sustainable development at one of the world's top universities, funded by one of the most prestigious scholarships, surrounded by brilliant minds from across the globe.
But more than the prestige or the degree, what I've gained is confidence. Confidence that I belong here. Confidence that students from non-traditional backgrounds can compete at the highest levels. Confidence that with the right strategy, support, and determination, seemingly impossible dreams become achievable.
🌟 Final Thought:
The journey from Kathmandu to Cambridge taught me that your starting point doesn't determine your destination. What matters is your clarity of purpose, willingness to work hard, and ability to seek help when you need it. If a regular student from Tribhuvan University can make it to Cambridge, trust me—you can achieve your dreams too.
Where I Am Today (And Where I'm Going)
I'm currently in my second term at Cambridge, working on my thesis about machine learning algorithms for optimizing decentralized energy grids. After completing my MPhil in 2025, I plan to either pursue a PhD or return to Nepal to launch a social enterprise focused on rural electrification.
I'm also now a mentor on Aspiraway, helping students from Nepal, India, and other South Asian countries navigate their own journeys. Every week, I do 2-3 mentor calls, and every time I hear someone say "I didn't think this was possible for someone like me," I remember exactly how that felt.
Because I was that person. And if I can do it, so can you.
— Rohan Shrestha
Gates Cambridge Scholar
MPhil Computer Science, University of Cambridge
October 2025