In my previous post, I shared the journey of how I came to the US. Today, I want to dive deeper into the challenges I faced during the application process and highlight the stark contrasts with studying in India. Applying to universities in the US was an entirely different experience from what I was used to in India. There, the path to prestigious institutions like the IITs is through excelling in a few national exams. In contrast, US universities required not only a reason for wanting to study there but also a detailed plan of what and why I wanted to study. This was a significant cultural shift for me.
The Indian Education System: A Competitive Landscape 🇮🇳
To put it in perspective, if you aim to study computer science or a tech-related degree at a top college in India, you need to not only clear national exams but also rank among the top to secure a seat in your desired field. For me, getting into IITs and pursuing a tech degree was a dream within a dream—though, as Google informed me, there’s no term for that in psychology or neuroscience, only a term called false-awakening which is closely related to a dream within a dream. Ha!
The US Application Process: A New Horizon 🇺🇸
When I started applying to US colleges, I had to declare my major or degree program. This blew my mind. I couldn’t believe that tech degrees were available in a drop-down menu without being reserved for only the top candidates. I was sure that clicking on “computer engineering” would result in an error message stating “seats full,” but to my surprise, it didn’t. This realization was profound—I needed a clear path, and there were more majors than just tech, engineering, and medical fields, which was a revelation given the intense focus on competitive exams in India.
My Early Fascination with Technology 💻
Choosing my field was straightforward—TECH! From childhood, technology fascinated me. Although I got my first computer late, around 10th grade, I had already learned HTML and general computer skills in high school. My practice sessions in the computer lab were limited, but I made the most of my time at my dad’s office. After school, I would study in the library at his office and then explore his computer, practicing HTML, learning to make websites, and experimenting with installing and downgrading different software and sometime operating systems as well. These experiences taught me a lot, sometimes unintentionally, about how computers work.
Self-Learning and Exploration 📚
In my free time, I frequented the local library to study HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and C. I would read code lines, look at output screenshots, and somehow it all made sense. Seeing my dedication, my dad bought me a PC, and I joined out-of-school classes to learn programming languages. These skills proved invaluable in college and beyond. Working with computers was logical and satisfying—type, run, and see the result. Fixing problems was a practical and rewarding challenge.
The Culmination of My Efforts 🎓
All these experiences culminated in writing solid essays that got me into the computer engineering program at Iowa State University. I later switched to Management Information Systems, but that’s a story for another post. Achieving this dream of studying in the US, particularly in a tech program, was incredible. Had I stayed in India, my career would have hinged entirely on a rank. In the US, I found a more comprehensive and fulfilling path to my goals.
Reflecting on the Journey 🌍
In the end, my journey to studying tech in the US was shaped by my early fascination with computers, the practical experiences I gained through exploration and self-learning, and the opportunities provided by the US education system. This journey has been more than just about education; it has been about discovering a path that truly aligns with my passions and aspirations. Studying tech in the US has allowed me to pursue my dreams without the constraints of a rigid ranking system, and for that, I am immensely grateful.
I really liked reading this, the actual sense and experience, whereas I have read other people blogs as well, they have framed this journey as it was like very well chosen part of their life, like they have always thought of it since childhood, but I really admired your originality.
Keep up the good work brother!