10 Deadly Mistakes Every Scholar Makes in University Research and Selection

Some mistakes are lessons. Others are dream killers.

Jul 09, 2025

Welcome to issue #019 of ScholAfrica. Every Wednesday, I send an essay that helps you get the scholarships and visa you need to experience a better life abroad and give your family the life they deserve. If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here:

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Just a quick update before we dive into today’s newsletter:

Last week, I opened enrollment for the Scholarship Accelerator bootcamp to my waitlist members only, and people have already signed up!

The public launch happened yesterday, so many more people will enroll. Remember, there are only 50 total spots available.

If you've been thinking about joining this cohort (starting August 9th), now's the time to decide. You can join us here.

Last month, a client signed up for my F-1 visa interview consultation, let's call her Jane. Jane was going for a master's in business analytics. Her deficit was a lot. If you’re not familiar, a deficit is the total cost of attendance minus the scholarship amount—the amount your scholarship doesn’t cover.

After our first conversation, she decided that it would be better for her to abandon that admission and reapply for scholarships. She didn't want to use all her life savings only to pay for school.

I've met many applicants like Jane. After they've been admitted, they realize they picked the wrong program. So all the months spent crafting applications were in vain. I don't want that to be you.

So today, I'm sharing the 10 biggest mistakes people make when selecting universities. These same mistakes cost people scholarships, time, and sometimes their dreams.

Let's dive right in.

1. Applying Blindly Without Understanding What The Programs Want

Here's the painful truth: Most people apply to programs like they're shooting arrows in the dark.

They see a nice program name like "Computer Science" and think, "Perfect! I studied computer science in Nigeria." Then they submit their application and wonder why they got rejected.

Every program has specific requirements that go beyond just your first degree. Some want research experience. Others want specific prior coursework. Some need you to have published papers or industry experience.

Before you even think about applying, spend time on their website. Read their admission requirements three times. Look at the profiles of current students. Check what they did before getting admitted.

Don't just apply because the program sounds good. Apply because you understand exactly what they want and you have it.

2. Ignoring the Professors Who Will Shape Your Future

This is a big one that trips up so many people.

You pick a school based on rankings, but you don't know a single professor's name. You don't know what research they do. You don't know if anyone there shares your interests.

Here's what you need to do: Go to the department website. Look at every professor's profile. Read the abstract of their most recent publications (or the recent thing). Check their research interests. See if they're taking new students.

Why? Because in graduate school, your advisor is more important than the school ranking. A supportive advisor at a lower-ranked school will do more for your career than a busy, uninterested advisor at Harvard.

Plus, when you mention specific professors in your statement of purpose (SOP), it shows you've done your homework. It shows you're serious.

3. Chasing Rankings Instead of Finding Your Perfect Match

I get it. We all want to go to the "best" school.

When I began my scholarship journey in 2017, I wanted to go to Harvard. That was my dream school. I thank God I was delivered.

Harvard might be #1 in the rankings, but if they don't have anyone doing research in your area, what's the point? If their culture doesn't match your learning style, you'll struggle.

Instead of chasing rankings, ask yourself:

Do they have strong faculty in my area of interest?
Are their graduates getting jobs I want? (You can check this on LinkedIn)
Does the program structure match my goals?
Do I have a realistic chance of getting in?

A school that's ranked #50 but has everything you need is better than a #10 school that's a poor fit for you.

4. Ignorance of the Difference Between Coursework and Research

This mistake has destroyed so many applications.

There are two main types of graduate programs:

Course-based (you take classes, maybe do a small project)
Research-based (you have to do a research project before graduation)

If you want to become a professor or get a PhD, you need a research-based program. If you want to work in industry, a course-based program might be better.

But here's the kicker: research-based programs usually have more funding opportunities. They're also more competitive.

Make sure you understand which type you're applying for. Your application strategy will be completely different for each.

5. Playing the Numbers Game Instead of the Quality Game

More is not always better.

I see people applying to 15-20 schools, thinking it increases their chances. But here's the truth: they spread themselves too thin, write generic applications, and get rejected from schools they could have gotten into.

It's better to apply to 7-10 schools where you have a genuine chance and can write strong, tailored applications.

For each school, you should be able to explain:

Why this specific program?
Which professors do you want to work with?
How does it fit your goals?
How are you a good fit for that program?

If you can answer these questions, apply to that school. It's not about how many schools you apply to. It's about how well you apply to the right schools.

6. Ignoring Where You'll Actually Live for the Next Few Years

School is not just about academics. You'll be living in that city for years.

Imagine you get into a great program in Alaska. Great opportunity, full funding. But you didn't consider the weather. The cold there is so bad that it can affect your ability to focus on your studies.

Before you apply, research:

What's the weather like year-round?
What's the cost of living?
Is there a community of international students?
What's the culture like?
How safe is the area?

These things matter more than you think. You need to be happy and comfortable to succeed academically.

7. Having No Idea What Happens After Graduation

This is huge, and most people completely ignore it.

You're spending 2-5 years in a program. But what happens when you graduate? Where do their graduates work? What's the average salary? Do they help with job placement?

Some programs have 95% job placement rates. Others have 50%. Some programs' graduates go on to top companies. Others struggle to find work.

Before you apply, look at their employment statistics. Reach out to recent graduates on LinkedIn. Ask about their experience.

Your degree is an investment. Make sure it's going to pay off.

8. Missing the Requirements for International Students

As an international student, you have extra requirements that domestic students don't have.

English proficiency tests, transcript evaluations, financial documentation, visa requirements - the list goes on.

Some schools have higher English requirements for international students. Others require specific types of financial documentation. Some have limited funding for international students.

Read the international student requirements carefully. Make sure you understand what you need to do and when. Missing one requirement can be fatal to your application.

9. Applying to Programs That Don't Match Your Dreams

This sounds obvious, but it happens more than you think.

You want to work in artificial intelligence, but you're applying to general computer science programs with no AI focus. You want to be a therapist, but you're applying to research psychology programs.

Every program has a different focus and leads to different career paths. Make sure the program actually prepares you for what you want to do.

If you're not sure, reach out to current students or recent graduates. Ask them about their experience and where they're headed. LinkedIn, again.

10. You Don't Understand What You're Signing Up For

Different programs have different structures, timelines, and requirements.

Some master's programs are 1 year. Others are 2-3 years. Some require a thesis. Others don't. Some have internship requirements. Others are purely academic.

PhD programs can take 4-7 years. Some require you to do a master's first. Others let you go straight from undergrad.

Before you apply, understand:

How long will it take?
What are the graduation requirements?
What's the structure of the program?

You don't want to be surprised after you arrive.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right program is one of the most important decisions you'll make. It affects your next few years, your career, and your entire life.

Don't rush it. Don't take shortcuts. Do your research properly.

Remember: It's better to apply to 5 schools that are perfect fits than 20 schools that are random choices.

Your future self will thank you for taking the time to get this right.

That’s it for today!

As always, thanks for reading.

Hit reply and let me know your biggest takeaway from today’s newsletter.

**Nzube Ohalete (**Find me on YouTube or X)

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