Abuzayed Masum, a student from a public university with no renowned alumni network or rich laboratory facilities, has secured fully funded PhD offers in chemistry from several prestigious US universities. Despite a CGPA of 3.24 and various personal challenges, Masum's perseverance and hard work paid off. He sent over 500 tailored emails to professors, resulting in positive responses from four, ultimately leading to his acceptance.
A Challenging Journey
Masum's journey was fraught with challenges. Before his higher secondary exams, his father suffered a stroke, leaving Masum as the sole breadwinner for his family. He considered dropping out to work in the garment industry but was driven by his dream of higher education. Balancing tuition and family responsibilities, Masum tutored to support himself and his family.
His academic foundation was laid at the public university, where he earned a CGPA of 3.24. Jahangirnagar University instilled in him a love for research, and BUET provided him with international-standard research experience. Masum attributes his success to his relentless perseverance and the supportive environment at BUET.
The Email Campaign
In late 2025, Masum sent over 500 emails to professors, each carefully researched and tailored. Despite receiving only four positive responses, he remained determined, knowing that even one positive reply could change everything. His efforts culminated in an offer from the University of Massachusetts.
Masum advises others to focus on their perseverance rather than the institution they come from. He emphasizes that US professors may not even know the name of their university, highlighting the importance of self-motivation and resilience.
