Delays and rejections can redirect you: How an Indian student in Chicago built a career from setbacks

For many students, studying abroad is exciting but also full of questions. Which programs should you apply to? How do you decide which offer to accept? How do you adjust to life and academics far from home?

Zeel Patel, a Master’s student in Applied Data Science at the University of Chicago , has been through it all. A Pune native, she didn’t follow a straight path. She rejected admission offers that didn’t feel right, spent time reflecting on her goals, and approached applications more strategically the following year. Her unconventional path is now the foundation of her growing global career.

Making the right choiceIn 2022, during her final year of engineering, Zeel applied to 11 universities, from dream schools to safer options. She received a few offers but wasn’t sure if any were the right fit. “I kept asking myself, ‘Is this where I want to be?’ The answer wasn’t the yes I hoped for,” she recalls.

Instead of settling just to move forward, she rejected all offers and took a year to reflect. That pause helped her understand what she truly wanted and plan her next steps carefully.
Applying with focusIn 2023, Zeel applied to just five universities, focusing on programs that matched her career goals. She spent weeks perfecting each application and submitted three during priority deadlines. By January 2024, she received her admission letter from the University of Chicago and accepted it the next month.

“This experience taught me that quality matters more than quantity,” Zeel said. “When I focused on programs that really mattered to me, it showed in my preparation and enthusiasm.”
Adjusting to a new academic systemUChicago’s quarter system was different from what she was used to. Each term had three intensive courses in just ten weeks. “The pace was tough at first, but it kept me focused and engaged,” she said.

She also secured research assistant roles early on, first in the Economics Department and later at the Data Science Institute. These positions gave her hands-on experience, exposure to research projects, and a chance to work closely with professors. “Being proactive helped a lot. I started networking before even arriving on campus,” she explained.
Building a life away from homeMoving from Pune to Chicago meant managing everything independently—cooking, cleaning, finances, and studies. Zeel chose to live downtown with friends from her program, which created a natural support system. Orientation sessions and casual meet-ups helped classmates turn into friends who understood the pressures of life abroad.

She also found that keeping a routine and staying busy made balancing academics and personal life easier. “When you keep moving, it’s easier to stay on top of everything,” she said.
Networking that feels naturalNetworking was an important part of her journey. At first, LinkedIn messages and cold emails felt forced. Zeel realized she connected better through in-person events and casual conversations.

“Networking is really about building genuine connections,” she said. “Some people might lead to immediate opportunities, but most help your growth over time. Approach them with curiosity, not just ‘what can they do for me.’”
Advice for students planning to study abroadZeel emphasises preparation, planning, and engagement. She advises students to apply to programs where they feel they can thrive, put their best work forward, and participate fully in both academic and community activities. She also encourages trusting the process.

“Delays and rejections can actually guide you to better opportunities,” she said. “Everyone’s journey is different, and setbacks are often just part of finding the right program or role.”

Zeel Patel’s story shows that studying abroad is more than academics. It’s about making deliberate choices, building meaningful connections, and growing personally. Her journey offers practical guidance and encouragement for students taking their first steps toward studying abroad.