Name: Jigisha Kshirsagar | Institution: University of Arizona | Location: United States | Course: Major in Management Information Systems (MIS), Minor in Astronomical Studies
Key Highlights
- Thoroughly reflect and choose what fits you: Jigisha picked U.S. undergrad study after thorough reflection during the pandemic.
- Use the internet to figure things out: She learned about applications and student life through YouTube and blogs.
- Fee waivers and smart choices help: Duolingo and Common App waivers made her process simpler and cheaper.
- Communicate openly with your parents: Once she explained her plan, her parents supported her fully.
- College is more than classes: Jigisha works part-time, participates in extracurriculars, and tries to learn beyond academics.
When Jigisha Kshirsagar first announced her plans to study in the United States right after 12th grade, jaws dropped, not in awe, but in sheer disbelief. No one from her small town of Solapur had ever attempted such a move so early. “No one from my city goes to the U.S. after the 12th grade,” she tells Global Indian, and this unfamiliarity was evident in every step. Even securing letters of recommendation turned into a mini crash course for her school. “It was all very new for them,” she recalls, from understanding the Common App fee waiver to submitting specific forms online.
Add to that the fact that she had no friends, family, or even distant acquaintances in the U.S., the leap she wanted to make was new in her family and city. But she did it anyway. And as she settles into her sophomore year at the University of Arizona in Tucson, her journey stands as a good example of self-belief and preparation.
“I moved to the U.S. in August 2023, and life at the University of Arizona has been incredible,” Jigisha remarks. She is thriving in an environment that once seemed a world away. “Every semester brings new experiences, and I’ve really enjoyed the balance of academics, work, and student life. It’s been a great journey so far,” she adds
Finding direction during a global pause
In many ways, the pandemic was her turning point. While others saw disruption, she found clarity. “When I was in the 9th grade, I was just focusing on my studies and hanging out with friends,” she remembers. But once the 10th grade rolled around and COVID-19 brought the world to a halt, she finally had the time to reflect. “That really gave me a lot of time to think about what exactly I wanted to do.”
Science had always interested her, so she naturally leaned toward the science stream. However, the traditional Indian path of competitive entrance exams like JEE or NEET didn’t appeal. “I just thought it was not for me,” she says honestly. Instead, she wanted a more holistic evaluation, one that considered her extracurriculars, reading habits, and creative pursuits.
The YouTube influence and abroad aspirations
Her search for alternative options led her to a new corner of the internet and study abroad influencers. Watching their content helped her understand not just the application process, but what life in a U.S. college actually looked like. By the end of her 10th grade, her mind was made up that she wanted to study in the U.S.
Now at the University of Arizona, she is majoring in Management Information Systems (MIS) and minoring in astronomical studies. “Settling into a new country felt like a big step,” she reflects, “but I adjusted quickly thanks to the supportive campus environment and the amazing people I’ve met.” From navigating academics to making new friends, Jigisha describes the transition as “smooth and exciting.”
Convincing parents: The first hurdle
Breaking the news to her parents was delicate. They had not expected that she might go abroad this soon. “They were kind of shocked. They thought I’d go for my master’s or for a job,” she shares. But to their credit, they were never against the idea, just unsure how it would all work. The distance, the financial commitment, and the unfamiliarity were daunting.
“I sat them down and I explained how I was planning to do it, that I was confident about it, how the process works, and that I would get scholarships,” she shared. Her clarity won them over, and they began supporting her dream wholeheartedly.
Gearing up for the leap
With their support in place, she entered full prep mode during her 10th and 11th grades. She kept her grades up and pursued extracurriculars she genuinely enjoyed. She also began preparing for standardized tests. Although she attempted the SAT, she ultimately didn’t submit the scores. “Thankfully, most universities were also test-optional that year because of COVID,” she says.
For her English proficiency, she opted for the Duolingo English Test instead of TOEFL or IELTS. “We didn’t have centers for the other exams in Solapur and they also cost a fortune,” she explains. The Duolingo test was cheaper, could be taken from home, and she even received a fee waiver. The score she earned was sufficient for every school she had on her list.
The application process
By the start of her 12th grade, she was ready. Her college essays and recommendation letters were ready on time. “I applied to four colleges in the first week itself,” she recalls, one of which was the University of Arizona, where she studies now.
The response was swift. “I heard back from them by the end of that month. I got a conditional acceptance because I hadn’t submitted my Duolingo English test score yet,” she explains. Once submitted, she received full admission, plus their highest merit-based scholarship.
Although she received offers from other universities, Arizona stood out. “This was where I got the most scholarship and it was the most financially viable option.” That made the decision easy.
A new life
Jigisha often reflects on how remarkable the journey has been. Her family’s emotional and financial support was indispensable. Her school, despite the unfamiliarity, helped her every step of the way. “They helped me with the letters of recommendation and even submitted forms for me through the Common App,” she says gratefully.
She was also able to apply to all the universities for free by using the Common App fee waiver, which is offered to students who may face financial constraints. Through a simple eligibility process, often verified by a school counselor or based on certain criteria like income or participation in government aid programs, the waiver removes the application fee for multiple colleges, making it much easier for students to apply without worrying about the cost.
Now a second-year undergraduate at the University of Arizona, she is living the campus life that many students aspire to. “What I’ve enjoyed most is the sense of independence and the chance to explore so many different things,” shares the youngster. “The university has truly become my second home.”
Embracing new life with enthusiasm
Jigisha has embraced student life in the U.S. with enthusiasm. She works two part-time jobs, holds a board position at the Eller Social Media Club, participates in a student tech advisory board, and even served as a preceptor for an astrobiology class. “These experiences have helped me build skills beyond the classroom and stay connected with different student communities.”
She’s candid about the challenges, too. “The hardest part was figuring things out on my own and staying disciplined while being so far from home. It’s easy to get distracted when there’s no one around to tell you what to do.” But she sees these moments as growth opportunities. “I’ve become more confident, independent, and capable of adapting to new situations.”
Future plans
Looking ahead, she’s optimistic. “I’m genuinely excited about the future. After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Arizona, I plan to pursue my master’s. Following that, I aim to begin my career in data or business, with the long-term goal of growing into leadership roles.” For now, though, she’s focused on making the most of college life. “I’m enjoying my college life, taking in all the experiences that the UofA has to offer, and looking forward to what’s next,” remarks the youngster who has been sharing her journey with aspirants through her vlogs.
- Follow Jigisha Kshirsagar on YouTube
