Today I want to share a few personal stories about my wife, about myself, and about how we both learned not to be intimidated by the numbers.
My wife graduated from a top 30 university in China and later earned her master’s degree in Canada. Recently she was listening to a podcast and found out that the acceptance rate for top 30 universities combined is only about 1.62%.
She turned to me and said, “That’s terrifying. If I had known back then that the odds were that low, I probably wouldn’t have even dared to apply. I can’t believe I actually got in with those odds.”
And honestly, I completely understood. When you see how small the probability is, your brain automatically starts doubting itself. It’s not that we’re incapable, it’s that the number itself can psychologically limit us.
When I started taking the CFA exams back in 2017, I heard the same kind of noise:
“The pass rates are too low.”
“People spend years and still fail.”
“It’s almost impossible to pass all three levels.”
But I did, all three levels, all on the first try, and each one in the 90th percentile. Statistically, that puts me roughly in the top 2% of all candidates who’ve ever taken the exams.
I didn’t follow the standard prep route. I never read a single page of Schweser Notes or the official curriculum. I designed a method that fit me and only me. After seeing it work for Level I, I refined and strengthened it for Levels II and III.
Even while working full time, with no large study blocks, I found a system that was efficient, focused, and sustainable. I talked about this in detail in one of my older CFA posts; it was a real turning point for how I approach big goals.
Then came job hunting for a front office role in finance.
Everyone around me — seniors, classmates, even mentors — said it was nearly impossible with my background.
“Those jobs are too competitive.”
“No one with a similar profile has made it.”
“The market is too bad right now.”
But instead of agreeing, I analyzed why most people failed and built my own plan. I took a stepping stone role, accumulated relevant experience, earned additional qualifications, and studied how to stand out in interviews.
Eventually, I landed my first front office role. Four and a half years later, I’ve just been promoted one year ahead of schedule.
And when I decided to DIY my NIW petition, it was déjà vu. Every lawyer I spoke to said no.
“Impossible.”
“Finance background, master’s degree only? We’ve never seen that work.”
But I thought, precisely because they’ve never seen it, that’s my leverage. That’s my edge.
If it hasn’t been done often, it’s not a warning, it’s an opportunity.
It’s the same pattern every time: people say something’s “too hard,” “too unlikely,” or “impossible.”
But if your goal depends on it, like getting that I-140 approval, then the question isn’t “Is it hard?” but rather, “How can I win despite that?”
When approval rates drop and competition rises, copying everyone else’s approach won’t work.
That’s exactly when your Petition Letter (PL) becomes even more important.
A strong PL isn’t a legal document, it’s a pitch.
You need to structure it so the USCIS officer immediately grasps your strongest points. Within one minute, they should be thinking, “This makes sense, I want to approve this.”
Humans are naturally influenced by first impressions. Once an officer subconsciously forms that positive judgment, your evidence then serves to reinforce it, not build it from scratch.
It’s like walking into a store and seeing a product that instantly catches your eye. From that moment, you start finding reasons to justify buying it — not because it’s objectively the best product, but because it feels right.
That’s exactly how NIW adjudication works too.
So don’t be scared by the numbers, the odds, or the rejections.
Low probability doesn’t mean no probability.
If you know how to strategize, execute, and think independently, you can absolutely be that 2%.
Find your own leverage to deal with the uncertainty.
Finally again, visit eb2niw.ca to access the petition letter and other materials I submitted.
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