Hello! I am Renzo, a Brazilian student that got into Columbia University for the Class of 2029. Here is the story of how I did it!
My Background
I was born in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, in the northeast region of Brazil. However, I later moved to São Paulo, a larger city, where I attended high school at a school called Poliedro.
Why Studying Abroad
I decided to study abroad because, although I was interested in pursuing a STEM course, my ultimate goal is to become an entrepreneur — something that is more challenging to achieve in Brazil. In the U.S., I found more opportunities and sponsorships related to give life to my dream.
Although the U.S. was my top choice, I also applied to UCL (University College London) because they offer a scholarship for Brazilian students. Additionally, I took the Brazilian university entrance exam (ENEM).
Columbia University, why?
I applied Early Decision to Columbia, which means I was very confident in my choice. The most important factor for me was being in a big city—I wouldn’t consider a university in the middle of nowhere, especially since I grew up in a smaller city, Vitória da Conquista, and wouldn’t want to live in a similar place again. My main goal was to be near New York, so I only applied to universities close to the city.
Another key reason for my decision is my strong desire to become an entrepreneur in the financial market, and Columbia offers many majors that align with that goal. Being in New York also means constant exposure to opportunities, networking, and innovation.
Finally, Columbia provides extensive resources for its engineering school, including special scholarships for Brazilian students and various support programs, making it an even more compelling choice for me.
Stats & Tips
My GPA was 9.9 out of 10. I scored 1520 on the SAT and 145 on the Duolingo English Test (DET).
My tip for achieving good stats is consistency. Develop the habit of studying regularly and make good grades or scores a clear goal. I don't believe there’s a magical formula for success, but it's essential to genuinely focus on your studies and prioritize what matters. Consistency and dedication make all the difference in the long run.
Extracurriculars
My three most important extracurriculars were as follows:
Firstly, I was a senior tutor at Schoolhouse, where I taught various subjects to kids with different interests. Secondly, I served as a coding tutor for children in São José dos Campos, where I taught coding skills to kids from underprivileged backgrounds. Lastly, I founded an app called "Gestos", which was focused on teaching LIBRAS (Brazilian Sign Language) and I even received a award for this app.
Personal Statement
My personal statement focused on leaving Bahia and adapting to a completely new environment, one that was unlike anything I had experienced before. It was about the challenges of transitioning from my hometown to a much bigger, unfamiliar place, and how those experiences shaped my growth and perspective.
Financial Aid
Columbia University is a need-based school, meaning I only needed to submit the CSS Profile to qualify for financial aid. I was awarded a full-ride scholarship, with the only cost not covered being my flight ticket to New York. However, I received another scholarship that covered that as well. Additionally, I was part of a mentoring program called the Prep Program, which paid for all related expenses to application, including my DET and SAT fees.
