Study Abroad: How to Apply and What to Expect After Graduation
She enrolled in Fashion PR programs at five US universities
USA, New York, Morningside Heights · Columbia University is one of the oldest private universities in the United States, located in the very heart of New York City. It attracts ambitious students from all over the world who want not just a diploma, but a global career. The right preparation and strategy will help you get into Columbia University.
Columbia University in New York is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and a member of the Ivy League. Founded in 1754, it combines centuries-old traditions with modern educational technology.
The academic culture of Columbia University is a true workshop for researchers: students get access to invaluable resources and world-class libraries and laboratories, while professors become mentors who inspire and guide.
The faculties of Columbia University are known for their academic rigour. Engineering students build projects that genuinely change technology, and journalism graduates carry out investigations of global significance. This is a place where ideas really come to life.
Columbia alumni include Franklin D. Roosevelt, Barack Obama, Isaac Asimov, J. D. Salinger, Warren Buffett, Alexander Hamilton and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Columbia University in New York is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and a member of the Ivy League. Founded in 1754, it combines centuries-old traditions with modern educational technology.
The academic culture of Columbia University is a true workshop for researchers: students get access to invaluable resources and world-class libraries and laboratories, while professors become mentors who inspire and guide.
Famous alumni include Barack Obama, Alexander Hamilton and Warren Buffett.
The faculties of Columbia University are known for their academic rigour. Engineering students build projects that genuinely change technology, and journalism graduates carry out investigations of global significance. This is exactly the place where ideas come to life.
Getting into Columbia University is a multi-layered process that requires careful planning and strategy. It is like a complex puzzle in which every piece is part of your profile: academic record, recommendations, essays, exams… Only when all the pieces come together into one coherent picture do you become an attractive candidate for the admissions committee.
Every stage requires attention and preparation. Even with fierce competition, consistent, focused work and the right positioning will bring you the long-awaited offer from Columbia University.
First, find your niche. For example, if your goal is international relations, look at social science schools whose graduates go on to become diplomats or UN analysts.
CV, application form, personal essays, recommendations. The list varies from university to university, but one document is always required: the personal statement. It should tell the story of your journey and reflect your interests, ambitions and your big idea.
SAT or ACT, TOEFL/IELTS: test results demonstrate your academic readiness and your ability to compete with candidates from all over the world.
Perhaps the final chord of the symphony: your moment to show your personality, passions and what makes you unique as a candidate.
Application deadlines are critical. No one will wait if you submit late, even for a good reason.
A high GPA, excellent grades in core subjects and strong SAT/ACT scores.
TOEFL/IELTS for international students applying to English-taught programmes.
Letters of recommendation that speak to your achievements, determination and leadership.
The key document that tells your personal story and shows your goals and ambitions.
Shows your real achievements, experience and work.
We help prepare a complete set of documents that meets the university’s requirements, so that every detail of your profile looks convincing and coherent to the Columbia University admissions committee.
The cost of studying at Columbia University depends on the programme:
International students can apply for grants and Columbia University scholarships that may cover up to 100% of the cost of study. Financial aid takes into account academic achievements, family need and involvement in social projects.
Getting a scholarship at Columbia University is a strategic process:
Our students receive 50% to 100% funding thanks to a smart strategy and a well-built personal brand.
Awarded for the whole PhD; include tuition, health insurance, a monthly stipend and the opportunity to teach or do research.
Awarded to students with outstanding academic results; not always linked to financial need.
Based on the student’s financial circumstances; cover tuition, accommodation and other costs.
For example, AAUW International Fellowships, Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships, Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund; they can cover tuition, accommodation and living costs.
The student is paid for working as an assistant on a research project or course; often includes partial or full tuition coverage.
Provided by third-party organisations, foundations or companies; terms and amounts depend on the grantor.
Columbia University has more than 20 schools and faculties. Each offers unique programmes, internships and research opportunities that turn students into competitive professionals on the global market.
history, sociology, political science
finance, MBA, entrepreneurship
computer science, artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering
media, investigative journalism, communications
international and corporate law
training diplomats and analysts
For Columbia University students, life in New York is a mix of academic rigour and urban energy. Manhattan becomes a real “laboratory”: internships, conferences and meetings with industry leaders all happen here.
Students live in the historic residence halls on campus and join clubs, sports teams and cultural events. New York opens up endless opportunities for professional and personal growth, and studying at Columbia University lets you combine academic training with international-level practical experience.
We build an individual admission strategy that takes into account the strengths of each student. More than 330 of our students have already been admitted to top universities worldwide with 80–100% scholarships, including Columbia University. Book a consultation: we will assess your chances of getting into Columbia University and draw up an individual action plan.
We will objectively assess your current chances of admission and explain how to improve them.
We will put together a complete application package, including essays and letters of recommendation.
We will build a strong personal brand that makes you stand out among thousands of other applicants.
We will be with you at every stage, right up to getting your visa and leaving for your studies.
She enrolled in Fashion PR programs at five US universities
She was admitted to three American universities at once: Augustana College, Widener University, and the University of South Dakota. She chose Augustana College, where she received a scholarship of $45,000 per year.
Got accepted to NYU Abu Dhabi on the first try (acceptance rate 4%) with a scholarship of $217,000. Also received offers from Lynn and Drexel University.
He entered a master’s program in the USA at two universities at once – Brandeis University and Washington University in St. Louis, receiving scholarships totaling $80,000. He chose Brandeis University and went to study on the first try.
I was accepted to the PhD program at Columbia University on my first try, having strengthened my profile and compiled my achievements into a strong application.
She enrolled in graphic design at universities in France, Italy and Hungary. She received scholarships at all of them and chose the university with the maximum funding — $135,000 for the entire period of study.
She entered graduate school at Kent State University and Ohio University. At Ohio University, she won a Graduate Teaching Assistantship with full funding of $37,774, covering tuition, insurance, and living expenses.
He entered Siena Heights University (USA) for the Theater and Music program with a full scholarship of $170,000. Preparation took less than a year.
«If you are in doubt about where to go, worried that it won’t work out, then what are you waiting for? Come for a consultation with an expert»
Video review by Anastasia
«Try, work and trust! Don’t be afraid to trust, I trusted the SelfStartGlobal team and haven’t regretted it for a minute»
Video review by Anastasia
«I was looking for information on how to apply to a university and came across many webinars. One of them was hosted by Radmila»
Video review by Leonid
«Now a new best life is beginning, full of victories and adventures. This is absolute happiness, and I wish it to everyone»
Video review from Ksenia
«I am currently in 11th grade at a school in Kyiv, but I have already been admitted to a U.S. bachelor’s program and received a 100% scholarship»
Feedback from Ksenia
«I liked that the company focuses on developing a personal brand, as this is important for admission to the USA»
Elina's video review
«I didn’t know what I wanted to study for, and I was given an appointment with a career guidance counselor. We chose medicine, which I am very happy about»
Video review of Diora
«With SelfStartGlobal support, you will always know: what to do, why to do it and when to do it. This saves a lot of time»
Video review by Igor
«We started preparing a year in advance, and this was not enough. To have a good profile, you need to spend several years being active»
Sabrina's video review
«I liked that we had constant contact with Ksenia (curator). I needed clear deadlines - I myself would start to grab onto everything at once»
Video review from Sofia«The main thing is the match with the university. I didn’t look at rankings, but at how well the university fit my profile and goals»
Review by Leila
«There are many companies on the market that help with studying abroad, but no one does it as comprehensively as SelfStart»
Review by Egor
«It took me a while to realize I'd been accepted. It was an unforgettable experience, one I wish everyone who dreams of studying abroad could experience»
Alina's video review«Don't waste your time choosing an admissions company; I've done it for you. Just contact SelfStartGlobal – they'll help you»
Video review by Lazizbek«At first, the university refused me a scholarship, but my supervisor helped me write a letter, after which I received a 100% scholarship»
Video review by Natalia«Among all the companies in the admissions market, SelfStartGlobal places an emphasis on distinguishing students from other candidates»
Video review by Lilia«When I started, I knew absolutely nothing about applying abroad: no deadlines, no documents, nothing!»
Video review by Ruslan
«There were many questions during the process, but they helped me in everything, supported me and convinced me that I was on the right path. I think this is the most important thing»
Video review from Kamola
Leave your contacts — our consultant will get in touch
