"Going from feeling far removed from where the world is shaped just a year ago, to having three friends who got into Y Combinator, and meeting people who now report directly to Tim Cook or Elon Musk—it changes your perspective. Suddenly, you no longer see it as something out of reach. You feel like you're right in the thick of it," says Tomás.
Tomás decided to apply for a master's degree in the United States as a way to challenge himself. "It was a way to test myself and see how far I could go," he says.
He applied to four graduate programs at institutions ranked among the top 10 globally and was accepted into two. Ultimately, he chose the Master of Engineering in Computer Science at Cornell Tech, the technology campus of the renowned U.S. university Cornell, which focuses on systems and entrepreneurship.
A challenging but achievable process
Applying to a university of this caliber involves a number of requirements: taking the TOEFL English proficiency test, translating transcripts, paying application fees, and filling out forms—all of which require time and organization. "Anyone who is prepared for the effort involved in applying can do it. The important thing is to know that it’s possible. If anyone is interested in applying, I’m happy to help by providing information about the process," he says.
Why Cornell Tech
In addition to the school’s reputation, Tomás appreciated the program’s practical, entrepreneurship-focused approach. “In the second semester, there’s a class where you team up with other students to launch a startup and compete for $100,000 in funding,” he explains.
Previous education and extracurricular achievements
One of the key factors in his admission was his extracurricular background. In addition to graduating from Universidad ORT Uruguay, he taught at the School of Engineering, co-founded the startup Strike— where he led the technology team and secured nearly $6 million in funding—and developed other personal projects such as Coco, which combined psychotherapy with AI.
"Having extracurricular achievements is key to standing out. I recommend that students get involved in projects early on," he suggests, adding that "any activity you do that sets you apart will be important in this process."
An environment of collaboration and mutual learning
Tomás highlights the collaborative atmosphere at Cornell Tech, both among students and with faculty. "There is a constant willingness to support one another and grow together. That culture is reflected in both the academic and social aspects of campus life."
Similarities with ORT training
According to Tomás, ORT’s educational philosophy shares several similarities with that of Cornell Tech, such as project-based assessments, a strong emphasis on teamwork, and encouraging students to develop their own solutions.
"It's not a multiple-choice assessment system. There's room for creativity, and that prepares you best for what comes next."
Personal and cultural challenges
The biggest challenge wasn't academic, but cultural: adapting to a new city and forming new connections in a different language. "In my case, I was in Montevideo one Sunday, and the next day I was starting classes in New York. If I could go back, I'd move there a few days earlier so the transition would be more gradual," he reflects.
New Goals: Silicon Valley
After completing his master's degree, Tomás moved to San Francisco to join the founding team of Horizon, a startup incubated at ORT's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. "Moving in with the founders and working in the world's most important tech ecosystem —it's a new chapter that really motivates me."
A message for those who dream of studying abroad
“Studying abroad opens doors and allows you to grow tremendously. Planning ahead can help, for example, with scholarships like the Fulbright. However, the most important thing is still to take the plunge. You can do it—of course you can,” says Tomás.
“It’s good to think big. Uruguay isn’t far behind the major innovation hubs. Opportunities exist, and more and more students are seizing them. We’re closer than it seems.”