IMPA Tech student accepted at 8 universities in 4 Brazilian states

02/08/2024

In #Al alémDasEquações, we will tell you about the career of Anderson Aquiles Batista de Souza. Born in Machados (PE), the 18-year-old was accepted at eight Brazilian universities and chose IMPA Tech to do his degree. Before arriving in Rio de Janeiro for his degree in Mathematics of Technology and Innovation, Aquiles considered studying physics, engineering and mathematics. The student was approved for ILUM, USP, UFPE, UNESP, UFMS, UPE and Facens.

“I chose to come to IMPA Tech because I knew it would be a great challenge and because of IMPA’s international reputation. Now I’m realizing that it’s true. The course isn’t easy, the level is high, but it motivates me precisely because I learn things that I wouldn’t learn anywhere else,” said the student.

Anderson grew up in Siriji, a small district of São Vicente Férrer, in the interior of Pernambuco. It was there that he came into contact with knowledge Olympics, such as the OBMEP (Brazilian Public School Math Olympics), the OBA (Brazilian Astronomy Olympics) and the OBR (Brazilian Robotics Olympics), and developed his passion for the exact sciences.

Between the 9th year of elementary school and the 3rd year of secondary school, the student won gold and silver medals at the OBA and bronze at the OBMEP, but it was in the 2nd year of secondary school that he made his breakthrough. As a result of his good performance in the astronomy Olympiad, Anderson went on to take part in the international selections for the area (IOAA and OLAA) and traveled to Rio de Janeiro for the first time to prepare for and take the test. Despite his efforts, he didn’t make it through to the next stages, but he was left as an alternate on the approval list. “I was very happy with my performance because it was the first time I had taken the selective exams and it’s very difficult to get there, especially having come from so far away,” she added.

Although he has a greater affinity with astronomy and physics, Anderson sees mathematics as the fundamental basis for his performance. “To be able to study and have these achievements, I had to study a lot of mathematics, such as linear algebra and calculus. The mathematical basis is indispensable for delving deeper into physics. When I saw IMPA Tech’s curriculum, I was very excited because here I can study a bit of everything and follow the emphasis on physics, which is my desire,” he added.

A big change in the northeasterner’s life was moving to Rio de Janeiro. “Living in Rio de Janeiro is a total change. At first, I felt a big impact, but I’m already adapted and happy. I feel at ease and my relationship with the other students is very good,” he said.

What’s more, Anderson now shares his day-to-day life with students who also have a passion for the exact sciences. “I come from a place where, unfortunately, there aren’t many schools or opportunities, so I didn’t have any colleagues interested in areas similar to mine. Here at IMPA Tech, the exchange of experiences is fantastic. It’s been incredible!”

After the end of the first cycle, Anderson is excited about the next stage. “My expectations for the second semester are very good, I’m very excited and I think the content is more fun. I’m really looking forward to it and I’m already taking a look at the syllabus,” said the student.

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