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Twins José Gustavo and Pedro Arthur Carvalho Cordeiro, natives of Sertão do Araripe, achieved 16 approvals in public institutions in 2025, accumulated national medals, and decided to study at IFSertãoPE, in Ouricuri, to help other young people from public schools see new paths through education
Twins José Gustavo and Pedro Arthur Carvalho Cordeiro, 19 years old, natives of Exu, in Sertão do Araripe, Pernambuco, achieved a rare milestone in 2025: 16 approvals in public universities across Brazil. The result, equally divided between the two, placed the brothers in courses at federal and state institutions in Pernambuco, Ceará, and São Paulo.
The achievement is noteworthy for its starting point. Before the approvals, the brothers studied in public schools, discovered an early interest in exact sciences, and transformed their study routine into a life project. Between classes, mock exams, scientific initiation, and knowledge olympiads, they built a trajectory that now also serves as an inspiration for other students from the Sertão.
The twins’ journey began in public school and gained strength in exact sciences
The brothers’ relationship with studies began at Escola Municipal José Alves Silveira, in Granito, a city neighboring Exu. It was there, still in basic education, that José Gustavo and Pedro Arthur began to approach exact sciences.
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In High School, in state schools in Bodocó and Exu, this interest gained another rhythm. Encouraged by a Physics teacher, the twins began to participate in scientific olympiads, academic projects, and pre-university courses. From then on, studying ceased to be just preparation for exams and began to open doors inside and outside Pernambuco.
The routine that led the brothers to approvals required daily discipline
The twins’ preparation was built with organization. As they studied in the afternoon, they used the mornings to review university entrance exam content. At night, they did schoolwork and activities related to their scientific initiation scholarship.
On Saturdays, the focus was revision and mock exams. This routine helped the brothers balance school, scientific competitions, and selection processes for public universities. The result appeared in 2025, with a sequence of approvals in different states.
The 16 approvals show the extent of the twins’ preparation
In total, José Gustavo and Pedro Arthur achieved 16 approvals in public institutions. Each secured eight spots, mainly in courses related to Mathematics and Engineering.
Pedro Arthur was approved in Mathematics by URCA, Civil Engineering by ENEM/SiSU at IFSertãoPE, Telecommunications Engineering by Enem-Unicamp, Mathematics by SSA/UPE, Mathematics by Enem-USP, and Civil Engineering by PSC/UFCA.
José Gustavo was approved in Civil Engineering by SSA/UPE, Mathematics by URCA, Civil Engineering by ENEM/SiSU at IFSertãoPE, Telecommunications Engineering by Enem-Unicamp, Materials Engineering by Enem-USP, and Civil Engineering by PSC/UFCA.
Medals in scientific olympiads came before the university list
Before the approvals, the brothers had already accumulated significant results in knowledge competitions. In the Brazilian Rocket Exhibition, known as MOBFOG, they won a silver medal in 2023 and a gold medal in 2024, at a national level.
The performance also gained international reach. After awards in the International Mathematics Without Borders Olympiad, the twins received an invitation letter to represent the Brazilian delegation in Bangkok, Thailand. For young people from the Pernambuco Sertão and public schools, the recognition confirmed that their preparation was on the right track.
Why the twins chose Civil Engineering in inland Pernambuco
Even after being accepted into institutions in other states, José Gustavo and Pedro Arthur decided to remain in the Araripe Sertão. Today, both are studying Civil Engineering at IFSertãoPE, Ouricuri Campus.
The choice was made based on the brothers’ reality and their desire to contribute to the region. For them, studying at the Federal Institute means staying close to where it all began and directly participating in local development.
The decision also targets other public school students
Remaining in the Sertão is not just an academic choice. The twins also work on projects aimed at bringing knowledge olympiads to other public school students, with a focus on Experimental Physics.
The brothers’ experience practically shows how public education can change trajectories. The story brings together school, teachers, family, discipline, and well-utilized opportunities. More than just approvals, the case reinforces that students from inland areas can also compete at a high level and reach recognized institutions in the country.
The future may still lead the brothers to new universities
Despite their current choice for IFSertãoPE, José Gustavo and Pedro Arthur do not rule out studying at other institutions in the future. Universities like USP remain in their plans for later stages, such as specialization, master’s, or doctorate degrees.
The twins’ journey leaves a direct message for other young people in public schools: your place of origin does not have to limit your destiny. With support, discipline, and access to good opportunities, the Sertão also produces students capable of going far.
Do you believe that stories like those of twins José Gustavo and Pedro Arthur can encourage more young people from public schools to compete in scientific olympiads and for spots in public universities?
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