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At 18 Years Old, Sisters Celebrate Noteworthy Approvals, Reveal Significant Role of Essay Writing, Intense Study Routine, and Choice to Stay in Porto Alegre After Impressive Results in PSS and Entrance Exam
Similar in appearance and grades, the Brazilian twins Helena and Ana Bettanzo, 18 years old, achieved a rare feat. The sisters placed 1st in the Medicine and Law programs at UFSM, Federal University of Santa Maria, in Rio Grande do Sul. Additionally, they also secured admission to UFRGS, further enhancing the academic distinction of the two young women.
Attention-Grabbing Approvals
Helena secured the top spot in Medicine, while Ana led in Law. The result quickly became a topic of conversation among classmates, teachers, and family.
The sisters, who now live in Porto Alegre, were born in the municipality of Coração do Rio Grande and graduated from the Military College of Santa Maria. Their entry into UFSM was through the Series Selection Process (PSS).
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“It was undoubtedly an opportunity that may never come again. If we compare, in the PSS there were a little over four candidates per spot, while in the traditional entrance exam there were 167 candidates per spot in Medicine,” Helena stated.
Essay Writing as a Differentiator
According to the twins, their performance in the essay section played a decisive role in the final outcome. Preparation began months before the exams.
Since April, they had been practicing texts aimed at both the Enem and UFSM, with guidance from teacher Mariane Lazzari. In August, they began their preparation for the Enem. In November, they shifted their focus to the PSS.
“The essay was a huge differentiator. Our progress was significant,” they told Radio CDN.
Choices Built Over Time
Helena shared that the decision to pursue Medicine was not immediate. In her first year of high school, she still had doubts.
The choice came only at the end of her second year when she began to identify more with the field. Ana, on the other hand, reported that Law had always been part of her plans.
“Since the beginning of high school, I was already decided,” she explained.
Staying in Porto Alegre
Despite their impressive achievement at UFSM, the sisters chose not to return to Santa Maria. The reason was their acceptance into UFRGS’s Law and Medicine programs. This decision allowed them to stay in Porto Alegre, where their whole family is gathered.
Ana was also admitted to the Law program at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro through Sisu.
The news heightened the celebratory ambiance at home. Their parents, according to them, were emotional about the results.
Impact and Next Steps for the Twins
With the decision to study at UFRGS, the spots won by the twins at UFSM will be redistributed in the upcoming PSS calls.
The case continues to resonate as an example of discipline, planning, and dedication. Behind the scenes remains the memory of an intense study routine, pedagogical mentoring, and consistency throughout the three stages of the selection process—elements that, for the sisters, were fundamental to their successful journey.
With information from Só Notícia Boa.
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