Brazilian twins approved at MIT and Cornell detail their study journey and family support

Irmãos twins residing in Bastos, within São Paulo, achieved significant results in the selection process for higher education institutions in Estados Unidos. Camila and Mateus Shida, aged 18, were accepted into Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Universidade Cornell, two of the most prestigious global academic entities. The duo’s trajectory, marked by rigorous discipline established by the family since childhood, contrasts with the common profile of technological use among young people of the same generation.

The foundation for international achievement was built in a domestic environment that prioritized cognitive development and literature over electronic devices. The parents, a dentist and an agronomist, implemented early stimulation methods that resulted in their children becoming literate at 2 years of age in Portuguese and at 3 years of age in English. Access to the first cell phone only occurred at the age of 15, a decision that young people point out as fundamental for developing the concentration necessary for advanced studies.

Metodologia teaching and early learning routine

The brothers’ academic training did not follow the conventional standards of elite cram schools or bilingual schools. Camila’s literacy process occurred under adverse conditions, during an eight-month period of hospital stay for treatment of leukemia. Nesse break, the mother chose to replace digital distractions with manual activities, drawings and teaching reading. Simultaneamente, Mateus received the same instructions at home, ensuring that they both progressed in an even manner.

Fluency in the foreign language was achieved through a diversified tutoring system. The family hired three different private teachers, who worked independently, to offer varied methodologies and accents. Essa strategy allowed young people to master English without ever having attended a traditional language school. Atualmente, the duo demonstrates total confidence to begin academic activities in North American territory in the second half of this year.

Prática of soroban and performance in scientific competitions

Mastery of mathematics and logical reasoning was expanded through the soroban, the traditional Japanese abacus. Dedication to the technique turned into a routine that took Mateus up to five hours a day after school. The discipline applied to the calculation tool resulted in calls for international competitions, leading the brothers to represent Brasil in Taiwan and Japão.

Participation in knowledge olympiads became a central pillar during high school. Camila and Mateus accumulated medals in various disciplines, ranging from astronomy to biology and robotics. Essa competitive experience is one of the criteria valued by Ivy League universities and top institutions such as MIT, which seek students with a proactive profile and proven excellence.

The main areas of emphasis in the competitions were:

• Olimpíada Brasileira of Astronomia and Astronáutica (OBA).
• Competições national robotics.
• Olimpíadas scientific biology and physics.
• Torneios international soroban on Ásia.

Fatores determining factors for success in the American selection process

When analyzing their success in applications to American universities, the brothers discard the label of giftedness. Eles argue that the difference lies in persistence and the culture of continuous effort transmitted by parents. The influence of the Japanese community on Bastos also contributed to the formation of a resilient mentality, aimed at overcoming complex technical challenges.

Além of school performance, engagement in extracurricular activities was decisive. Practicing sports and maintaining hobbies such as board games helped in the development of socio-emotional skills. The ability to work under pressure and the vision of social responsibility were aspects highlighted in their presentation letters to universities.

Preparação for entry into higher education in Estados Unidos

The change to the Estados Unidos represents the completion of a preparation cycle that began in the cradle. The choice of MIT and Cornell reflects the specific interests of each in areas of technology and applied sciences. Family support remains the main support for the transition that will occur in the coming months.

The students plan to focus on research that will allow them to repay the knowledge acquired in the future. The story of Camila and Mateus serves as an example of how family pedagogical planning and the temporary renunciation of modern comforts can impact the student trajectory. The Brazilian academic community follows with interest the progress of these young people abroad.