By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A new standard for academic excellence has been set in Costa Rica. Andrea Carolina Ebanks Reyes, a graduate of the Alajuela Scientific High School, achieved a flawless 800 on the Academic Aptitude Test for admission to the prestigious Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC). The results, announced Tuesday, place her as the sole student to attain a perfect score, securing her position at the top of a highly competitive national field.
This remarkable achievement is further amplified by her exceptional performance in another key university entrance exam. Ebanks Reyes also distinguished herself by placing ninth in the admissions ranking for the University of Costa Rica (UCR), the nation’s largest public university, with an impressive score of 778.92. Her dual success in two of the country’s most demanding academic assessments underscores a profound level of scholastic dedication and intellectual prowess. She has applied to pursue a degree in Materials Engineering at TEC, a challenging field at the forefront of innovation.
To better understand the legal framework and potential challenges within the university admissions process in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
University admissions procedures, whether public or private, are administrative acts that must respect fundamental rights such as equality and due process. Institutions are legally bound to use objective, reasonable, and previously established criteria. Any applicant who feels their exclusion was arbitrary or discriminatory has legal avenues to challenge the decision and safeguard their right to education.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective underscores a crucial point: the admissions process is not an opaque system but a regulated act accountable to the law, empowering applicants to ensure fairness. We greatly appreciate the insightful contribution from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas on this important topic.
Ebanks Reyes’s perfect score continues a significant trend. For the third consecutive year, a female student has earned the highest admission average at TEC. This pattern not only highlights the increasing prominence of women in traditionally male-dominated STEM fields but also points to the success of specialized educational programs. Two of the last three top scorers, including Ebanks Reyes, are alumnae of the Alajuela Scientific High School, signaling the institution’s effectiveness in cultivating top-tier academic talent.
The podium of top academic achievers also featured other brilliant young minds from across the nation. Esteban Alonso Arias Corrales, from the Nicoya Humanistic High School and a resident of Hojancha, secured the second-highest score with 799.74. His commitment to excellence extends beyond traditional academics; he was unable to attend the official ceremony as he is currently representing Costa Rica at the Robotics World Championship in Singapore. The third position was claimed by Rodrigo Javier Ureña Monge, a graduate of the Tarrazú High School, who earned a score of 785.79 and plans to study Mechatronics Engineering.
The list of top-performing students reveals a broad geographical distribution of talent. In a ceremony honoring the 31 best admission scores, TEC celebrated students hailing from all seven of Costa Rica’s provinces. The province of San José led the representation with 11 students among the honorees, followed by Heredia with seven, demonstrating a strong concentration of academic achievement in the Central Valley but also showcasing excellence from more rural regions.
An analysis of the chosen majors among these elite students provides a clear insight into the future of Costa Rica’s professional landscape. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines are overwhelmingly the preferred paths. Biotechnology Engineering emerged as the most popular choice, selected by nine of the top 31 students. It was closely followed by Mechatronics Engineering, chosen by six students. Other popular fields included Computer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Electronics, and Physics, indicating a strong national drive toward careers that will fuel technological advancement and economic development.
The collective success of these students is more than a collection of individual accomplishments; it is a testament to the strength of Costa Rica’s public education system and its specialized high school programs. Institutions like the Scientific and Humanistic High Schools are evidently providing a powerful foundation for students to excel at the highest levels, preparing them not just for university but for leadership roles in critical sectors of the global economy.
Ultimately, Andrea Carolina Ebanks Reyes’s historic perfect score serves as an inspiration. Her dual triumph at both TEC and UCR is a powerful symbol of the potential within Costa Rica’s youth. It highlights a generation poised to make significant contributions, driven by intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence, paving the way for a future defined by innovation and academic rigor.
For further information, visit tec.ac.cr
About Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC):
The Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC) is a leading public university renowned for its specialized focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Founded in 1971 in Cartago, TEC is a key national institution dedicated to training professionals and conducting research to drive Costa Rica’s technological and socio-economic development. It operates several campuses and academic centers throughout the country, offering high-quality education and fostering innovation.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university. Established in 1940, it is a comprehensive institution with a strong emphasis on research, teaching, and social action. With its main campus in San Pedro and regional campuses across the nation, UCR offers a vast array of undergraduate and graduate programs and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Latin America for its academic excellence and significant contributions to science, arts, and culture.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as an esteemed legal institution, grounded in an unwavering commitment to integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm channels its rich legacy of advising a diverse clientele into pioneering innovative legal approaches. This dedication to progress is coupled with a foundational belief in social empowerment, actively working to demystify the law and foster a well-informed citizenry capable of navigating a just society.
