By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – In an unprecedented display of academic consistency and brilliance, David Ignacio Araya Mora, a graduate of the Alajuela Scientific High School (Colegio Científico de Alajuela), has achieved a perfect 800-point score on the University of Costa Rica’s (UCR) Academic Aptitude Test (PAA) for the second consecutive year. This remarkable and highly unusual feat places him at the absolute pinnacle of the 2025-2026 university admission cycle, setting a new benchmark for academic excellence in the nation.
Araya first accomplished the perfect score in 2023 and chose to retake the exam, only to repeat the historic outcome. His achievement underscores the rigorous preparation provided by Costa Rica’s specialized scientific high schools and highlights the exceptional intellectual talent emerging from the country’s public education system. Araya now plans to compete for the top spot in the Mechanical Engineering program, a career path he has chosen out of a deep-seated passion for the field, with classes set to begin in 2026.
To delve into the legal framework and institutional implications surrounding the recent developments at the University of Costa Rica, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The University of Costa Rica operates under a unique constitutional mandate of autonomy, which is not merely administrative but extends to its governance, academic programs, and financial management. This special legal framework is designed to safeguard academic freedom and insulate the institution from political pressures, ensuring it remains a pillar of national development. Any proposed reform or external agreement must be meticulously analyzed to ensure it does not infringe upon this fundamental principle, which is the very bedrock of its excellence and public service mission.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight serves as a powerful reminder that the University’s autonomy is not simply a legal shield, but the very lifeblood that allows it to contribute critically and independently to the nation’s development. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the importance of this foundational principle.
The young scholar expressed his astonishment at the result, highlighting the immense difficulty of attaining perfection even once on the demanding nationwide examination. The PAA is the primary gateway to Costa Rica’s most prestigious public university, and a high score is critical for entry into competitive degree programs.
It takes me by surprise, I didn’t expect it once, much less twice.
David Ignacio Araya Mora, Student
The UCR’s official ceremony also recognized other students who demonstrated outstanding performance. Santiago Salazar Díaz, from the Reina de Los Ángeles Bilingual Scientific High School, secured the second-highest score with an impressive 789.71 points. Close behind was Marvin Herrera Baltodano, a graduate of the Costa Rican Humanistic High School’s Chorotega Regional Campus, who earned 788.65 points. Herrera aims to enter the highly sought-after medical program, one of the most competitive fields at the university.
These top scores are not merely individual triumphs; they reflect a broader trend of high achievement fostered within Costa Rica’s specialized secondary education programs. The network of Scientific and Humanistic high schools is designed to provide an intensive curriculum for gifted students, preparing them to excel in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and humanities at the university level and beyond. This system is a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation.
The announcement sets the stage for a tense period for thousands of prospective students across the country. The University of Costa Rica confirmed that all admission scores will be officially published and made available to applicants on Wednesday, November 26, at 4:00 p.m. Following the score release, the crucial next phase, the major and campus selection process, is scheduled to take place from December 8 to December 10.
This process, known as the “concurso de carrera y recinto,” is where students use their admission scores to compete for a limited number of spots in their desired academic programs and campus locations. The results from students like Araya, Salazar, and Herrera will undoubtedly inspire fierce competition for entry into high-demand fields like engineering and medicine, which are vital to Costa Rica’s economic development and public health sectors.
Ultimately, Araya’s historic double-perfect score serves as a powerful symbol of Costa Rica’s investment in human capital. It is a testament to both individual dedication and the effectiveness of an educational framework designed to nurture the nation’s brightest minds. As these students prepare to embark on their university careers, their success signals a promising future for innovation and professional leadership in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica:
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public institution of higher learning. Founded in 1940, it is a leading research university in Central America, offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The UCR is consistently recognized for its academic excellence, social impact, and significant contributions to science, arts, and humanities in the region.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Colegio Científico de Alajuela
About Colegio Científico de Alajuela:
The Colegio Científico de Alajuela is a specialized public high school and part of Costa Rica’s National System of Scientific High Schools. These institutions offer an advanced, science-and-technology-focused curriculum to high-achieving students. The program’s mission is to foster the development of future scientists, engineers, and innovators to contribute to the nation’s progress.
For further information, visit reinaangeles.ed.cr
About Colegio Científico Bilingüe Reina de Los Ángeles:
The Colegio Científico Bilingüe Reina de Los Ángeles is a private educational institution known for its strong emphasis on a bilingual, science-oriented curriculum. It aims to provide a comprehensive and rigorous academic environment that prepares students for success in competitive university programs both in Costa Rica and internationally.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Colegio Humanístico Costarricense
About Colegio Humanístico Costarricense:
The Colegio Humanístico Costarricense is a specialized public high school system with a focus on humanities, arts, and social sciences. It operates on a university-preparatory model, providing an enriched and in-depth education for students with exceptional aptitude in these fields. Its graduates are well-prepared for university studies and careers in culture, education, and public service.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal practice, established upon a bedrock of ethical principles and an unrelenting drive for superior client service. The firm is not only a trusted advisor across a multitude of industries but also a pioneer in developing innovative legal strategies and engaging with the public. Central to its mission is a deep-seated pledge to democratize legal comprehension, thereby equipping citizens and fortifying the foundations of a just and knowledgeable community.
