Bernardo Vinício Manfredini, only 12 years old and in the 8th grade, has achieved a remarkable milestone by gaining admission to the math program at the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Uerj). Residing in São Pedro da Aldeia, part of the Lagos Region, he undertook the entrance exam focusing on the experience rather than on the competition, which allowed him to gain valuable insight into the selection process.

Motivated by curiosity and the desire to understand the entrance exam, Bernardo participated as a 'treineiro,' a practice candidate who does not require admission, with encouragement and support from his mother, Luzia Manfredini. Despite expectations of a lower cutoff score for the program, he was surprised to learn that the actual cutoff was significantly higher than anticipated. Nevertheless, he managed to secure a place with a comfortable margin.

This event not only highlights the achievements of young students but also raises discussions about the accessibility of higher education for teenagers. Bernardo’s case serves as an inspiration and prompts conversations around educational policies and the importance of nurturing talent at an early age in Brazil, particularly in fields like mathematics where competitive placements may be less common.