Congratulations: Hungarian student admitted to two of the world’s best universities!

Zsófia Keresztély, a senior student at Szent István High School in Budapest, has achieved what many only dream of—she’s been admitted to two of the world’s most prestigious universities: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States and the University of Cambridge in the UK.

Zsófia, a student in her school’s special mathematics program, leads what she describes as a “double life,” Eduline writes. While attending classes and preparing for Hungary’s high school graduation exams, she also competes in international mathematics and digital culture competitions. Her most recent success was at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad in Kosovo, where she earned a gold distinction.

Due to her demanding schedule filled with competitions and training camps, Zsófia follows an individual study plan. Despite this, she regularly attends school and is currently preparing for her final exams—taking Hungarian and history at standard level, and mathematics and digital culture at advanced level. “These grades won’t affect my admission anymore,” she explains, “but I still want to do well.”

Her journey to applying abroad began somewhat by chance. A friend returned to their old school and happened to attend a talk by Academy Consulting, an organisation that helps Hungarian students apply to universities abroad. Zsófia reached out to them, and they helped her navigate the complex admissions process.

Applying to MIT required not just strong academic performance but also completing the SAT, an English language test, several recommendation letters, and writing four to five essays per university. She also had to attend an online interview with an MIT alumnus. She applied to several US and UK institutions, and in March, she got the exciting news—she had been accepted to MIT. Not long after, she also received an offer from Cambridge.

Now, she faces a tough decision. “Cambridge is closer, and it was one of my childhood dreams,” she says. “But I feel MIT might be a better fit. Their system offers much more flexibility—you can choose your courses more freely and even decide on your major later. I really like that.”

She highlights that at elite universities, personal qualities matter as much as achievements. During the admissions process, she had to write essays about challenges she had overcome and how she sees her role in a community. Her competition results, including a perfect score at last year’s Central European Mathematical Olympiad, certainly helped.

To other Hungarian students aspiring to study abroad, Zsófia recommends mastering English, entering international competitions, volunteering, and launching side projects that reflect personal initiative. “Apply early, in the fall,” she advises. “And don’t hesitate to ask for help from those who’ve already gone through the process.”

Looking ahead, Zsófia is interested in working on mathematical or IT-related challenges in pharmaceutical research. But for now, she’s focused on choosing between two of the best universities in the world.

Read more about education in Hungary HERE.

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