In late summer 1895, at the age of sixteen, Einstein sat the entrance examinations for the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in
Zurich (later the
Eidgenössische Polytechnische Schule). He failed to reach the required standard in several subjects, but obtained exceptional grades in physics and mathematics.
[20] On the advice of the Principal of the Polytechnic, he attended the Aargau Cantonal School in
Aarau, Switzerland, in 1895-96 to complete his secondary schooling. While lodging with the family of Professor Jost Winteler, he fell in love with Winteler's daughter, Marie. (His sister
Maja later married the Wintelers' son, Paul.)
[21] In January 1896, with his father's approval, he renounced his
citizenship in the German Kingdom of Württemberg to avoid
military service.
[22] In September 1896, he passed the Swiss
Matura with mostly good grades (including a top grade of 6 in physics and mathematical subjects, on a scale of 1-6),
[23] and, though only seventeen, enrolled in the four year mathematics and physics teaching diploma program at the
ETH Zurich. Marie Winteler moved to
Olsberg, Switzerland for a teaching post.