New Jersey student earns Presidential Scholar nod after attaining perfect SAT score

-original photo credits- West Orange Public Schools District

A17-year-old student named Sahli Negassi from West Orange High School in New Jersey has attained a remarkable feat, clinching a perfect SAT score.

Pulling in this accolade now has Negassi ranking among an esteemed group of students as less than 1,000 of them across the United States have reached the milestone each year, as per reports.

He prioritized finding the right balance during his time at West Orange High, focusing on his academic responsibilities with leadership roles in two clubs and involving himself actively in sports.

The young New Jersey student threaded the path to a perfect SAT score by clinching a near-perfect 1590, yet retook the test after he reflected on his performance and realized he could improve that result.

The second attempt had him attaining a flawless score of 1600, and Sahli has since been honored for his exploits.

“I walked into class and thought, ‘I can do better,” Negassi said.

Though he already had a remarkable score, his decision to challenge himself further paid off, as he is now considered an example for many other students.

Due to the 17-year-old’s determination, he’s earned himself a slot as a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, which is a prestigious recognition for the most outstanding high school seniors in the nation.

The SAT is a standardized test that assesses the readiness of students for college in reading, writing, and math.

According to the College Board, the average SAT score in the United States is 1050, and many students are afforded the opportunity to take the test several times to better their scores.

Nonetheless, Negassi’s achievement is incredible, mainly because he was able to attain that feat (1600) only on his second attempt.

“I didn’t have a tutor; it was just me and whatever website I could find,” he stated.

His dedication to studying was evident, as he was often seen reviewing SAT materials between his track races.

Negassi said his success on the SAT was not about innate intelligence, but about recognizing patterns, managing time effectively, and trying to be consistent in practice.

Principal of West Orange High School, Oscar Guerrero expressed admiration for Negassi’s ability to excel in so many areas, stating that he’s got an incredible future ahead of him.

“His SAT achievement is impressive, but what stands out even more is his ability to thrive across various activities,” Guerrero said.

Negassi is a New York City native who attributes much of his success to his father as his dad nurtured his love for learning early on by teaching him to read way before he entered school.

To him, the unwavering support and sacrifices made by his parents have been instrumental in his achievements.

During his time at West Orange High, Negassi joined the math team, eventually becoming president, while also leading the cross-country team as captain, where he set a new 5K record.

He is also a member of the school’s string ensemble, varsity chess team, and serves as president of the National Honor Society.

“Sahli’s achievements serve as an inspiration for our students and demonstrate what can be accomplished through perseverance and dedication,” said Superintendent Hayden Moore in a statement.

As the college application season approaches, Negassi reportedly hopes to be admitted to Harvard University, his top choice, where he plans to study law.

The 17-year-old is certainly making strides at a young age. Nonetheless, Negassi chooses to credit his success to the support of his family, teachers, and friends.

“I don’t consider myself a prodigy or anything special,” he said. “This accomplishment is a collective achievement. When I think of my score, I think of my family and the people who helped me along the way.”

Sahli Negassi also stated that his success on the SAT was not due to innate intelligence but to recognizing patterns, managing his time effectively, and practicing consistently.
Last Edited by:Kofi Oppong KyekyekuUpdated:February 25, 2025