Black student strikes perfect score on SAT  

By Staff

NEW YORK, NY, February 21, 2025, 10 p.m - West Orange High School senior Sahli Negassi has achieved the remarkable feat of scoring a perfect 1600 on the SAT, a benchmark that less than 1% of students attain annually. Born in Manhattan and raised in West Orange, Sahli's educational journey was shaped by self-study, utilizing free resources like Khan Academy and YouTube. His preparation also included AP courses that familiarized him with the testing format.

Despite juggling a busy academic schedule filled with extracurricular activities—including cross-country, track, and various honor societies—Sahli managed intense SAT prep alongside AP tests and sports commitments. He expressed relief upon seeing his score, recognizing it as proof of his potential.

Looking to the future, Sahli dreams of attending Harvard to pursue a career in law. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear personal goals and dedication, sharing practical advice with fellow students about the value of learning and opportunity. His accomplishments have garnered praise from school officials, highlighting his balance of academics and extracurricular involvement as an inspiration for others.