Sahli Negassi, a 17-year-old student from West Orange, New Jersey, has accomplished what few ever do—earning a perfect 1600 on the SAT. This exceptional feat places him among the top fraction of test-takers nationwide.
Born in Manhattan and raised in West Orange, Sahli’s academic foundation began at Mount Pleasant and St. Cloud elementary schools. Despite never attending preschool, he attributes his early learning to the textbooks of his older siblings. His SATs show it.
Seeing his perfect SAT score was an almost unbelievable moment.
I walked out of [my] first period [class] and immediately called my mom,” he shared with WOBOE. “I showed it to a classmate, but then I got nervous and joked that it was Photoshopped. Even now, it still doesn’t feel real. But more than anything, I was relieved—I had finally proven to myself that it was possible.
Sahli’s preparation for the SAT was largely self-directed, relying on free online resources like Khan Academy and YouTube. His AP courses in Language, U.S. History, and Calculus also strengthened his skills. Juggling SAT prep with his AP exams and track competitions was a challenge, but he made use of every spare moment.
“Really, the hardest part of studying was finding time. I had to make it whenever I could—at meals, during slow class periods, on bus rides. Taking it one question at a time was good enough,” he said.
Beyond SAT Standardized Testing
Beyond academics, Sahli is deeply involved in extracurricular activities. He competes in cross-country and track, leads as president of both the math team and the school’s National Honor Society chapter, plays varsity chess, and performs in the Royal Strings ensemble.
West Orange High School Principal Oscar Guerrero commended Sahli’s well-rounded achievements. “Sahli represents the best of West Orange High School. His achievement on the SAT is incredible, but what’s just as impressive is how he manages to excel across so many different activities.”
As he looks toward the future, Sahli hopes to attend Harvard and pursue a career in law. Confident in his aspirations, he said,
Give me 10 years and I’ll be out in the world doing something more important than a standardized test.
Sahli Negassi
For students looking to follow in his footsteps, Sahli’s advice is simple: “Be intentional. Know what you want for yourself, and throw your whole body at it.”
