At just 17 years old, Sahli Negassi from West Orange, New Jersey, has achieved the rare and coveted perfect score of 1600 on the SAT — a milestone reached by less than 1% of test-takers across the country. But beyond the score, it’s Sahli’s unconventional educational journey that’s turning heads.
What sets Sahli apart? He never attended preschool.
Rather than beginning in a traditional classroom setting, Sahli developed a self-driven approach to learning from an early age. “I didn’t go to preschool,” he shared. “But my parents always pushed me to be curious, to explore, and to learn independently. That foundation stayed with me.”
Sahli leaned heavily on free resources like Khan Academy to prepare for the SAT. The platform’s personalized tools played a key role in helping him identify areas for improvement and stay on track. “Khan Academy helped me pinpoint my weaknesses and work through them step by step. I stuck to a schedule, practiced consistently, and never stopped pushing myself.”
Outside of SAT prep, Sahli juggles a demanding academic load packed with Advanced Placement courses, along with involvement in extracurriculars. He’s a leader in his school’s robotics club, a varsity tennis player, and a mentor to younger students.
“He’s incredibly hardworking and driven,” said a teacher at West Orange High School. “But what truly stands out is how humble and supportive he is. Sahli wants others to succeed too.”
His story serves as a powerful example of what’s possible with grit, resourcefulness, and access to open educational platforms. Without the advantages of early childhood programs or elite tutoring, Sahli has still reached academic heights that inspire.
Looking ahead, he hopes to pursue engineering or computer science at a top-tier university. But for now, he’s proud of what he’s already achieved — and hopes to remind others that your background doesn’t determine your future.
“Don’t let where you start hold you back,” Sahli said. “Hard work and the right mindset can take you further than you think.”
