David Akiogbe, a 15-year-old student from Nigeria, has earned an exceptional SAT score, gaining national and international attention.
With a perfect score of 800 in Mathematics and 780 in Reading and Writing, David achieved a total of 1580 out of a possible 1600 on the SAT, a significant milestone in his academic career.
According to School’s Week, to meet government standards, students must score 100 on their scaled scores. However, the actual marks required for each subject (maths, reading, and grammar, punctuation, and spelling) can vary each year.
For 2024, the required marks for each key stage 2 SATs test are:
- Maths: 54 out of 110 (down from 56 in 2023)
- Reading: 27 out of 50 (up from 24 in 2023)
- Grammar, punctuation, and spelling: 35 out of 70 (down from 36 in 2023)
The scaled score of 100 represents a “standard” level of achievement, but the raw scores (the actual marks on the test) needed to reach that standard can change annually. This is why some subjects require slightly higher or lower marks compared to the previous year.
A self-driven journey
David’s success comes from years of self-discipline and independent study. His father, Stephen Akiogbe, shared that David began preparing for the SAT two years ago. He took it upon himself to research and study for the test.
- Akiogbe shared that the young student started working towards this goal two years ago. He did all the research, studied on his own, and handled the application process himself.
- David’s self-reliance and commitment were crucial to his success, as he didn’t have a formal tutor guiding him.
Despite the lack of external support, David remained committed to achieving a high score. His father stated that his involvement was limited to reviewing the application before submission, ensuring everything was in order.
Parental pride and support
David’s father expressed immense pride in his son’s achievement, noting how important it is for parents to support their children’s dreams. He stressed that while David was the one who put in the work, his success was also a result of the encouragement and backing he received at home. “He is an inspiration for teenagers and for parents,” Akiogbe said, highlighting how the family’s support was instrumental in David’s journey.
The father also pointed out that David’s hard work and discipline should serve as a model for other young people.
Next steps: MIT and beyond
With his impressive SAT results now confirmed by MIT, David is one step closer to achieving his dream of studying at one of the world’s top institutions. MIT’s recognition of his SAT score means that David is in a strong position for his application to the prestigious university. While his path to MIT is not yet guaranteed, the 15-year-old’s accomplishments demonstrate his potential for success in a competitive academic environment.
David’s achievement also reflects the growing number of talented students coming from Nigeria who are excelling on the global stage.
Nigerian students making their mark globally
David is not the only Nigerian student to have impressed with top scores on standardized tests. In recent months, other students from Nigeria have also earned recognition for their high SAT scores, reflecting the growing academic talent within the country. These students are contributing to a broader trend of Nigerian youth excelling in international education.
- David’s SAT performance further highlights the potential of Nigerian students and the importance of self-motivation in achieving academic success.
- As he moves forward with his college application process, David is proving that age is no barrier to excellence, and his success will undoubtedly encourage others to follow in his footsteps.
With his eyes now set on MIT and beyond, David’s journey is far from over, but his achievement has already set him apart as a promising young scholar ready to make his mark in the world.