South Florida Student Achieves Perfect Score on SAT
Introduction to Sergio Attento’s Achievement
Sergio Attento had high hopes for his SAT score. But he bested even that. "I was surprised," he said. "When I walked out of it, I actually thought that I had gotten a couple questions wrong." But the 17-year-old had actually gotten every question right on both the math and reading and writing sections, giving him a total of 1600, the highest possible score.
Reaction from Family and Teachers
His parents were ecstatic. "Immediately, he called us, and was like, ‘I don’t know if this is real,’" Maria Paula Nuñez Attento said of her eldest son. "We freaked out." The news of a perfect score surprised Sergio’s AP English Literature teacher, but only so far. "I’m shocked that it happened, but I’m also not shocked that it was Sergio," Dr. Natalie Carro said. "The way he speaks and the way he’s able to communicate what he reads can tell me that he has that sort of… depth of insight, that I can tell if he reads passages, he can respond to them very well."
Sergio’s Academic Background and Preparation
Dr. Carro’s class is one of seven total Advanced Placement courses Sergio is taking in his senior year at MAST Academy at Florida International University. Through the school, he has also attended college courses at FIU’s north campus next door. When he graduates from MAST, he’ll leave campus with his associate’s degree. September was the third time Sergio attempted the SAT. He credits repeated attempts with making him more comfortable and less nervous. He says the real key however, is practice tests. He remembers taking seven of them. "By the last one the mistakes that I was making were no longer things… me not understanding the material, but now it was things that if you double check that you could get it right," he said. "So once you get to that point, that’s when any score is possible."
Career Aspirations and Tutoring Business
Sergio is now considering a potential career in law, but already has his own tutoring business. When clients asked him to help them prepare for the SAT, he found it made him a better test taker as well. "You are now on the other end asking it to somebody else," he said. "When you’re in that position, you get a better idea of the people writing the questions, what they’re asking of you, what they want out of you."
Early Signs of Academic Excellence
Sergio’s mom remembers her son as a kid who loved reading and even researching at a young age. "When you have a child like that, you need to keep them learning," she said. "Otherwise, they get bored and they get into something else." At 11, pain in his abdomen spurred him to investigate what it could be. After looking up potential ailments, Sergio told his parents he had appendicitis. Nuñez Attento recalled how ultimately, a doctor agreed, and Sergio’s appendix was removed. She also emphasized that her son has much more to offer the world than his academic aptitude. "The 1600 is amazing, but my Sergio is just so kind," she said.
Personal Qualities and Family Support
She shared how Sergio is trustworthy and helps care for his three younger siblings at home. While pondering his college future, Sergio credits his parents for his scholastic success. "They’ve been super supportive the entire process… I could not have done it without my mom or my dad, so I thank them for sure," he said.
Conclusion
Sergio Attento’s achievement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the support of his family. His perfect score on the SAT is not just a reflection of his academic abilities but also a demonstration of what can be achieved with persistence and the right guidance. As Sergio looks to the future, whether in law or another field, his experience and accomplishments will undoubtedly serve him well.
FAQs
- Q: What score did Sergio Attento achieve on the SAT?
A: Sergio Attento achieved a perfect score of 1600 on the SAT. - Q: How many Advanced Placement courses is Sergio taking?
A: Sergio is taking seven Advanced Placement courses in his senior year. - Q: What is Sergio considering as a potential career?
A: Sergio is considering a potential career in law. - Q: Does Sergio have his own business?
A: Yes, Sergio has his own tutoring business, where he helps clients prepare for the SAT.

