Abu Dhabi student reveals how he scored 750 out of 800 in SAT Maths without attending any coaching classes.
In Abu Dhabi, 12-year-old Arjun Abhinav Patwardhan surprised many when he appeared at a May 2 SAT exam centre, a test typically taken by students aged 16 and above.
Despite his age, he achieved an impressive overall score of 1290, including a remarkable 750 out of 800 in Maths. His performance earned him the Grand Honors Award from the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY), one of the world’s most prestigious programmes for gifted students.
Only a small number of students from the UAE have ever received this recognition, making Arjun’s achievement even more notable.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) is a US-based program that identifies academically gifted students through above-grade-level testing. It places younger students in advanced examinations typically designed for older grade levels to assess their academic abilities against higher age benchmarks.
The Grand Honors distinction is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, with a SAT Math score of 750 or above at such a young age being a rare achievement globally.
What makes Arjun’s story especially remarkable is his independent preparation. He reportedly had no coaching classes, private tutors, or exam-preparation courses, and instead studied on his own.
He said he completed ten practice tests on the College Board website. “My first score in Maths was 730, and by the end of the tenth practice test I was getting 770 to 780,” he told Gulf News. “So I was confident I would get 750 to qualify for Grand Honors.”
His advice to other young learners is to practise using sample tests on the College Board website and to use Khan Academy, a free non-profit learning platform, to strengthen conceptual understanding.
His father, Abhinav Patwardhan, said the family is especially proud that the achievement came without any formal coaching or tutoring. “Arjun achieved 750 out of 800 in SAT Maths entirely through self-study, discipline, and consistent practice. It reflects his strong self-motivation and independent learning,” he said.
Arjun’s mathematical talent, however, was noticed early. His teacher at Global Indian International School (GIIS), Abu Dhabi, observed his aptitude as early as Grade 6. “From the very beginning, I could see a special spark in Arjun whenever it came to mathematics,” said his teacher, Dinsana.
“When he was in Grade 6, he was already confidently solving Grade 10 and 11-level problems, with a clear excitement and eagerness to explore higher mathematics. He would eagerly look forward to learning advanced concepts, driven by genuine curiosity and a love for the subject,” she said.
His father, Abhinav Patwardhan, and mother, Nisha Kawatkar, observed the same inclination at home. During a Grade 6 parent-teacher meeting, his teacher noted that he was already handling high school-level mathematics with ease. Following this, his parents began providing him with advanced-grade textbooks. He went on to work through calculus concepts largely independently, with only occasional guidance.
Jyoti Pathak, Middle School Head at Global Indian International School (GIIS) Abu Dhabi, who has known Arjun for four years, described him as “a sincere, curious, and dedicated learner.”
She added, “His consistent efforts and commitment to studies reflect that there are no shortcuts to success.”
Beyond academics, Arjun maintains a balanced routine, saying he studies for about two hours on weekdays and up to six hours on weekends and holidays.
He also plays badminton and table tennis twice a week and has a strong interest in the performing arts. He has taken part in several inter-school cultural competitions, earning recognition for acting and mimicry, and currently serves on the Cultural Committee of his school’s Student Council.
In addition, he achieved a black belt in karate at the age of 11, reflecting his discipline, perseverance, and commitment beyond the classroom.
Looking ahead, Arjun has set ambitious goals for himself. He aims to improve his English section score and achieve a combined SAT score of 1550.
He also hopes to pursue a career closely connected to mathematics and eventually create a platform similar to Khan Academy to support underprivileged children worldwide.
“I have benefited from Khan Academy, and I would like to do something similar for others,” he said.
Among his personal aspirations, he also hopes to meet Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and share his achievements and future goals in the country he has called home since 2016.
