Natasha Perianayagam, an Indian-American of 13 years of age, is now on the list of brightest students in the world for the second consecutive year. The list was declared by The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) based on the results of above-grade-level tests of over 15,000 students across 76 countries.
She studies at Florence M Gaudineer Middle School in New Jersey. In spring 2021, Johns Hopkins Center For Talented Youth (CTY) test was taken by her for the first time. She was in Grade 5 at that time. In verbal and quantitative sections, her performance equalled the 90th percentile of advanced Grade 8 performance which earned her a position in the list.
This year she performed exceptionally in SAT, ACT, School and College Ability Test and other similar assessment tests taken as a part of CTY Talent Search as declared by the university.
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The methodology used by CTY was above-grade-level testing that identified students from around the world who are well ahead and advanced with regard to their standards. It gives a clear understanding of their academic potential.
As per their test scores, less than 27% of the participants got high or grand honours. In her recent attempt, Perianayagam achieved the highest grade among all the participating students.
Dr Amy Shelton, CTY’s Executive Director, said that the results not only recognise the achievement of students in one test but also salute their love for learning and discovery. She considers it exciting to think about how they can use their potential to achieve remarkable things.
Perianayagam responded to the questions about her parents’ support and encouragement by saying that she was never pressurised to do anything. They did not even pressurise her to take the test. They left it to her.
She did not separately prepare for the test since in her school she was enrolled in a few advanced classes. Along with it, she did some extra practice after school. She is yet to solidify her future plans but considers architecture and science as the most fascinating subjects.
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She hopes to pursue her higher studies in institutes like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In her free time, she plays guitar, violin and piano. She also paints and reads.
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Source: The Hindu, NDTV
