She didn’t know it at the time, but Sanvi Sarsam achieved something last May during her sophom*ore year at Grandview High School that no other student in the school’s 25-year existence has ever done.
“We found out two weeks ago that on your AP Computer Science Principles exam, you got every single question correct – every single question,” said Grandview Principal Dr. Lisa Roberts during a surprise visit to Sarsam’s computer science class on Sept. 29. “That’s never happened in the history of Grandview High School.”
Roberts, who was joined by the entire GHS administrative team and Sarsam’s parents, went on to explain just how impressive Sarsam’s accomplishment is.
“You are among only 459 students in THE WORLD to earn every point possible on that exam,” she said. “You received the maximum score on each portion of the exam. This is huge! So, congratulations!”
Incredibly, two other Cherry Creek Schools’ students, Nora Rowe, a senior at Cherry Creek High School, and Evan Pacic, a senior at Eaglecrest High School, earned perfect scores on the AP English Language and Composition Exam. Only 22 students worldwide earned a perfect score on that exam!
“It was quite the shock. I didn’t even know it was possible,” Nora Rowe said. “I got this email on my phone that said ‘Congratulations on your perfect score!’ and at first I thought it was some sort of scam email and I almost deleted it.”
“I was definitely surprised,” Evan Pacic said. He has taken seven AP exams and earned a 5 - the highest grade possible - on all of them. He credits much of his success to his teachers at Eaglecrest, and the fact that he’s a good test taker. “Multiple choice especially, I’m good at guessing, I guess,” he said humbly.
Rowe also credits her teachers with helping her do well on the AP exams.
“My lang teacher (Ms. Jacob) was amazing, and she really helped us prepare. She had review packets for us, she had flashcards, and lots of essay practices,” Rowe said.
The same goes for Sarsam and her parents, who credit the teachers at Grandview, especially computer science teacher, Kyler Barker, for helping her prepare. She also used study resources available through the College Board.
“She has always been hard-working and always learning from the classes, trying to grasp everything,” said Sarsam’s mother, Saritha Baddam.
“We are very proud of her,” added her father, Vishnu Sarsam.
While many students at high schools across the Cherry Creek School District earn a 5 – the highest grade possible – on AP exams covering a wide range of subjects, very, very few have ever received a perfect score. That’s because AP exams are designed to be challenging.
“AP courses and exams are college-level, requiring great focus and persistence among participating students,” said Trevor Packer, head of the Advanced Placement Program. “We applaud the educators who encourage students to challenge themselves, who motivate and encourage diverse students to achieve their academic potential.”
Colleges and universities around the world consider AP scores during the admissions process and for college credit and advanced placement, which can save students a significant amount of time and money in college.
All three students who earned a perfect score plan to go to college. Rowe has many different interests, and plans to pursue a degree in liberal arts, sciences, or humanities, possibly at Brown University or Colorado College. Pacic plans to study engineering, possibly mechanical engineering, and has applied to the University of Colorado and Colorado School of Mines, as well as several prestigious schools out of state. Sarsam, who has a little more time since she is only a junior, isn’t sure if she wants to study science or medicine. But regardless of the path these students choose to follow, they are well-prepared to meet the challenges ahead!
Posted 10/9/2023.
