For many students, earning a high SAT score is a significant achievement. For Korry Sessoms, a rising senior at New Manchester High School through FLEX Academy, that achievement reached the highest level possible. Sessoms earned a perfect score of 1600 on the SAT, a milestone that reflects years of hard work, discipline and academic excellence.

Korry said his success was not the result of memorizing answers, but of developing a deep understanding of the material.

“My preparation was centered around understanding concepts rather than memorizing answers,” Korry said. “I used official SAT resources like practice tests, Khan Academy and Bluebook. Khan Academy was especially helpful because I used it to master the topics that appeared on the SAT and strengthen areas where I needed improvement. Whenever I missed a question, I wanted to understand exactly why I missed it and how I could avoid making that mistake again.”

His diligent preparation helped him approach test day with confidence despite the pressure that often accompanies standardized testing.

“I knew I had prepared well, so I wasn't too worried,” he said. “I just knew what I had to do when I got in the building.”

Although Korry has always excelled academically, he said no section of the SAT felt effortless.

“Maybe the math part,” he said when asked what felt most natural. “I have always been good at math. But I wouldn't describe it as easy. The concepts aren't impossible, but earning the perfect score required a lot of preparation and attention to detail. Even when you understand the material, you still have to perform well on the test.”

When score results were released, Korry immediately shared the news with his parents. Overwhelmed with excitement, they eagerly told everyone they could about his remarkable achievement.

According to his mother, Walisa Sessoms, Korry's achievement is the result of years of dedication in and out of the classroom.

“Korry has successfully completed all of his junior and senior course requirements while maintaining a 4.0 GPA,” Walisa Sessoms said. “Although he was eligible to graduate early in the spring of 2026, he chose to remain enrolled in high school to further his education through dual enrollment at the University of West Georgia.”

As he looks toward the future, Korry plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in engineering before ultimately achieving his long-term goal of becoming a lawyer.

“Well, my goal is to become a lawyer, but I'm going to college for engineering,” he said.

When it comes to selecting a college, Korry is keeping his options open while aiming high.

“I just plan on exploring my options,” he said. “I want to apply to top schools.”

He added that attending a highly selective university is among his goals.

Despite earning one of the highest academic distinctions possible, Korry hopes other students focus less on the score itself and more on the learning process.

“My advice would be to focus on learning rather than chasing a score,” he said. “Understand your mistakes, be consistent, and don't get discouraged if your first practice scores aren't where you want them to be. Improvement takes time.”

He also offered a message of encouragement to students across Douglas County!

“I also want students to know that where you come from doesn't determine what you can achieve,” Korry said. “If you're willing to put in the work, stay disciplined, and believe in yourself, you can accomplish far more than you might think.”

Earning a perfect SAT score took more than just natural talent. Through consistent, focused effort and a genuine commitment to learning from his mistakes, Korry turned years of hard work into an incredible milestone that places him among an elite group of students nationwide. His journey is a powerful reminder that with dedication, perseverance, and confidence, you really can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.