13-YEAR-OLD BOY WITH 168 IQ SET TO PURSUE MASTER'S DEGREE AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

A 13-year-old boy from Long Island, New York, Joe Petraro-Hyppolite, is set to begin a master’s programme at New York University (NYU), despite being years younger than the typical graduate student.

Petraro-Hyppolite, who has an IQ of 168, scored 1,590 on the SAT at age 10 and earned his high school diploma at 11. He has also attended Louisiana State University and is currently completing his undergraduate degree.

He has been accepted into an NYU master’s programme in sports management, with additional studies in kinesiology and biology. He plans to complete his undergraduate degree in May next year.

Speaking about his achievements, Petraro-Hyppolite said, “My IQ is 168.”

When asked if that meant he was considered a genius, he replied, “I am not biased, but, yeah, if you say so.”

He admitted he is nervous but excited about starting at NYU, saying, “Yeah, I mean, who wouldn’t be? But then again, I am also excited, because new doors are opening.”

His mother, Anne Petraro-Hyppolite, said his achievements are particularly remarkable because he was previously placed in special education classes after being diagnosed with Tourette syndrome.

“It’s just surreal. When he graduated high school so young, it was surreal, but this is … everything he does is surreal,” she said. “He just loves to learn. He is like a sponge.”

Petraro-Hyppolite also stressed that being gifted does not mean everything comes easily, saying, “It’s not like I was shot out the womb knowing everything I know. I have to learn it once or twice. Then I’ll know.”

He eventually hopes to pursue a career in paleontology and could graduate with his master’s degree around the same time he becomes legally old enough to drive.