The Piscataway High School senior earned a perfect score on the Advanced Placement Computer Science exam. She is one of only 91 students in the world to have achieved this remarkable achievement.
And what’s even more exceptional is that for the second year in a row, Piscataway students earned a perfect in AP Computer Science A, considered the most rigorous AP Computer Science course.
Yunus Yucel, who moved to Piscataway from Turkey at the beginning of his junior year, said this success meant much more to him than the “overwhelming” academic value.
“This is my first year in the United States, and being able to accomplish something like this has made me feel more comfortable here,” Yucel said. “That’s really exciting for me. Of course it has academic value when applying to universities and jobs, but for me it’s also a sign that I’m not going to get lost here just because I came here later. .It shows that I’m showing my will.”I’m not that different from other people.” ”
When Yucel first arrived at Piscataway High School, he planned to take introductory computer science. But his teacher, Akshay Patel, noticed he had previous experience and recommended he move on to AP Computer Science A. He discussed it with his AP computer science teacher, Blinder, Soin, and Yucel’s counselor Mark Kian, and the three of them helped Yucel transition to his A. more advanced class.
“The teachers and counselors were really helpful,” Yucel said. “We have a really great community at this school. They’ve made it a really good process for me throughout the year. I’m really grateful for what they’ve done for me and I really hope I can give something good back to this community.” I am.”
Most of all, Yucel felt that his family’s support motivated him.
“My family has helped me a lot through this process, especially my mom and my siblings, who have been amazing,” he said.
Before Yucel immigrated to the United States, his father died in a Turkish prison while being held as a political prisoner. Yucel’s father had a great influence on his son’s success.
“His teachings kept me motivated throughout my life,” Yucel said. “I really have to thank my family for helping me throughout my life. I really wish I could give something back to them. Of course, I can’t give back as much as my family has given me.”
Principal Chris Baldassano said Yucel’s accomplishments are a matter of pride for the entire school.
“AP courses and AP exams are extremely difficult, and achieving a perfect score is an incredible accomplishment,” Baldassano said. “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both staff and students. On behalf of the faculty and administration, we are extremely proud of Mr. Yunus’ perfect score.”
Trevor Packer, director of the Advanced Placement program, said the student’s perfect score was a reflection of the school’s overall efforts.
“This outstanding achievement appears to be a direct reflection of the highest quality education offered at Piscataway Township High School,” Packer said. “We commend Yunus for his hard work and the AP teachers responsible for engaging students and preparing them to excel in college-level courses.”
Yucel’s AP Computer Science teacher continued with his praise, calling Yucel’s star student a “natural learner.”
“Yunus is special,” Soin said. “What stands out about Yunus is his humility and focus. Learning is not difficult for him, but what stands out is his humility, focus, and helping other students. .He just came from Turkey last year. I’m sure you agree.” I was surprised to see that he had so many friends. Students gather around him. ”
Soin said that even before the school knew the results, some students were asking if Yucel had gotten a perfect score.
“In AP Computer Science, we develop a community of kids,” Soin said. “Other students came up to me and said, ‘Mr. Soin, did Mr. Yunus get a perfect score?'” They weren’t worried about their scores. ”
Discussion of perfect scores building through the 2022-23 school year due to the success of current Piscataway senior Tyler Tran, who achieved a perfect score as a sophomore. His excellent results have raised the bar for other examinees.
“There were four or five students who were aiming for a perfect score,” Soin said. “What we did with Tyler last year motivated a lot of students. The goal was not to get a 5 (the highest score), but to get a perfect score. It was like lightning struck twice. “Success breeds more success.” The odds of two students from the same school receiving consecutive perfect scores are very low. ”
Yucel, who took the exam in May and received her results in September, said she was actually motivated by Tran’s success the previous year and aimed for perfection.
“When I first got here, about two weeks later, I was watching Tyler’s interview,” Yucel said of the coverage after Tran’s perfect score. “I saw his motivation and I tried to reach that point too. Mr. Soin sometimes talks about him and says he is a good student and always tells us good things about him. I thought I needed to follow in his footsteps,” and be successful. ”
Yucel’s first choice of college is Rutgers University, where she hopes to major in computer science. He also plans to apply to Stevens Institute of Technology and New Jersey Institute of Technology. Of course, a perfect score is a big boost to his application, but with limited time in the U.S. education system, Yucel is not taking anything for granted.
“I don’t really know what’s going to happen because I don’t stand out compared to the students here,” Yucel said. “I’m new here. I’m trying to improve myself. Maybe they’ll see that effort. I’m just going to apply and see what they give me. .”
Email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter.MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network.Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or@CherylMakin. For unlimited access, subscribe or activate your digital account today.
