Soborno Isaac Bari, a 12-year-old prodigy, is set to become the youngest graduate in the history of Malverne High School. This exceptional young scholar, who memorized the periodic table at just 2 years old, will be graduating on July 3. Soborno plans to continue his academic journey at New York University (NYU) this fall, where he has received a scholarship to study mathematics and physics. His ultimate goal is to earn a Ph.D. and become a professor.
At the age of 7, Soborno began receiving invitations to teach at colleges in India, a testament to his remarkable intellect. He continues to teach at Indian universities three times a year. Soborno’s academic journey has been anything but conventional. He skipped several grades, including 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, and 11th, and completed only 4th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades. His accelerated path was supported by his successful completion of the New York State Regents exams.
Rebecca Gottesman, an educator familiar with Soborno’s achievements, described him as a “prodigy.” She explained that Soborno’s unique educational plan allowed him to take high school courses while still in middle school. He attended eighth-grade core classes in the morning and then joined his fifth-grade peers for electives and after-school activities at the elementary school.
In addition to his academic prowess, Soborno is also talented in painting, debate, and playing the piano. His multifaceted abilities have made him a well-rounded individual, ready to tackle the challenges of higher education. A spokesperson from NYU noted that, as far as the university is aware, Soborno will be the youngest student ever admitted.
Soborno’s father, Rashidul Bari, who is a math faculty member at the City University of New York and a doctoral candidate at Columbia University, shared insights into his son’s early development. He recalled that they recognized Soborno’s exceptional abilities a decade ago while teaching him basic maths, and that they have high hopes for him.
