At 13, Joe Petraro-Hyppolite is already preparing for an academic milestone many people reach well into adulthood. The Long Island teenager has gained attention after securing admission to a master’s programme at New York University (NYU).
Joe, who has a reported IQ of 168, is currently completing his undergraduate degree. He plans to graduate in May 2027 before beginning his master’s programme at NYU. His admission adds another achievement to an unusual academic journey that started years before he became a teenager.
The young talent scored 1,590 out of a possible 1,600 on the SAT when he was only 10. A year later, he earned his high school diploma at 11. 
He has also attended Louisiana State University and currently studies alongside university students who are considerably older than him.
From Special Education to University
Joe’s academic journey did not always point towards accelerated university education.
His mother, Anne Petraro-Hyppolite, told CBS News that her son previously attended special education classes after doctors diagnosed him with Tourette syndrome. She described his progress as surreal and said he has always loved learning.
Joe’s ability means he often learns new information quickly. However, he rejected the idea that being highly gifted means he automatically knows everything. He explained that he still has to learn like everyone else, although he may only need to go over something once or twice before understanding it.
His age also attracts attention on campus. Joe said other students sometimes look twice when they realise how young their classmate actually is.
A Master’s Degree Before He Can Drive
Joe has secured admission to an NYU master’s programme in sports management. He also said his studies would involve kinesiology and biology.
Despite his academic experience, the teenager admitted that the next stage makes him nervous. He also said he feels excited about the opportunities ahead.
Before starting at NYU, Joe still needs to complete his undergraduate programme. He expects to finish that degree in May 2027.
If everything goes according to schedule, he could complete his master’s degree around the same period that most teenagers become old enough to drive legally.
His interests also extend beyond the classroom. Joe spends some of his free time volunteering. CBS News recently found him helping residents at a nursing home in the Five Towns area of Long Island.
And despite preparing for a master’s degree in sports management, Joe already has another field in mind for his future. He eventually wants to pursue paleontology.
For now, the 13-year-old still has an undergraduate degree to complete before taking the next step at NYU.
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