With the last ACT available for seniors on December 7, the majority of students have already taken it. Most scores range in the 20’s to low 30’s but there are a few exceptions. This year, senior Mac Mikkelsen scored a 36 on the ACT on his fifth attempt. A 36 is the highest score possible and places him in the top 1% of all ACT test takers.

“I’ve taken it once every year since seventh grade,” said Mikkelsen.

Mikkelsen believes that taking the ACT once each year helped him more than conventional study habits such as a prep class or practice booklets.

“I did a practice book one time, but the last time I didn’t prepare at all,” said Mikkelsen.

His final ACT score will help him receive a degree in engineering from either the University of Southern California (USC) or Rice University, two of the top ranked national and engineering schools in the country.

“USC is my top choice, but I’m also looking at Rice,” said Mikkelsen.

His score will assist him in standing out from the rest of the applicants at these competitive schools and will improve his chance of receiving a full tuition scholarship.