Beginner’s luck may be a bit of a reach when describing Kevin Woytowich’s ACT score.
The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science. Each test is scored on a scale of 1–36, and a student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores.
Some students also take the optional ACT writing test, but the score for that test is reported separately and is not included within the ACT Composite score.
The Seneca High School junior was able to do something that less than 1 percent of the graduating class of 2015 was able to do when taking this test: He received a perfect score.
Having never taken the test before, Woytowich wanted to focus his preparations primarily on the subjects in which he felt he was not as strong.
“I’m generally better at math than I am at English, so I took most of my time preparing going over the English and writing aspects of the test,” Woytowich said.
Though he admitted he had no idea he would score this highly, he also alluded to the fact that he was comfortable with standardized testing after taking the SAT twice.
“My mom called me and said what’s the highest score you can get on the ACT?” he said.
It turns out the highest possible ACT Composite score is a 36 and that’s what he had received.
Nationally, on average, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn the top score. In fact, among test takers in the high school graduating class of 2015, only 1,598 of more than 1.92 million students earned an ACT Composite score of 36.
“This means a lot to me. I’ve always done well in school, but this has meant a bit more to me. I think really highly of these tests,” he said. “Hopefully it will get me into a good college!”
Luckily for Woytowich, ACT test scores are accepted by all major U.S. colleges.
Though he still has another year of high school to complete, Woytowich said he plans to get involved with physics as his primary study in college.
He plans to graduate from Seneca in the spring of 2017. Along with his success in the classroom, Woytowich is also a member of a number of after-school clubs such as the robotics team, the marching band, the student government and several other academic clubs.
In a letter recognizing this exceptional achievement, the ACT CEO Marten Roorda stated, “Your achievement on the ACT is significant and rare. While test scores are just one of multiple criteria that most colleges consider when making admission decisions, your exceptional ACT Composite score should prove helpful as you pursue your education and career goals.”
Woytowich couldn’t say enough about the support and encouraging words he has received from his family, friends and teachers since receiving the news.
