KXII.com reports that a Paris, Texas student, Preston Thompson, has achieved an extraordinary feat by scoring a perfect 36 on the ACT, surpassing all expectations and defying the trends of declining test scores. The 2022 average ACT test score was reported as the lowest in over three decades, highlighting a concerning decline in college-level preparedness among students. However, Thompson's outstanding achievement is a shining example of determination and hard work paying off.
Thompson, a confident and focused young student, had prepared diligently for the ACT exam, determined to hit a home run. During his spring break, he dedicated time to complete three practice ACT tests, consistently improving with each attempt. The practice tests not only boosted his confidence but also prepared him for the real deal, as he found the actual ACT to be similar in structure and content.
While Thompson breezed through most of the exam, the reading section posed a challenge. However, with his commitment to improvement, he mastered the art of understanding the question types and answers, resulting in a perfect score in the reading section.
The moment of truth arrived when Thompson found out that the ACT scores were released online while he was at school. As he anxiously checked his results, joy and pride washed over him when he saw the coveted "36" on his screen - a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Thompson credits his success to the support he received from his teachers in AP and Dual credit classes, who helped him sharpen his academic skills. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of his participation in various extra-curricular activities, including robotics, computer science, UIL, marching band, and future problem-solving, which contributed to his well-rounded development. Competing in math UIL and science UIL also honed his math and science skills, further enhancing his readiness for the challenging ACT.
Upon sharing the news with his mother through a text message, Thompson's mom expressed immense pride and surprise at his perfect score. While she knew her son had the potential to do well, achieving a perfect score on the ACT exceeded her expectations.
Thompson's achievement stands as a beacon of hope, reminding students and educators alike that with dedication, hard work, and the right support, academic excellence can be attained despite the prevailing trends.
