Cedar Ridge High School junior Neel Raman scored a 36 on his recent ACT college admission exam – the highest possible composite score.
On average, less than one-tenth of one percent of all test takers earn this top score, according to information provided by the ACT. Among ACT-tested Class of 2013 graduates, only 1,162 out of nearly 1.8 million students earned the composite score of 36.
Raman plays varsity tennis and was a member of last year’s All-State debate team at Cedar Ridge.
“It’s exciting to be recognized in such an elite category,” Cedar Ridge Principal Dr. Daniel Presley said. “This honor doesn’t happen often and we are proud of Neel and all of his accomplishments.”
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 ACT’s optional writing test, but the score for that test is reported separately and is not included within the ACT composite score.
“While test scores are just one of the many criteria that most colleges consider when making admission decisions, an exceptional ACT composite score should prove helpful in pursuing education and career goals, said ACT CEO Jon Whitmore in a letter recognizing Raman’s achievement.
ACT test scores are accepted by all major U.S. colleges, and exceptional scores of 36 provide colleges with evidence of student readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead.