School now with eight perfect scores since 2009.
Christopher VanDieren, a member of the Class of 2019, scored a perfect 36 on his ACT, becoming the eighth from Notre Dame since 2009 with such an accomplishment.
According to test administrator ACT, Inc., only 0.136%, or 2,760 out of 2,030,038 test takers in the United States earned a perfect ACT score, an accomplishment so exceptional that even Bill Gates fell 10 points shy of that number when he was in high school.
The ACT is comprised of four sections — English, math, reading and science — that are each scored on a scale of 1-36. A student’s composite score is the average of the four individual scores. Last year, the state average was 24.1 and nationally, it was 20.0.
In a letter to VanDieren recognizing this exceptional achievement, ACT Chief Executive Officer Marten Roorda said, “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.”
In 2016, then-junior Ryan Flaherty, currently attending Hillsdale College, earned a perfect 36 on the ACT. In 2014, Michael Soisson, who went on to the University of Notre Dame, received a perfect 36 on the ACT.
In 2012, Notre Dame's Eric LaRose and Joe Soisson earned a perfect 36 on their ACT tests. In 2011, Matt Siatczynski scored a 36. In 2010, Jon Sheperd scored a 36, and Ryan McIntosh, who graduated from NDP in 2009, also achieved a 36 on his ACT.
Last year’s Notre Dame graduating class scored a 27.2 average on the ACT, with 51 students earning a 30 or higher.
ACT is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides a broad array of assessment, research, information, and program management solutions in the areas of education and workforce development.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. Notre Dame's upper school enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower schools enroll students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. All three schools are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.