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Tullahoma High School recently had three students earn the highest possible score on the ACT, as seniors Seth Vaughn, Kayleigh Williams and junior Sadler Duncan all earned 36s on their exams.

“Less than a quarter of 1 percent of students who take the ACT receive a perfect score, and to have three in our district is absolutely incredible,” said TCS Director of Schools, Dr. Catherine Stephens. “This achievement speaks highly of these three students and shows how dedicated they are to their studies. It also further highlights the incredible educators that we have inside our district, inspiring students to excel. Congratulations to Seth, Kayleigh and Sadler on this amazing honor.”

To put this achievement into perspective, the United States high school graduating class of 2024 had 0.22 percent of all students who took the ACT receive a perfect score. Only 3,041 out of 1.37 million test takers achieved a top composite score of 36.

“Having even one student earn a perfect score on the ACT is a rare and outstanding achievement,” said Dr. Greg English, Tullahoma High School Principal. “To have three in a single year is extraordinary. These students represent the very best of our school and have curious minds, demonstrate hard work and a commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of them and grateful to the teachers and families who have supported their journey.”

The ACT test consists of four section tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science, each scored on a scale of 1–36. A student’s Composite score is the average of the four section test scores. The score for ACT’s optional writing test is reported separately and is not included in the ACT Composite score.

“When a student earns a top score of 36 on the ACT test, it opens doors to a promising future, demonstrating for colleges and universities that they are ready for the challenges ahead,” ACT CEO Janet Godwin said. “This remarkable achievement is something we celebrate along with the student and their family.”

The ACT test is a curriculum-based achievement exam that measures what students should have had the opportunity to learn in school. Students who earn a top Composite score have likely mastered all the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in first-year college courses in the core subject areas.

ACT test scores are accepted by all major four-year colleges and universities across the U.S., and they are one of the many criteria that inform admissions, scholarship awards, and course placement decisions. 

About ACT

ACT is transforming college and career readiness pathways so that everyone can discover and fulfill their potential. Grounded in more than 65 years of research, ACT’s learning resources, assessments, research, and work-ready credentials are trusted by students, job seekers, educators, schools, government agencies, and employers in the U.S. and around the world to help people achieve their education and career goals at every stage of life. Visit us at www.act.org