Allison Avery Steals the Show at Scottsdale Prep with a Perfect ACT Score

Allison Avery, a senior at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy, earned the highest possible American College Testing (ACT) composite score of 36. Avery didn’t expect this result when she took the test, thinking it was just a practice run. “I thought this was my practice ACT, and I’d have another chance later,” she said. But when her scores came in, she was surprised to find she had already earned a perfect score.

“I remember telling my mom after the test that I probably got a 30 or a 32, which was what I was aiming for,” Avery explained. So, when she saw 36 at the top of her score report, it didn’t immediately register. “At first, I thought it was just showing me the scale—then I read the breakdown and realized I’d actually gotten a perfect score.”

Only about one-quarter of 1% of students who take the ACT earn a top score. In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2022, only 3,376 out of 1.34 million students who took the ACT earned a top composite score of 36.

The ACT consists of 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 test scores. The score for ACT’s optional writing test is reported separately and is not included within the ACT composite score. The test is a curriculum-based achievement exam that measures what students have learned in school. Students who earn a 36 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.

“Earning a top score on the ACT is a remarkable achievement,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “A student’s exceptional score of 36 will provide any college or university with ample evidence of their readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead.”

Avery said she still hasn’t decided on a college yet, but is applying to around 13 to 14 schools, with plans to major in the humanities. “I’m considering fields like history and anthropology, and I may also pursue a minor in drama,” she shared.

She credits her academic success to the supportive environment at Scottsdale Prep, particularly the guidance of Monica Ware, her college counselor at the academy. “She’s been an around-the-clock resource. I emailed her a question during the summer, not expecting a response right away, but she replied within minutes. It shows how much the staff truly care about us, not just as students, but as individuals they want to see succeed.”

Avery is a very well-spoken and charming young woman is also very involved in extra-curricular school activities. She’s the president of both the Audition Choir and the International Thespian Society at Scottsdale Prep. She also helps with middle school plays, working on costumes and makeup, and this year, she’s excited for her directorial debut of a one-act play.

Looking back on her time at Scottsdale Prep, Avery appreciates the way the school has helped her grow. “The focus here isn’t just on preparing us for tests. They teach us how to think, not just what to memorize,” she said. “I feel like Scottsdale Prep has really prepared me, not just for the ACT, but for college and whatever comes next.”

Avery’s perfect ACT score shows her dedication, hard work, and the strong support she’s received from the Scottsdale Prep community. With a bright future ahead, she’s ready to take on the next exciting chapter of her life

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