No doubt all who read this article are familiar with the ACT, the standardized test used widely in the Midwest to gauge high school students’ academic aptitude and guide them into college. The ACT measures four areas of study: reading, writing, mathematics, and science. Students can score up to 36 on each subject; their final score is a composite of their scores in each area. According to ACT’s Marketing & Communications office, less than one-tenth of one percent, or 0.001%, of students who take the ACT manage a perfect score, a 36 on each quadrant of the test. Yet that score was attained by senior Dan Politte.

Reactions to the test score have been mostly congratulatory and celebratory.

“The first five minutes I was like, ‘Whoooo! Whoooo! Whoooo!’” said Politte. “I wasn’t expecting it.”

“Did he? Really! I didn’t know that!” said physics teacher Mr. Thomas upon hearing the news. “He’s a great kid, he deserves it. I’m really glad for him.”

Others, such as Politte’s calculus teacher, Mr. Igoe, understands how Politte could accomplish this feat.

“I’m not surprised that he did well on the ACT,” said Mr. Igoe, Politte’s calculus teacher. “I’ve had Dan all four years, and he is excellent… uniformly excellent.”

His sister, Christine Politte, freshman, concluded, “I think it’s really cool, and I’m proud that he did that… but it does set the bar pretty high for me.”

In middle school, Politte was part of the Duke TIP program, and took the ACT in 7th grade. Additionally, he took ACT Prep at U. City.

“I think I owe a lot… to an ACT practice course they offered when I was in 10th grade,” Politte said.
Mike Sarber, senior and friend to Dan, took the course with Politte and recalls one day in particular.

“Do you remember that time Mrs. Hagan came into class and yelled, ‘Dan, you got a 35 on the ACT!’” said Sarber.
To students seeking to follow in Dan’s footsteps, Igoe offers sage advice.

“If you can apply as much time as he does on his studies outside of school, you might be looking at some good scores… but there’s no substitute for using your time wisely. I would encourage folks to take the ACT, even if they’ve already taken it, if they think they could do better… there can still be opportunities for scholarships or reduced spending, and I hate to see missed opportunities.”

Thomas also had some tips.

“The thing that stands out about Dan is [that] he really wants to figure things out for himself. He will work on problems and get them wrong a few times before asking for assistance. I guess the word is ‘perseverance,’ he doesn’t give up. I think when you’re willing to put the time in after you’ve made mistakes is when real learning occurs.”