Fargo South High School senior Matthew Budke did the seemingly impossible: He aced the ACT.
In a rare achievement, the 17-year-old recently scored a 36 on his ACT test - a perfect score.
"I was kind of stunned," he said about the results. "I thought I did well, but I don't think I expected to do perfect."
He still hasn't had time to celebrate the successful April test between his busy baseball schedule this summer.
Instead, he said, it's just given him bragging rights with friends.
ADVERTISEMENT
In fact, the average ACT score in 2008 for both North Dakota and the nation was about 21, according to the ACT's annual report.
What's more, of last year's high school graduates who took the test, about one in 3,300 students received a perfect score.
While 2009 data wasn't available, Budke's father, Wayne, said only two other students in the entire state and 200-some students in the nation got a perfect ACT score this year.
"That was pretty tough to get a 36," said Wayne Budke. "I was surprised and happy."
Not only is the teen with a 4.0 GPA perfect at academics - he said he only studied "a little" for the ACT before he took it just once - but he is also constantly busy with speech, debate, Student Congress, baseball and volunteering.
"He's pretty well-rounded," his father said.
Once summer winds down, though, Budke won't have time to slack off during his senior year.
He still has to start his college search, where he hopes to study engineering.
ADVERTISEMENT
His parents hope the recent high test score and accomplished résumé of activities will help their son go to school wherever he wants.
"He's been a good student ever since he's been in school," his father said. "We would hope it would open up a lot of doors for him."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Kelly Smith at (701) 241-5515
