Mokena Teen, Providence HS Senior Lands Perfect Score On ACT

NEW LENOX, IL — A Mokena teen and senior at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox had landed a respectable (and nearly perfect) score of 34 on one attempt.

But Michael Jensen really wanted those two extra points. So he took it again—and got 'em.

Jensen joined an elite group of 1 percent of test takers nationwide to achieve a perfect score of 36.

“Michael’s achievement reflects not only his exceptional talent and determination, but also the spirit of academic excellence we foster at Providence Catholic,” said Principal Paul Houston. “We are incredibly proud of his hard work and the example he sets for our entire student body.”

A graduate of St. Mary’s School in Mokena, Michael consistently demonstrated academic excellence throughout his time at Providence Catholic, the school said. He has earned First Honors every semester, placed third individually in Algebra II at the 2025 ICTM State Math Contest, and earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction.

In addition to his academic achievements, Michael is a dedicated member of several clubs and organizations including Math Team, Scholastic Bowl, National Honor Society, Pop Culture Club, Video Game Club and Computer Club.

Michael credits preparation and persistence for his success on the ACT.

“I first took the ACT prep course at Providence to get ready,” he explained. “After that, I took practice tests and sat for the exam a couple of times. I was just hoping to beat my previous score—but instead, I got a perfect score. I was thrilled and shocked.”

For Jensen, this achievement represents more than a number.

“The ACT score acts as a validation of the hard work I’ve put in and the high standards I hold,” he said.

Jensen's father David said that he and wife Terri are extremely proud of their son's score.

"It’s very exciting," David Jensen said. "He works very hard. He’s a student who’s very self-motivated. We never have to ask if his homework is done. Most little kids would doodle—he would be doing fractions."

Jensen had been nervous awaiting his score, checking the portal every day.

"It’s a great validation of all the hard work he puts in," David Jensen said. "My wife and I are both very, very excited, and proud of what he’s accomplished. It validates that when he focuses on something—he works really hard and becomes an expert at it. When he sets his mind to focusing in on getting somewhere, he drives toward it and gets that level of success. We're excited for the opportunities and the doors it opens up for him."

In addition to dedication to academics, Jensen plays hockey—both floor and ice, his father said. he also loves classic rock—The Beatles, specifically.

When asked about his experience at Providence, Michael shared, “With so many inspirational teachers here, it’s hard to decide just one who has most mentored and challenged me.”

Looking ahead, Michael plans to pursue a double major in math and physics after graduation.

David Jensen said there are several schools that have piqued his interest, including University of Chicago, Northwestern, California Institute of Technology, Villanova and Xavier. A brother two years Jensen's senior currently attends Florida Southern University, but that does not appeal to him as an option, David Jensen said.

"He knows where he wants to go from an academic standpoint," David Jensen said. "He's looking for something that’s got a good physics and mathematics program."

Jensen's advice to other students preparing for the ACT is simple, but powerful.

“Do not give up," he said. "I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to take the test another time, but I did—and it paid off.”