Plainfield East Senior Gets Perfect ACT Score On First Try

PLAINFIELD, IL — A Plainfield East High School senior achieved a perfect ACT score on her first try, district officials said.

Aleena Yousuf received a composite score of 36 on the college entrance exam, a score that fewer than one percent of students nationwide earn. Then, she did it again on the SAT, another college entrance exam, landing in the 99th percentile with a score of 1570 out of a possible 1600.

"We are extremely proud of Aleena's incredible accomplishment," Heather Boswell, Plainfield East assistant principal of student services, said in a statement. "It is truly extraordinary, and we know it reflects her dedication, preparation and hard work."

Boswell added: "She is a wonderful representation of what Plainfield East is all about, and her contributions make our school community stronger."

News of the perfect ACT score came as a surprise to Yousuf. The student didn't devote significant additional time to her ACT preparations, having already studied extensively for the SAT, according to a news release from the Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202.

Yousuf believes her success also stems from co-founding the school's test prep program, where she provides ACT resources and tutoring for classmates. In addition to academics, she is also active in the school's Science Olympiad and Distributive Education Clubs of America programs.

Yousuf plans to pursue electrical engineering in college.