From Perfect ACT to Soccer Field, Apple Valley High Schooler Scores

Mitchell Dawson scored the first goal of the season this fall for the boys soccer team.

And recently, Dawson found out about a different score he achieved—a perfect score on his ACT test.

Less than one-tenth of 1 percent of 2011 graduates who took the ACT national college admission exam received a perfect score of 36, according to ACT.

What's somewhat more unique is that Dawson, who also had experience taking the ACT in seventh grade, took the test in June as a sophomore, whereas most students do so as a junior or senior in high school.

"We were pretty shocked," said his mom, Jan Dawson. Mitchell is the oldest child in the family, and first to take the test. "I didn't expect a perfect score."

In the past 10 years, one high school freshman in Minnesota and seven sophomores achieved a 36 on the ACT, said Nancy Owens, with ACT media relations. At Apple Valley High School, 10 incoming seniors in the past 15 years have received a perfect ACT score, said Principal Steve Degenaar.

Mitchell, who is also involved in track and band at school, said he's usually a pretty good test-taker, but the most challenging thing about the ACT was finishing the science section in time.

"Work fast" was his advice to other student test-takers.

The now high school junior, whose favorite subject is math, said the University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program he's participated in since seventh grade was probably the best test preparation.

Though he has two years left of high school, Mitchell is already thinking about studying economics in college. His current frontrunner is Stanford University, he said.

But of all the activities Mitchell is involved in, he said soccer is his favorite. It's become a year-round endeavor, as he plays with the Eagles varsity team during the fall and a Valley United club team the rest of the year.

He hopes he can also play soccer in college, he said.

Jef Dawson, Mitchell's dad, said Mitchell's diligence, as well as the benefit of attending school in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district, have helped his son succeed.

"He certainly works hard and earns his accomplishments," Jef said.

But while getting a 36 ACT score is a nice accomplishment, Mitchell and his parents said the score won't change daily life for their family.

One thing Mitchell won't have to worry about this year, however, is retaking the test to get a better score.

That takes one task off his plate so he can focus on school and his other activities, including taking the other college-entrance exam—the SAT—this fall.