Preparing for the ACT typically leads to most students dreading this infamous standardized exam. Whether it’s the grueling hours of tedious studying, the willpower to overcome difficult sections, or the mindset to subdue any forms of distractions and procrastination, the process of studying for this three-hour-plus exam is no easy feat.

However, in the midst of 1.4 million students who take the exam annually, very few walk away with a 36/36–a perfect score.

This year, MN honored nine students who have received this remarkable achievement. Their success has led them to be guaranteed University of Nebraska-Lincoln Presidential Scholars, displaying how their hard work and dedication truly paid off.

While the benefits of having a perfect ACT score seem to be nothing but advantageous, these students have had to spend strenuous time and effort in order to have their desired outcome come to life.

The process of studying for this exam is what most students are apprehensive about the most. Senior Meghna Adduri, a perfect score recipient, outlines her own study timeline.

“My study timeline was around 1 to 2 months. I took tests over and over again, and I would see what questions I did wrong. The trick is to do questions over and over again while mastering the perfect timing,” Adduri said.

While having a consistent study routine is critical for achieving a perfect score, fostering internal motivation to study proves to be an ongoing challenge for most. Looking back, senior Elise Cherek realizes how her source of motivation encouraged her to reach this great height.

“After the first time I took it, I knew I wanted to take it again because I hadn’t studied. My mom made me a bet on what score I would get, and then I was even more motivated to study. My competitiveness and my mom betting against me was a key factor contributing to my success, because otherwise I really wouldn’t have studied,” Cherek said.

Time management is an issue that many face when preparing for the ACT. Principal Dr. Aaron Bearinger explains how pacing during the ACT is critical for receiving a top-tier score.

“The ACT is about knowledge, number one, but it’s also about how well you are able to decipher information and register that in a timed situation. If we took the time element off, we would see a lot better scores,” Dr. Bearinger said.

Junior Arnav Jain, believes that his dedication and effective time management helped him achieve the score he desired.

“I think the main factor was the amount of dedication I put in. I would work 2-3 hours a day for almost 3 months before my first test. One strategy I used was the Pomodoro technique, where I would take small breaks after around 25-30 minutes of working,” Jain said.

This incredible feat done by these top scorers has impacted their college applications and opportunities immensely.

“Getting a 36 has absolutely helped me. For UNL, I got a full ride scholarship, and I thought that was really cool because UNL has a lot of good programs. Better stats on a college application means a lot of opportunities, especially scholarship-wise,” Adduri said.

The passion and drive that helped motivate these students to achieve their dream scores can be applicable to many. By fostering motivation and the willingness to do hard work, a 36 may not be out of reach for you too.