Not many people can say they have aced the ACT, but our very own Cole Brady (12) did just that over the summer. Although preparing for and taking this assessment is highly stressful, Brady was able to handle the pressure at an extraordinary level with ease, earning a perfect score of 36. Brady has always been good at math, he said, and this was another opportunity to further prove that and put his knowledge to the test.
Brady actually took the test earlier last year, before summer break, where he was able to achieve a score of 35. While this score is phenomenal, he was dedicated to doing better. He wanted to ensure he could perform to the best of his abilities by taking time to be even more prepared than had been originally. Taking these tests can hold a lot of pressure, so Brady was sure to do what he thought would be the most beneficial for him as he got ready for the test. “I tutored with official ACT instructors for 12 hours during the school year and a little in the summer to best prepare me.” Brady was able to learn from the knowledge of these experts the best tips to succeed on the test, as well as understand the concepts that he needed to fully comprehend.
Brady explained that, while taking the test, the most difficult part was trying to understand what the questions were asking. Reading through each question and interpreting what was being asked was the most important part, which caused him a little bit of trouble. Using his strong math knowledge and experience, he was able to use context clues to methodically answer the questions correctly.
Brady has always enjoyed math and the challenges it brings him, which is a unique characteristic for a student to have. He explained, “My favorite math class I have ever taken is calculus because it helps you think outside the box about abstract ideas.” Brady is hoping that through gaining this understanding of complicated ideas he can propel himself to the next level of success on a greater scale.
Getting a perfect score on the ACT was just one step in the process for Brady, as he is trying to have his transcript filled with accolades such as this one. On his quest for college, Brady said, “I have applied to MIT, CalTech, Georgia Tech, Penn State, and a few other schools that I am interested in and hoping to get into.” His top school is Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he wants to go into material engineering. After receiving his degree, his main focus on a career would be working for Microsoft in his respected field. This has been something Brady has strived to achieve as his dream aspiration.
Receiving a perfect score on the ACT was a huge accomplishment for Brady. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to be successful in his endeavor. His story is an inspiring reminder of the strength of the tides and the incredible achievements within reach when hard work and dedication are applied. Be sure to congratulate Brady on his amazing feat!