Neel Mondal
Haynes Academy is known for academic success. This latest achievement, however, may set a new bar for this school that regularly ranks among the best public schools in the state and nation.
Haynes Academy sophomore Neelambar “Neel” Mondal scored a perfect 36 on the ACT earlier this school year. In addition to acing the ACT, Mondal also earned a perfect score on the PSAT.
“This is the first time I’m aware of that we’ve had a sophomore score a 36 on the ACT. I also don’t know that we’ve ever had a sophomore earn a perfect score on both of those tests,” said Haynes Academy Principal Karla Russo. “Neel excels in everything he does, whether it’s as an academic games champion or simply setting the example as a model student and leader.”
Mondal plans to study engineering in college. He participates in the school’s academic games, Mu Alpha Theta, and quiz bowl. This was the second time Mondal took the ACT. He managed a 33 in just the seventh grade.
“I was excited (to find out about the perfect ACT score),” said Mondal. “All the hard work I put in finally paid off.”
Mondal is the son of Debasis and Dipa Mondal. In a letter to Mondal recognizing this exceptional achievement, ACT Chief Executive Officer Marten Roorda stated, “Your achievement on the ACT is significant and rare. While test scores are just one of multiple criteria that most colleges consider when making admission decisions, your exceptional ACT composite score should prove helpful as you pursue your education and career goals.”
On average, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn a top score. In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2016, only 2,235 out of nearly 2.1 million graduates who took the ACT earned a composite score of 36.
The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science, each scored on a scale of 1–36. A student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores. ACT test scores are accepted by all major U.S. colleges. Exceptional scores of 36 provide colleges with evidence of student readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead.