CHS' three perfect ACT scores

Anna Caten - Sophomore | News

In 2020, three of Cookeville High School’s very own students scored a perfect 36 on the ACT. According to prepscholar.com, Keith Wiley, Meredith Alley, and Vivek Kotla are in the top .334% of test takers.

Cookeville High School provides 2 free exams for its students: one late in your junior year and the other early in your senior year. However, there is no limit to how many times you take the test. Meredith Alley recommends “working with other people and taking practice tests” to help prepare.

When actually taking the test, “paying attention to time management” is very important, according to Keith Wiley. He also cites Ms. Waller, a Honors Math 3 and AP Calculus teacher, as being very helpful in preparation. Teachers are a great resource to use -- they know the material and the system, so don’t be afraid to reach out.

There are many benefits to scoring well on the ACT. It improves your chances of getting a merit-based scholarship, determines what type of colleges you look at, and can even give you an edge on job applications. So when your time comes, be prepared. Study with friends, ask teachers for help and advice, and don’t forget why you are taking the test.