Olympia student aces the ACT

Olympia High School senior Madison Modlin has earned the highest possible American College Testing composite score of 36 and now is making plans for her future in college and beyond. 

In the United States high school graduating class of 2021, only 4,055 out of 1.29 million students who took the ACT earned a top composite score of 36, according to the official ACT website. 

Fewer than half of 1% of students who take the ACT earn a top score. Modlin said she was shocked when she found out she was among the students who achieved the perfect score.

“I know it’s a great accomplishment, and I’m happy I was able to reach it; I always like to do things the very best that I can,” Modlin shared. “It was a great feeling to know that I did the best I could and achieved that milestone.”

TAKING A CHANCE

Like many other juniors, Modlin spent the majority of her year studying for both the ACT and the Scholastic Aptitude Test. 

The standardized testing systems are used for college admission decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships.

Although most Florida colleges require the SAT, the ACT is optional but reaps a massive amount of benefits. 

Taking the ACT can help colleges place students in the right classes at the right level; increase the chances of earning a scholarship; allow students to qualify for specific programs and secure admission into a wide variety of schools.

Knowing she wanted to attend a higher level college, Modlin said she took both tests to increase her chances. 

She studied from “The Official SAT Study Guide” and took practice exams. Although the ACT has a faster pace and includes more subjects, the SAT book, combined with all the work she has put into her academics through the years, helped her ace the test. 

“I want to always take every chance I can to do better,” Modlin said. “I didn’t want to just leave that undone in my high school years, not knowing how it could have gone if I didn’t take it.”

Modlin earned a score of 1,550 out of the total 1,600 on the SAT test last year. 

In October 2021, she took the ACT test for the first time and earned a 34. 

When the opportunity to take the ACT again arose, Modlin admitted she was unsure about attending the test at school. 

Many of her friends had decided to stay home, but her mother encouraged her to take it. 

In April 2022, Modlin took the ACT for a second time and earned her perfect score.

BRILLIANT BRAINIAC

Madison Modlin is the daughter of Paul and Jacque Modlin. 

Madison Modlin said her parents own a mechanical design business, Advantek Engineering Inc., which has always made her interested in that side of science. 

Jacque Modlin said her daughter’s academics always have been a high priority. 

“She is highly dedicated to her courses and at times has sacrificed additional activities to focus on her academics,” Jacque Modlin said. “Her affinity (for) books began as soon as she could turn the pages. I remember when she was young, she told me, ‘I wish I could put my finger on a book and “drink” the pages.’” 

Jacque Modlin said she and her husband are incredibly proud of their daughter, but not just because of her score.

“I am inspired by Madison, as I feel she is not only strong in academics, but she also has a kind heart and eagerness to help others and has over 350 hours of volunteer time,” Jacque Modlin said. “She always looks for the good in people, remains humble and is positive even in challenging situations. Her father, sister and I are so excited to see the great accomplishments that await her in life.”

Madison Modlin is heavily involved in the publication programs, including newspaper and yearbook, and currently is the photography editor for the yearbook. 

Her list of extracurriculars also includes Science Olympiad, leader for Codebusters, president of Red Cross Club, member of the softball team and vice president of Key Club, which she helped found with her friend last year.

Although the scholar is still exploring her options for colleges, she is considering schools such as the University of Florida, Georgia Institute of Technology, Vanderbilt, Princeton, Harvard and Duke.

Her goals include owning her own business and pursuing a career somewhere where she could experience something new every day. 

“My dream job would honestly just be something that helps people,” Madison Modlin said.