BSM senior Jack McGinn earned a top score of 36 on his ACT college admissions and placement exam. On average, less than one-tenth of one percent of all test takers earn the top score. Among the high school graduating class of 2011, more than 1.6 million graduates took the ACT. Of that number, just 704 students earned a score of 36. For the September 10, 2011, test that Jack took, he was one of seven Twin Cities metro students to achieve a 36. Excited by the news, Jack said, “I’m very grateful for the education I’ve received from BSM,” and explained that he felt especially prepared for the reading comprehension portion of the test.

The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science. Each test is scored on a scale of 1-36, and a student's composite score is the average of the four test scores. Students may miss a few questions and still receive a top score, as long as the composite score is a 36. Some students also take ACT’s optional Writing Test, but the score for that test is reported separately and is not included within the ACT composite score.

ACT test scores are accepted by all major U.S. colleges, and exceptional scores of 36 provide colleges with evidence of student readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead.

At this point, Jack is considering Harvard, Stanford and Dartmouth as college/university options.

In addition to his strong scholastic abilities, Jack has proven himself as an athlete. He is a two-time All-State swimmer (earning this honor during both his sophomore and junior years in the 200 and 500 freestyle) and is a member of the varsity baseball team.