Two Central High School students earn perfect scores on the ACT

Two juniors at Central High School in Burlington accomplished something that only .2% of students nationwide achieve each year, earning perfect composite scores on the ACT.

Caleb Goldenstein and Sanay Gulati each scored 36 on the standardized test used for college admissions, according to a press release from Central Unit School District 301.

In 2024 over 1.3 million students took the ACT, with just over 3,000 getting a perfect score.

Gulati, who serves as Student Council President, National Honor Society President and Vice President of Key Club, has earned national recognition through SkillsUSA, Math Team and NIU Business Olympics.

He also co-founded the school’s Coding and Debate Clubs and leads a nonprofit raising awareness for canine health.

“I was in utter disbelief staring at the 36. I even had to check a couple of times to make sure I was reading it right,” Gulati said in the release. “It was an incredible moment I’ll never forget.”

Goldenstein has been a member of the Central soccer and lacrosse teams, is a member of the National Honor Society and German Honor Society and is a state champion with Central’s SkillsUSA team.

He also participates in several academic clubs, including Academic Bowl, Debate, German Club, Service Club, and Investment Club and also earned the Seal of Biliteracy in German.

“I had spent so much time taking PSATs and preparing for the SAT that I wasn’t taking the ACT too seriously,” Goldenstein said in the release. “I was on college visits and working on my ‘promposal’ instead of studying. It was a complete shock when I opened up the score report.”

Stephen Buchs, Director of Curriculum for the district, said they align curriculum, instruction and assessment so students feel confident when taking college entrance exams.

“We’re proud to see that work pay off in the achievements of students like Caleb and Sanay,” Buchs said in the release.