Geneva teen's perfect ACT ekes out twin's

Jake Tauscher of Geneva received good news recently: He was one of 22 teens, out of 112,000 nationally, to get a perfect score of 36 on an ACT test he took in September.

You would think that might irk his twin brother, Rob, who notched a 35. Maybe throw some fuel on the fire of sibling rivalry.

But the two Geneva High School juniors couldn't be happier for each other.

And being neck-and-neck academically is nothing new.

They've been at the same level since day one, their parents say.

"They'll get the same score on a test, but miss different questions. It's fascinating to me," says their mother, Georgia Tauscher.

Their father, Jack, suggested they take the ACT early to see how they would do. The only test prep they did was the $20 practice offered on the ACT Web site, www.act.org.

In four hours one morning in a test room at St. Charles North High School, they plowed through 215 multiple-choice questions in English, mathematics, reading and science, and a writing test. There was limited time for each section, from 35 minutes for science to 60 minutes for mathematics.

"That's the thing about the ACT. You're so rushed for time," Rob said. Jake said he only had time to check over one section.

Both thought the mathematics part was the easiest, and found English and reading tougher.

They are used to difficult academics. Both are taking the same classes this year, and three of them -- calculus, chemistry and English literature -- are Advanced Placement honors courses.

They are a little competitive: "We always check to see who got the better grade," Jake said.

They have the same grade-point average -- 4.0 in weighted classes, 4.58 overall. They are tied for first place this year.

Rob and Jake are playing together on the varsity basketball team this year. Rob, at 6 foot 5 inches, plays forward, while Jake, at 6 foot, is a guard ("He's a better defender," Rob says). Jake also runs cross country.

"When we play one on one, that gets a little competitive," Jake said.

Jake's favorite subject? Calculus.

Rob's? Science, particularly biology and chemistry.

Jake wants to attend a Big 10 or Ivy League college, such as Brown. Rob is thinking Big 10, but also looking at small colleges such as Carleton and Kenyon.

Jake says Rob's more studious. Rob says he takes more detailed notes.

"Neither has gotten a B in a semester grade," said their mom, Georgia, who herself got a 31 on the ACT back in the day.

Dad Jack -- ACT of 28, he thinks -- is quick to credit the Geneva school system for helping his sons.

"They've had some really phenomenal teachers along the way," he said.