St. Xavier junior achieves perfect score on ACT test | People

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - St. Xavier High School’s Alexander Bailey achieved a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT college entrance exam.

The junior, who goes by Xeny, is the fourth St. X student in the last year to achieve this rare milestone.

Xeny took the test in early December, though it wasn’t his first time.

“I actually took it in middle school as part of an academic talent search program,” he said. “I thought I might do well, but I never expected a perfect score.”

Bailey also scored a perfect 1,600 on the math and language portions of the SAT test, another standardized college exam he took in November. (He scored better than a 700 on the writing portion of the three-part test).

In addition to his academic gifts, Xeny has played tennis for two years and been part of the XMen chorus. He participates in community service by way of Saturday morning work at the Freestore Foodbank.

According to a letter Bailey received from ACT CEO Jon Whitmore, “On average less than one-tenth of one percent of all test takes 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 earned a score of 36.

“While test scores are just one of the many criteria that most colleges consider when making admission decisions, your exceptional ACT composite score should prove helpful as you pursue your education and career goals.”

“We’re proud of Alexander for this accomplishment and grateful for the glow that his accomplishment gives to St. Xavier,” said St. X Principal Dave Mueller (’72).

Bailey joins a trio of fellow Bombers who recently earned perfect ACT scores. Doug Kirkpatrick (’11), Max Riestenberg (‘11) and Ryan Welch (‘12), each scored 36 on the ACT last school year.

“I think that speaks very well of the education you get at St. X,” Bailey said. “To have that many perfect scores in one place says a lot.”

Xeny is the son of Mark and Pam Bailey.