Culver City High School senior Zachary Greenberg has earned the highest possible score on the standardized ACT exam – a composite score of 36.

“Zachary is the epitome of a scholar athlete who excels in the classroom and on his team,” said Asst. Principal DuBois McMillan.

Greenberg is captain of the Centaurs Water polo team in his second year on the roster.

“He also is on the swim team,” said Coach Nestor Dordoni.  “Zach is one of the best swimmers in the school.”

Greenberg registered his superior score on the 57-year-old college readiness evaluation whose acronym, ACT, stands for American College Testing.

On average, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn a top score. In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2016, only 2,235 out of nearly 2.1 million graduates who took the ACT earned a composite score of 36.

The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science, each scored on a scale of 1 to 36. A student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores. Some students also take the optional ACT writing test.

However, the score for that test is reported separately. and is not included within the ACT composite score.

In a letter to Greenberg recognizing his exceptional achievement, ACT Chief Executive Officer Marten Roorda said:

“Your achievement on the ACT is significant and rare. While test scores are just one of multiple 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.”

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