Plainfield East High School senior Aleena Yousuf has achieved a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT college entrance exam, on her first try.
Fewer than one percent of students nationwide earn a top score on the ACT. 
“We are extremely proud of Aleena’s incredible accomplishment,” said Heather Boswell, PEHS assistant principal of student services. “It is truly extraordinary, and we know it reflects her dedication, preparation and hard work.”
Boswell praised Yousuf as a standout student and leader.
“She is a wonderful representation of what Plainfield East is all about, and her contributions make our school community stronger,” Boswell said.
Yousuf said the news came as a surprise.
“I was thrilled and a little shocked,” Yousuf said.
Then she did it again with the SAT, landing in the 99th percentile with a score of 1570 out of a possible 1600.
Although she didn’t devote much additional time to her ACT preparations, having already studied extensively for the SAT, Yousuf believes her success also stems from co-founding the school’s test prep program, where she provides ACT resources and tutoring for classmates.
In addition to academics, Yousuf is active in the school’s Science Olympiad and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA).
She also plans to pursue electrical engineering in college.