Justin Gannon, the son of John and Jennifer Gannon and a senior at Riverdale High School has demonstrated that he is well prepared for college by earning the top composite score of 36 on the ACT college admissions and placement exam.

The curriculum-based achievement exam helps determine a student’s ability to successfully take on challenging college-level coursework, said a spokesman from ACT Media Relations.

Typically, less than one-tenth of one percent of all test takes earn the top composite score.

Gannon was one of only four college bound students in Florida to earn the perfect 36 score during the December 2008 test date.

The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science. Each test is scored on a scale of 1 o 36.

The average composite score for the national high school graduating class of 2008 was 21.1 out of 36. Some students also take ACT’s optional writing test, but the score for that test is reported separately and is not included in the ACT composite score.

In a letter recognizing this exceptional achievement, ACT Chief Executive Officer Richard L. Ferguson pointed out that Gannon should have a choice of the widest possible range of future educational options. ACT scores are accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities.