Orland Park Student Scores Perfect 36 On ACT Test

CHICAGO, IL -- A junior at Brother Rice High School achieved what only one-tenth of 1 percent of all students who take ACT test have done. Liam Coughlin, of Orland Park, earned the highest possible score of 36. Liam did it on his first attempt.

The son of Patrick and Kate Coughlin, Liam graduated grammar school from St. Michael, before choosing Brother Rice. He credits both schools with preparing him for his success. Prior to the exam, he hadn’t enrolled in any ACT preparation classes, but did “read all the tips” from his sister’s hand-me-down study book, adding with a smile, “even though all the practice tests were used up.”

Still undecided about which college he will attend, Liam plans to study aerospace engineering once he gets there. His ACT score will certainly open up options – and suitors. As the congratulatory letter he received from ACT states, Liam’s score of 36 “will provide any college or university ample evidence of [his] readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead.”

Liam’s ACT score is only part of his equation. He maintains a stellar grade point average while active in several clubs and activities. He has been fostering his love and understanding of engineering as a three-year member of the award-winning Brother Rice Robotics Club. The robotics club has earned recognition as one of the top high school programs in the world, placing first in its region two years in a row, and fourteenth among 250 teams across 17 different countries. Furthermore, he participates on the Scholastic Bowl team and in the National Honor Society.

In the summers, Liam volunteers his time at Edmund Rice Camp, a free, one week camp of artistic, athletic, recreational, and spiritual activities held at Brother Rice for area youngsters who cannot afford to attend summer camp. His friends and teachers also appreciate Liam’s casual demeanor and witty sense of humor.

“We are all certainly proud of Liam’s accomplishment,” said Dr. Kevin Burns, president of Brother Rice High School. “We’re even prouder of the young man he’s become.”

Photo: Liam Coughlin | BRHS