Austin Teen Earns Perfect ACT Score: St. Michael’s Prep Senior William Robertson Achieves a 36
AUSTIN, Texas (January, 21 2026) — William Robertson, a senior at St. Michael’s Prep, earned the highest possible ACT Composite score of 36, placing him in the top one-quarter of 1% of all ACT test-takers nationwide.
In last year’s U.S. high school graduating class, only 3,041 out of 1.37 million students who took the ACT earned a perfect composite score of 36.
The ACT includes four subject tests: English, mathematics, reading, and science, each scored on a scale of 1–36. A student’s Composite score represents the average of those four section scores.
“When a student earns a top score of 36 on the ACT test, it opens doors to a promising future, demonstrating for colleges and universities that they are ready for the challenges ahead,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “This remarkable achievement is something we celebrate along with the student and their family.”
William’s perfect score reflects years of disciplined academic work, deep curiosity, and an ability to perform at the highest level across multiple subject areas. In addition to his academic success, he is a leader and builder, serving as the Lead Programmer and Captain of his school’s award-winning FTC Robotics Team, where he leads design, prototyping, testing, and the development of autonomous and driver-operated code.
William’s passion for robotics began early. In second grade, he started learning to code using Scratch, and by fifth grade, he had already built a reputation as a student who could bring ideas to life through programming. That year, St. Michael’s Prep’s STEM Director invited William to program a Dash and Dot robot to deliver a message to teachers during faculty inservice—an early moment that helped spark what would become a long-running love of engineering, problem-solving, and innovation.
William has also balanced his rigorous coursework and extracurricular commitments with meaningful real-world engineering experience. He has worked as a classic automotive mechanic at Jerry Dixon’s Automotive since he was 14, gaining hands-on experience rewiring harnesses and rebuilding major engine components, an opportunity that has further strengthened his passion for engineering and problem-solving, including purchasing and rebuilding his own 1965 Buick Electra.
Outside of academics and STEM, William is deeply involved in the life of the St. Michael’s Prep community. He serves on the school’s Executive Student Council and was selected for the Senior Leadership Team, roles that reflect his character, work ethic, and commitment to leading by example. He is also an altar server for school Masses and plays piano for school concerts, gatherings and community socials, contributing his talent to some of the school’s most meaningful events.
William is also known for stepping into new challenges with determination and grit. As a junior, he began playing football for the first time and earned Rookie of the Year as an offensive lineman, quickly becoming a valued member of the team through his discipline, coachability, and drive to improve.
His accomplishments extend well beyond the classroom and workplace. William and his robotics team have earned top honors at the state, national, and international levels, including FTC State Championships and a Top 5 finish at the FTC World Championship, competing against thousands of teams worldwide.
“Balancing academics with robotics, work, and football taught me a lot about discipline and time management. I’m proud to earn a 36, and I’m grateful for the many people who have challenged and supported me as I work to become the best version of myself,” said William Robertson.
At St. Michael’s Prep, preparation for college is a Pre-K3-12th grade journey supported by counselors, faculty, coaches, and families. Students are encouraged to explore their strengths, pursue their passions, and find best-fit colleges where they can thrive.
ACT scores are accepted by major four-year colleges and universities across the U.S. and remain one of the key factors used in admissions, scholarship consideration, and course placement decisions.
About St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School
St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is the result of the bold unification of two outstanding Independent Catholic Schools in Southwest Austin: St. Gabriel’s Catholic School, founded in 1999 for grades PK-8, and St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, founded in 1984 for grades 9-12. The unification allows for excellent, innovative programming for students in grades Pre-K3 – 12, specifically: a seamless alignment of curriculum, athletics, fine arts, and STEM; robust and challenging academics with a foundation of Social Emotional Learning, and; a warm and inviting community rooted in Catholic identity.
Known for their unparalleled dedication to an exceptional experience, St. Michael’s Prep faculty and students alike are recognized through national notable awards and recent State Championships in Basketball, Swimming, Dance and Robotics.
For more information, visit the school website.
About ACT
ACT is transforming college and career readiness pathways so that everyone can discover and fulfill their potential. Grounded in more than 65 years of research, ACT’s learning resources, assessments, research, and work-ready credentials are trusted by students, job seekers, educators, schools, government agencies, and employers in the U.S. and around the world to help people achieve their education and career goals at every stage of life. Visit ACT online.
