Mason High School junior Soumya Jaiswal didn't expect to earn a perfect score on the ACT exam. But that’s exactly what happened for the 16-year-old on her first try at the rigorous academic test when she took it in December. Now, Jaiswal joins a small but impressive group. Less than 0.1 percent of students nationally achieve a perfect score of 36 on the exam - though students in the Mason City School District have done particularly well on the exam recently. Jaiswal is the fourth student in the district to be recognized for a perfect score on the ACT this school year. Other MHS students who have earned a perfect score include Victor Chen, Jenny Hong, and Jake Kandell. Jaiswal was very surprised when she learned that that she wouldn’t have to take the test a second time. “It was Finals Week, and I remembered that the scores were coming out. My hopes weren't that high so I wasn’t really excited to check. But then I was in second bell and got a text from my parents. I was like ‘What? A 36 - is this for real?’ My parents definitely had more faith in me.” Jaiswal loves science and writing. She would like to facilitate more discussion about science’s impact on people and the planet, and is interested in pursuing scientific journalism. “I’m excited that maybe with this score I’ll have more schools to consider. I’ve not really made up my mind - I just want to go somewhere with a strong research department,” said Jaiswal. She is particularly grateful to MHS English teacher Olivia Kinross for encouraging her not to give up on her writing. “She really encouraged me to not feel like I needed to choose between my love of science and my passion for writing. With her guidance, I realized that I can pursue both.” At MHS, Jaiswal is active with the Spanish National Honor Society, National Honor Society, Drama Club, Mason Inclusion Club, and is a reviewer for the Cappies. Jaiswal is the daughter of Madhulika Gidwani and Sanjay Jaiswal. The Mason City Schools Board of Education will honor her accomplishment at its February 27 meeting.