Local student records perfect ACT score

Tuesday, July 5, 2005 | 11:01 a.m.

After learning she had scored a perfect 36 on the ACT college entrance exam, Coronado High School student Wen Hui Tan asked her parents for just one thing as a reward.

"All I wanted was a tray of sushi," said Wen Hui, 16.

Wen Hui had the only perfect score by a Nevada student this year and one of just 32 nationwide. More than 405,000 students took the ACT in April. The average score for Clark County students on last year's ACT was 21, compared with 20.9 nationally. The test grades students on their knowledge of English, reading, mathematics and science.

"I wasn't shooting for a perfect score but this is really nice," said Wen Hui, who will be at senior at Coronado in August. "I'm glad I don't have to take it again."

Her SAT scores weren't too shabby either. Wen Hui earned 2360 out of a possible 2400.

To prepare for the college entrance exams Wen Hui used workbooks and practice tests to review her skills. She encouraged other students to do the same.

"Studying really does help," Wen Hui said. "I know most kids don't want to but if you put in the time it pays off."

Bob Mars, assistant principal at Coronado High School, said he was thrilled when ACT officials notified him of Wen Hui's perfect score.

"She's an outstanding young lady and I'm glad she's getting the recognition she deserves," Mars said.

Born in Malaysia, her family moved to Taiwan before her first birthday. They later spent seven years in East Lansing, Mich. followed by a stint in Colorado. She was in the fifth grade when her family settled in Henderson.

In the long run her ACT performance, along with her straight-A average, extracurricular activities and work ethic, will likely bring her a lot more than raw fish. While Wen Hui hopes to become a pediatric surgeon or medical researcher, a career involving writing also has appeal. She plans to apply to Stanford University along with several Ivy League colleges.

A member of Coronado's Varsity Quiz team and the National Honor Society, Wen Hui volunteers at the Henderson Public Library and for community charity events.

Her father, UNLV business professor Keah Choon Tan, said his daughter's drive to excel in school is mostly self-imposed.

"She basically does it herself, we don't have to push her," Wen Hui said.

But that doesn't mean he and his wife, Yun Chiu, don't encourage their children's academic interests.

"Some people send their kids to school and expect them to learn everything there," Tan said. "But I always say we parents have to do our part at home."

So far his daughter is living up to Chinese name, which means "intelligent" and "multi-talented."

"We are very, very proud," Wen Hui said.