Malia Hill runs cross-country, competes in track and field, plays soccer and excels at English, math and science at Waiakea High School.
But now, she’s caught the attention of several universities after earning a perfect score of 36 on the American College Testing exam, or ACT, a feat achieved by just a quarter of 1% of those who take the test.
“I’m glad that I got the score, but I’m also glad that I won’t have to take the test again,” she told the Tribune-Herald with a laugh. “I was surprised at first. I didn’t think it was real.”
Hill studied for the exam by taking several practice tests online and watching videos while brushing up on her English, math, reading and science skills. The ACT, which is used for college admissions, is based on a composite score from each of those subjects.
“I was a little nervous, because it was my first time taking the ACT, and I was more used to the SAT format,” Hill said. “The English and math sections were easier than I expected them to be, but the science was actually harder than I thought it would be.”
Of the 1.34 million students who took the test this year, just over 3,000 were able to earn a perfect score.
“Earning a top score on the ACT is a remarkable achievement,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “A student’s exceptional score of 36 will provide any college or university with ample evidence of their readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead.”
Hill has a passion for science, and with her new accolade, she’s already looking at colleges but hasn’t made any final decisions yet.
“I’m still weighing the options, but I do hope to attend college on the West Coast, possibly looking at Stanford, Santa Clara University and UC San Diego, to name a few,” she said. “I hope to pursue a bachelor’s of science in college, and while I’m not completely decided on my major, I’m looking into chemistry, biology and engineering right now.
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to become a specialist in one of those areas,” she said regarding a future career.
Hill recently started a job with Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center, which has sparked a passion for medicine.
“I just recently started a job at Hale Anuenue as a hospitality aid, so I’m really into the medical field, and I’m hoping to gain some experience there,” she said. “I’m still getting a feel for it, but I do enjoy it so far.”
Her passions also extend outside of sports, medicine and science. She enjoys baking, reading web comics, thrifting new outfits and learning new languages.
“I just like dabbling around,” she said. “I’ve learned parts of Japanese, Korean, some Spanish, and I’m hoping to expand on all those, as well.”
In addition to her parents, her older twin brothers, and her sister, who is also in high school, Hill wanted to thank several teachers at Waiakea High for their support.
“I’ve liked all of my teachers really, but in particular, I really enjoyed classes with Mrs. (Sarah) Polloi, Dr. (Chad) Higa, Mr. (Rory) Inouye and Mrs. (Melissa) Pierce,” Hill said, adding her favorite subjects this past year were English and math.
Hill is now entering her senior year, and while she’s gearing up for a bright future, she’s also taking in her last high school experience.
“I’m a bit nervous,” she said about entering her senior year. “But I’m also excited to prepare for college and to go out with a bang.”
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com.