For students pursuing their postsecondary goals, the ACT test offers more than just a score, says Noah Janke, a mechanical engineering major at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Noah took the test in seventh grade, where he earned a 26, and in high school he twice earned a perfect 36. He says his scores opened doors to academic and scholarship opportunities that he and his family could not have imagined.

“My college-going journey would be very different if I hadn't received the scholarships,” he said. "I was offered, obviously, a very good scholarship here at the University of Nebraska that got my tuition paid for. I believe my admittance into the Raikes program – which is another several thousand dollars a year – as well as a specially designed academic program, was also heavily dependent on my ACT score."

Noah says his parents’ non-traditional education, going back to school as adult students, inspired him to pursue college. He shares how his parents returned to college to earn degrees in their respective passions while raising children on their family farm. Reflecting on how higher education can change a person’s career and life trajectory, Noah says their story exemplifies the importance of perseverance and the joy of achieving your goals.

Watch the video to hear more from Noah about his college-going journey.