Twins Achieve Perfect ACT Scores: A Family’s Academic Journey

Twins Dean and Aiden Elhadary, students at New Trier High School, celebrated an academic milestone when both secured perfect ACT scores. This achievement came immediately after finishing their sophomore year.

I got an email in class saying my scores were released and when I found out my score, I was pleased and relieved, Aiden Elhadary remarked. Then I texted my brother to see what he got and it was the same score — which was exciting.

Both brothers have a keen interest in sciences and have a clear vision for their future academic pursuits. Dean aims to pursue a pre-med track, while Aiden is drawn to studying biology or chemistry. Achieving a composite score of 36 on their first attempt is a rare feat, achieved by only 1 in 400 test-takers, according to ACT Communications Director Juan Elizondo.

The ACT is generally attempted during high school junior and senior years. However, some sophomores, such as Dean and Aiden, take it earlier. Elizondo mentions that early attempts help students understand potential college opportunities.

The reason we took this test early was to kind of get a data point to know what areas we had to improve on for future test prep, explained Aiden.

Their preparation included a month with a private tutor specifically for the SAT, followed by another month for the ACT. They engaged with the tutor weekly for one-hour sessions, focusing primarily on practice exams. Most of the preparation was self-directed.

I know she gave them practice exams and that’s all they did, shared their mother, Jenny Elhadary. Despite their efforts, she notes one twin showed more enthusiasm for studying.

On June 27, 2026, the twins, aged fifteen, stood with their parents, Hamdy and Jenny Elhadary, at New Trier High School’s Winnetka campus.

Their strong reading comprehension skills were instrumental, particularly in the English and reading sections. Dean acknowledged the benefit of his attentiveness in math class for exam success.

The twins’ parents, both healthcare professionals, are proud of their sons’ accomplishments. Jenny serves as vice president for clinical services at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, while Hamdy is a physician assistant specializing in plastic surgery at Endeavor Health. Discussions around the medical field have been a constant part of the twins’ upbringing.

Outside academics, Dean and Aiden participate in Science Olympiad competitions, even mentoring students at Marie Murphy Middle School in Wilmette.

The family recently toured Duke University, which currently tops the twins’ preferred college list, though they remain open to other options.

This was very shocking and rewarding, said Hamdy Elhadary regarding their score. I want them to realize how exciting and great this is.