KU News Release

Top ACT score earns Olathe freshman KU’s Perfect Achievement Scholarship

Edward J. Fensholt

LAWRENCE — When Edward J. Fensholt first took the ACT college entrance exam in his junior year at Olathe North High School, he scored 34 out of a possible 36.

He might have settled for the near perfect score, but Fensholt learned that the University of Kansas offers a Perfect Achievement Scholarship that provides full tuition for up to four years to Kansas high school graduates with perfect scores on college entrance exams. The scholarship also provides housing in a traditional residence hall with a full meal package and an allowance for books.

With his eye on the prized scholarship, valued at about $58,000 for four years, Fensholt took the ACT a second time, scored a perfect 36 and this fall became the fourth KU freshman to receive the Perfect Achievement Scholarship.

KU established the Perfect Achievement Scholarship in 2004 and first offered it in 2005. The renewable scholarship recognizes Kansas high school graduates who achieve the top score of 36 on the ACT or of 1,600 on the SAT. In addition, eligible students must choose KU right after high school graduation and remain enrolled at KU.

“We established the scholarship as part of the university’s mission to recruit the top graduating high school seniors in Kansas and to encourage them to continue their education in Kansas,” said Lisa Pinamonti Kress, director of admissions and scholarships.

Recipients must maintain a 3.25 grade-point average and may also qualify for other KU scholarships and awards.

Fensholt said that he didn’t apply for additional scholarships once he learned he would receive a Perfect Achievement Scholarship.

As he began classes on Aug. 16, Fensholt was focusing on another prize. The microbiology major is hoping to qualify for an undergraduate job with the KU Center for Research. Though his interests include literature and science, it is the potential for a career as a researcher and teacher, particularly searching for new ways to combat pathogens with viruses, that interests him most.

“The problem is everything interests me,” Fensholt said, recalling that when he entered the Distinguished Scholars Program at Olathe North High School, “I had to choose between English and science.” Choosing science may have provided him with an advantage on the ACT and preparing for college, Fensholt said. “I had an opportunity to study organic chemistry — not offered in many high schools.”

Although the Perfect Achievement Scholarship was a primary factor in his decision to come to KU, Fensholt said opportunities for undergraduate work with faculty at the Center for Research were also a major attraction.

“And I have to admit I'm a big KU basketball fan,” Fensholt said. His dad, who earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1981 and a law degree at KU in 1984, has brought his family to campus many times to attend football and basketball games as well as visit the museums.

He is the son of Edward and Renee Fensholt of Olathe. Edward’s sister, Rebecca, a year younger, is also a KU freshman this fall. She is planning to major in journalism and German. They have two older brothers, Brian who attended KU and is now in working Arizona, and Michael, serving in the U.S. Army.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.