At its core, economics is the study of decision making. Microeconomics can be similarly boiled down to the study of individual decisions and markets. For example, if the price of hot dogs is increased, does the quantity of hamburgers consumed also increase, and why? Although microeconomics can be broadly explained in these simple terms, it is by no means an easy field of study; thousands of students take the Advanced Placement (AP) Microeconomics test every year, but very few manage to achieve a perfect score. Out of 96,000 students who took the exam in 2023, Penn Manor senior Suren Clark was one of 44 students to receive a 100% grade.

Clark took the test in May 2023 at the end of his microeconomics class taught by Chris Meier. This was the first economics class Clark had ever taken, and although he found himself enjoying the material, he was by no means expecting the call he received from the College Board notifying him that he was among the 0.05 percent of students globally who achieved a perfect score. "I walked out of the exam feeling good, but like any test, I still had my doubts," Clark said. "I was floored to get that call. Every day I'm surrounded by classmates who are strong thinkers, so it's unusual to get recognition of this type."

Clark immediately shared the news with his parents as well as Meier, whom Clark credits with preparing him for the test. According to Clark, the combination of his interest in the subject and Meier's teaching style created a recipe for success. "Suren has a knack for solving difficult problems, and he demonstrates exceptional leadership both in and out of the classroom," Meier said. Meier first met Clark when Clark joined Penn Manor High School's quiz bowl team - for which Meier serves as a coach - as a freshman, and he also taught Clark's AP World hHstory course. "To master AP Microeconomics, Suren was required to interpret challenging questions and apply various principles to new situations," Meier added.

Not only did Clark credit his exceptional test score to Meier, but he also cited the support structure of his school as a significant factor in his success. "The teachers, administrators and students are what enable things like this to happen," Clark said. "The opportunities I had to take challenging courses and become involved in school allowed me to achieve this sort of thing. There will be others at Penn Manor who will accomplish this."

Clark is currently taking the majority of his classes at Millersville University through a dual enrollment program, including Environmental Sustainability, Macroeconomics, Calculus 3 and International Law. Clark is also heavily involved in extracurriculars such as Model United Nations, and he also serves as class president. After graduation, Clark plans to major in economics and attend law school. "My goals are to leave a lasting mark, achieve a high academic standard and continue to enrich myself through school involvement," Clark said. "Law and politics are my main interests; I'll see where they lead me."