DAPHNE, Ala. — Though standardized tests are often disliked, they could land students a free-ride in college. One such student — Landon Sykora, a Daphne High School graduate — earned a $42,250 scholarship to the University of South Alabama, along with money for books and a laptop computer, after receiving a perfect 36 on the ACT.

Sykora, 18, also had a 4.0 grade point average, which helped secure his scholarship, according to USA officials.

“It validates other top students who are planning on coming to the University of South Alabama,” David Stearns, associate vice president of enrollment services, said. “Here’s a young man who could’ve gone anywhere in the country, but he chose to come to South Alabama. “That’s a tremendous statement on our academic stature.”

“I took the ACT five times between middle and high school,” Sykora said. “I knew what was on it; plus I finished all of it, unlike some people.

“And I got plenty of rest.”

Sykora said the USA officials showed up at his school unexpectedly.

He had planned to attend college out of state or in northern Alabama — perhaps the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn., or Washington University in St. Louis, he said.

Sykora will major in biomedical science or chemistry to prepare for medical school.

“My parents are happy that they don’t have to pay. Medical school is expensive and there aren’t many scholarships available,” he said. “They’re happy I’ll be close to home.”

He will spend the first year in the dorms and later, will probably get an apartment, he said.

“I am happy about staying with my friends; I plan to meet a lot of new people,” he said.

Sykora’s 36 represents one of 200 perfect scores out of 1.3 million tests, according to Jennifer Ekman, USA public relations coordinator. He holds one of two perfect ACT scores in Alabama; the other student attended Hoover High School, according to ACT officials.

Sykora has lived in Baldwin County all his life but will probably leave the Gulf Coast to practice medicine, he said.

He lives in Malbis with his parents and two cats — Sam and Paws — and enjoys playing his grand piano.

He learned the instrument 12 years ago and also plays for Christ Presbyterian Church on Sundays.