Rotorua's dux students: John Paul College

AIMING HIGH: John Paul College dux Marc Rigter is wanting to one day work for Boeing, Space X or Nasa.

Rotorua's Marc Rigter is reaching for the stars in pursuit of his love of science.

The John Paul College dux has a bright future ahead of him as he decides whether to accept a University of Auckland scholarship to study mechanical engineering or go to Australia's University of Sydney to study aerospace engineering.

Marc gained first place in all his subjects this year and was waiting for his exam results to be released in mid-January to find out if he would be offered a place across the Tasman.

Last year, he managed to get all of his Level 2 credits at excellence level, earning 154 in total. He also scored 95 per cent in his Cambridge international examination math test.

"I hope to one day work in the United States for Boeing, Space X or Nasa that make rockets.

"I've always been interested in science and have studied maths and physics," he said.

"I think going to Australia would be awesome. It's not much different to here. I'm looking forward to meeting lots of people who probably will have similar interests."

In June, Marc was one of eight New Zealanders chosen to go to the Youth ANZAAS science forum in Hobart. He said the trip confirmed to him that his future belonged in science and engineering.

The 17-year-old's interests not only lie in academia however, having played cricket and golf for the Bay of Plenty.

He was also an age-group champion at his tennis club and had taught himself to play piano during the past two years.

Marc said he didn't find it too difficult balancing his commitments.

"I think the key is to not to get too worked up about it and usually two weeks before exams just completely concentrate on studying," he said.

"I had a little calendar above my desk at home and would allocate how many hours of study I needed to do per subject.

"In the end I probably would have done five to six hours a day outside school during that period.

"My family have been really supportive too and have just let me go about my own business."

Marc said he enjoyed his time at John Paul College and a highlight this year was their camp in Waikato.

"It was the first chance we could really get to hang out as a whole group.

"It's not too sad that we're all going in different directions as Facebook helps keep those connections."