A Louisiana student has received scholarship offers totaling millions of dollars from universities across the United States.
Dennis Barnes, a 16-year-old senior at the International High School of New Orleans, has been offered scholarships worth $9 million after applying to approximately 200 colleges and universities nationwide since August last year.
So far, Barnes has received offers from over 125 colleges and universities, and he continues to wait for more responses before making a final decision on where to attend.
This incredible student is on the verge of breaking a national record with his achievements.
In an interview with local news station WWL-TV, which first reported the impressive sum amassed by Barnes, the teenager expressed his ambition to reach $10 million in scholarship offers.
Barnes’ social media accounts experienced a surge in activity after news of his accomplishments spread. He earns college credits at Southern University in New Orleans, boasting a near-perfect grade point average (GPA).
Despite the daunting nature of applying to many institutions, Barnes didn’t find the process as overwhelming as most people might assume.
According to a statement from his school, the ambitious student plans to pursue a dual degree in computer science and criminal justice. He will reveal his choice of college for further education next month.
Barnes advises fellow students to plan, connect with collegiate partners, and believe in their ability to achieve their goals if they can envision them.
The current record is held by Normandie Cormier, another student from Louisiana who set the record three years ago.
Cormier is now pursuing her master’s degree at Louisiana State University, receiving financial aid totaling $9.4 million from around 140 institutions in 2019.
She also applied for her achievement to be recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records, though the organization could not confirm whether she was the only student to make such a claim.