Payton Pitts Applies To 6 Ivy League Schools And Gets Accepted Into All Of Them — 'It Was A Weight Off My Shoulders'

ABC 7 Chicago reports that Payton Pitts, a senior at Francis Parker School, applied to six Ivy League schools — Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and Cornell University — and learned he had been accepted into each one on Ivy Day.

“It was a weight off my shoulders because everyone knows that’s the day where the last few decisions come out,” Payton said, according to the outlet.

Payton’s mother, Adrienne Pitts, noted to the outlet that while raising him, Payton has “always had a drive to succeed.”

“I’m not aware of a student, particularly from Parker, who has that sort of success in the Ivy Leagues,” Adrienne said.

“This is all going to be a little embarrassing for him, but he’s earned this with all his hard work and dedication.”

Payton also received acceptance letters from Stanford University, Morehouse College, and more.

Along with being a straight-A student, the 18-year-old has had a stellar performance playing basketball and the violin. He’s also brought back the Black Student Union to Francis Parker School, which has a predominately white student body.

“What comes through is his warmth, his insight, and his humility about all of his achievements, his successes and the respect he has for his classmates, teammates and teachers,” said Dan Frank, Francis Parker School principal.

While the weight of being accepted into Ivy League schools was lifted from Payton’s shoulders, he still has the pressure of deciding which school is his top choice. However, he will visit the campuses after spring break to choose where he will attend for his undergrad.

One of the main determining factors will be whether he sees himself as a fit in the student body as they all have academic rigor. Payton plans to major in an area of finance or business.