A high school senior’s eager pursuit of where to attend college has led him to make history in the process.
WWL-TV reports that Dennis Barnes, who attends International High School of New Orleans (IHSNO), has set the U.S. record for receiving the most college and university offers, coming in at a whopping 125. The New Orleans, LA, native applied to 200 schools. What’s more, he has received $9 million and hopes to reach $10 million by the end of April 2023.
Prior to Barnes making U.S. history, the record was held by a Lafayette, LA, high school senior, who raked in $8.7 million in scholarships, the outlet details. IHSNO is working to get Barnes recognized officially in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Barnes’ quest to apply to 200 schools was inspired by guidance from IHSNO’s college admissions counselor, Denise James.
“I submitted college applications in August, with an eye on raising the bar high for college admissions,” Barnes told the outlet. “Decision letters were an overflow in my mailbox and hundreds of scholarship offers.”
With 125 potential options, Barnes is set to make his college decision on May 2. He plans to major in computer science and criminal justice.
Ahead of his undergraduate experience, while attending high school, Barnes has been dual enrolled at the Southern University of New Orleans, where he has been earning college credits for two years.
In addition to getting a jumpstart on his secondary education, Barnes has kept his focus on his grades. The outlet notes that he has maintained a cumulative grade point average of 4.98, all while balancing his leadership positions in the National Honor Society.
As Barnes embarks on pursuing his undergraduate degree, he has a word of advice for upcoming seniors who will face the college application process.
“The road to a successful future is to plan ahead, network with the collegiate partners, and know that if you can see your vision, you can achieve your goal,” he said.
