Georgia teenager Makenzie Thompson had big plans for college, but she did not expect to be accepted in almost all of the universities she sent in her applications. The 18-year-old got in at 49 schools, and she's still waiting for replies from two more institutions.
Speaking with CNN, Thompson said that she did not originally plan to apply to 51 universities but figured she could take the chance during the college fairs where she received fee waivers. In the end, the high school senior said that her efforts paid off as she has gotten acceptance letters and offers of scholarships of over $1.3 million.
Her family is ecstatic for her, but they are not surprised that Thompson would impress the schools. Aside from serving as the class president of Westlake High School, Thompson is also a star student, a member of the Blue Reign dance team, the honor society, and the school's baseball varsity manager.
Where Will Makenzie Thompson Enrol in College?
Thompson received her first acceptance letter from Georgia's Fort Valley State University, but her folder for college acceptance letters has been filling up as the weeks went by. She also got accepted at prestigious schools like Cornell and Purdue and the University of Georgia.
However, the young woman has decided she will take up animal science and become a veterinarian at the historically African-American college, Tuskegee University, in Alabama. She's going to the university on a full scholarship with free books included. The 18-year-old said she is looking forward to moving to a new state, meeting new people, and learning in a new environment.
Thompson had the chance to visit the college, and she felt right at home. Tuskegee University has a good record of Black graduates who went on to chart a career in veterinary medicine.
As a result of her achievement, the South Fulton city government and the school board plan to recognize the honor student with a proclamation. Her parents, Stephen and Jennifer Thompson, said that their daughter was always a hard worker and a planner, but the acceptance and the scholarships were still quite a shock.
"She knew what she wanted. And she knew what it was going to take to get there," her father said, per WSBTV.
Another Georgia Teen with More than 40 College Acceptance
In January, another Georgia teenager Kenyari Sawyer also got accepted at 48 colleges in the country. The student from Monroe Comprehensive High School has also managed to secure at least $600,000 in scholarships.
Speaking with NBC 15, Sawyer said that she wasn't confident about getting into a college despite her achievements in school as she felt she was not smart enough compared to the other students. Her first option, Mercer University, denied her, but now she's looking at three options to either go to the University of Georgia, Spelman College, or Howard University and pursue a study in criminal justice.
The young student intends to be a defense lawyer and establish her own firm once she graduates.
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