Chicago student gets accepted into 23 black colleges, offered $300K in scholarships
— -- A Chicago high school student was accepted into every one of the 24 colleges she applied to, 23 of which were historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Ariyana Davis is an 18-year-old senior at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. She was able to apply to dozens of schools thanks to the Common Black College Application that allows students to apply to up to 50 HBCUs for a mere $35. She also applied and got accepted to Eastern Illinois University, a predominantly white institution.
Davis told ABC News it was important for her to attend an HBCU "because they are known for producing successful black professionals."
"It was important for me to go to an institution that feels like home," Davis added.
When her acceptances started to trickle in, Davis said she felt "excited and overjoyed." The second-generation college student, who was offered a total of $300,000 in financial aid from all the schools, added that she felt "really grateful."
Davis credits her high school for preparing her for the opportunity. The school also offered college preparatory courses during lunch to help students like her.
Julianne Alvarado, the school's learning resource coordinator, told ABC News she remembers when Davis was just a freshman.
"I’ve seen her grow, and change, and mature and now that she has this goal for after high school...she went for it," she gushed. "She's very well organized and follows through with things."
The student, who plans to major in accounting, has already chosen a school -- Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi.
"I love the family-oriented environment and close-knitted community, and the opportunity they will provide to me when I join the honors courses," Davis said of her decision.
Davis eventually wants to attain a master's in accounting and later become a certified public accountant.
