An exceptional 18-year-old Lady named Daya Brown has set an outstanding personal record after earning admission into 50 top universities in the United States and winning scholarship awards worth over $1.5 million.
The Atlanta native who attended Westlake High School narrated that she tackled the college process by starting small and working gradually, with just a few hours every day dedicated to applying to each school.
According to her, the ultimate goal was to ensure parents are not in debt on student loans. “It really wasn’t about the number of schools I applied to, it was really about making sure that I had options for my parents to really sit back and relax.”
“Student loans are something that I do not want. So this is kind of a gift, both to myself and to them,” Daya Brown to GMA.
Speaking further on how she was able to achieve the exceptional feat, Brown said she started her application process in quarantine during her sophomore year.
“I started to curate a list of schools that had certain majors or were great in what I wanted to study which was mass communications or film,” she stated.
Brown added that after compiling the schools of interest, she began to take more extracurriculars. “So once I had that list, it all came down to doing those extracurricular activities, because I think a lot of the times students don’t understand that you have to be more than just a student,” she said.
“That was my chance to showcase who I was as a person and who I was as a scholar. I think a lot of people think that if you’re smart, you can’t be cool. So I found a way to showcase brilliance [and] still have fun while you’re doing it,” she explained.
Out of the many choices she has from the 50 Universities including Duke, Spelman, FAMU, Hampton amongst others, Brown said she plans on studying visual media studies with a minor in journalism at Duke University.
She admitted that it did not come easy. She worked hard to overcome struggles and sought financial aid wherever she could.
“No, it wasn’t easy. Yes, you have to stay up many nights to get the work done if you want the GPA, but at the same time, it wouldn’t feel like such a burden, if it’s your passion. I wake up every day, happy about what I do,” she said.
(FAQs):
Who is the brilliant lady that won the $1.3 million scholarship?
The identity of the young lady may vary based on the specific story, but she is typically a high-performing high school student in the United States or an international student who demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements that earned her multiple scholarship offers totaling $1.3 million.
How did she qualify for over 50 university scholarship offers?
She likely applied to several universities through platforms like the Common App or Coalition Application, showcasing a strong GPA, high standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), compelling essays, recommendation letters, and community service or leadership experience. Many universities offered her merit-based or need-based scholarships in recognition of her achievements.
What types of scholarships did she receive?
She received a mix of full-ride, full-tuition, and partial merit-based scholarships from a variety of US colleges and universities. These offers often cover tuition, housing, and sometimes additional expenses such as books and travel.
Has she chosen a university to attend?
In most cases, students who receive multiple offers eventually select one school based on their career goals, scholarship value, academic programs, or campus environment. She likely made her final decision during the National College Decision Day (May 1st in the U.S.).
Why is this achievement being widely celebrated?
Winning $1.3 million in scholarships and gaining admission to over 50 universities is an extraordinary academic milestone. It reflects years of dedication and serves as an inspiration to other students, especially those from underrepresented communities, that such success is possible with hard work and the right guidance.