17-Year-Old Accepted to Over 90 Universities with More Than $3 Million in Scholarships

Darrin Francois, a 17-year-old from New Orleans, has become an inspiring figure for students across the country. His remarkable achievement of being accepted into 83 colleges and receiving $3 million in scholarships has captured national attention, showcasing the power of perseverance, dedication, and resilience. However, behind this outstanding academic success lies a deeply personal story of triumph over adversity.

Francois is a senior at the International High School of New Orleans (IHSNO), where he set a school record for college acceptances. While many of his classmates were accepted into 20 colleges or more, Darrin’s staggering 83 acceptances and the monumental scholarship offers that followed set him apart as an extraordinary student. What’s more, his mother, Bridget, could not have been prouder. “Eighty-three colleges? That is wonderful, that is a blessing from God,” she expressed, overwhelmed with joy at her son’s achievements.

A Journey Marked by Perseverance and Resilience

Darrin’s path to success wasn’t smooth. At the age of four, he was diagnosed with epilepsy, a condition that shaped much of his early life. By his sophomore year in high school, the stress of his condition led to frequent seizures, which eventually resulted in him losing his hair due to alopecia. The emotional toll was heavy—Francois battled depression and often felt alone. But his resolve never faltered. Instead of succumbing to despair, Darrin found solace in applying to colleges during his senior year. This gave him a sense of control over his future and a renewed sense of purpose.

“I just applied, applied, applied. I didn’t know how many it was until the letters started coming through the mail,” Darrin recalled. As acceptance letters poured in, the once-timid teenager, who had faced so many challenges, realized his hard work had paid off.

Darrin’s perseverance extended beyond his academic achievements. Throughout his high school years, he was heavily involved in extracurricular activities, including leadership roles such as president of the National Honor Society at his school. His academic performance was stellar, maintaining a 4.24 GPA and even taking several college courses while still in high school.

The Support of a School and a Mother’s Love

Darrin’s success was not his alone. His journey was supported by the staff at IHSNO, who incorporated applying to colleges as part of their students’ daily routines. Rufus McGee, the Director of Student Support Services at IHSNO, noted that they pushed their students relentlessly, reminding them that the world was theirs to claim if they just reached out. Darrin took that message to heart and ran with it.

Moreover, his mother, Bridget, stood as a pillar of support throughout the process. Despite her own educational dreams remaining unfulfilled, she watched with pride as her son took steps toward goals that would benefit them both. “My mom did not get a chance to actually attend the university of her choice, so I’m doing this for the both of us,” Darrin said.

A Vision for the Future

Despite having his pick of prestigious institutions, Darrin ultimately decided to attend Tuskegee University, where he received a full-ride scholarship. Tuskegee, one of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), resonated with Darrin due to its close-knit environment and its mission to empower African Americans in academia and leadership.

Darrin plans to major in Political Science with a minor in Mass Communication, with aspirations of becoming a judge. He believes that more Black leaders are needed in government and media to advocate for change in the education system and other social structures. Darrin has already demonstrated his dedication to these causes by working with organizations such as Nike Inc. and Jordan Brand, where he modeled as a Jordan Wings Scholar. His experiences in brand marketing and public speaking further highlight his multifaceted talents and commitment to making a difference.

Paying It Forward

Darrin’s story is not only one of personal success but also one of giving back. He has authored a book titled College Cash Magnet, detailing how he secured over $3.4 million in scholarships and gained admission to 91 colleges. His goal is to help other students navigate the complex college admissions process and find financial aid opportunities, regardless of their background.

“Money is money. Even if a scholarship is like 500 dollars, it all adds up,” Darrin emphasized, encouraging students to apply for every scholarship they might qualify for. He attributes much of his success to the support system around him and now seeks to be that support system for others.

Francois’ resilience in the face of adversity and his desire to help others are what truly define him. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life at Tuskegee University, there is no doubt that Darrin will continue to make a profound impact, both in his own life and in the lives of countless others.

Final Thoughts

Darrin Francois’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the drive to break generational cycles. From facing health challenges at a young age to excelling academically and securing millions in scholarships, he has demonstrated that no obstacle is too great to overcome. As he looks to the future, Darrin’s vision for himself and his community is bright, and his story will continue to inspire others to reach for their own dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.

In 2019, Dylan Chidick captured the nation’s attention by defying the odds stacked against him. At just 17, the Jersey City high school student, once homeless and burdened by personal and family challenges, was accepted into 17 colleges on his own merit. His inspiring journey serves as a testament to determination, resilience, and the power of hard work.

Dylan’s story is one of perseverance in the face of overwhelming obstacles. In 2017, his family was forced into homelessness after his mother lost her job. Living in a shelter, he faced the additional stress of caring for his twin brothers, who both suffered from severe heart conditions. Yet, despite his tumultuous home life, Dylan remained focused on his education.

Born in Trinidad, Dylan immigrated to the United States at age seven. His family, initially settling in Brooklyn, later relocated to Jersey City due to financial pressures. By the time they lost their home, Dylan was already enrolled at Henry Snyder High School, where he excelled academically despite his challenges. His commitment to his studies never wavered, even while living in a shelter.

While Dylan’s peers had the luxury of quiet, stable environments for studying, Dylan found himself returning to the shelter after long days at school, only to work late into the night. “I knew I had to push myself harder,” Dylan recalled, reflecting on the nights spent preparing for college admissions exams and crafting applications. His SAT results were not perfect, but Dylan’s passion, drive, and personal story were enough to make a lasting impression on college admissions officers. Read more about Dylan Chidick here.

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