Florida Teen With More than 70 Acceptances Shares College Application Strategy
Ja'Leaha Thornton utilized both the Common App and the Common Black College Application to apply to many universities at once.
(Adobe Stock Photo)
After getting accepted to 72 colleges, a Florida teen is sharing her advice for other students.
Ja’Leaha Thornton, during an interview with Good Morning America, revealed she applied to 90 colleges since September 2021 and received 72 acceptance letters.
“I know the process of applying could be kind of overwhelming to many, and instead of stressing myself out, I decided to make it a competition … and see how many I can actually get into,” said the 18-year-old, who will be attending Xavier University of Louisiana.
Thornton, who’s slated to graduate May 24, added, “I wanted to broaden my horizons and explore some different schools outside of my state.”
She utilized both the Common App and the Common Black College Application to apply to many universities at once. Fee exemptions were also available to her. It only cost her $20 in total for the CBCA.
For students beginning their application process, Thornton advises not to hold yourself back.
“Shoot beyond the sky, because it’s a world out there, and it has so much for us to explore, so don’t limit ourselves,” she said. “Go beyond what’s in front of you and don’t take advantage of time. Use your resources and your opportunity.”