By Sharon H. Porter, Ed.D. | February 17, 2021
Shakiah Bonipart, a high school senior in Maryland, has received over 3o university acceptance letters out of 53 applications. She says she is still waiting on Howard University, Spelman College, Winston-Salem State University, and North Carolina Central University. She has not received any denials to date!
When asked to describe herself as a student, she stated she tries to work hard to receive good grades. "I may procrastinate but I always get it together in the end." She also has a heart to serve and mentioned, she never wants to see her peers fail so she often can be found helping others. It was not an easy start for Shakiah, in fact, she says "high school started off rough for me". Once she became a student athlete, she began to take things more seriously.
As many students are still learning remotely across the country, Shakiah says she has enjoyed this time of virtual learning... "I have time for me. I can rest when ever I can and turn in my work when I can before 11:59." As most high school students, she misses her friends. She also misses her women's basketball team, but continues to be grateful for this virtual school year. Thinking ahead, she says it has allowed her time to structure her day like a college student.
Shakiah aspires to be a lawyer and legal expert in healthcare law. She is contemplating which school she will choose and is still waiting for more acceptances and scholarships. I asked her what does she attributes to her receiving so many acceptance letters. Her response.. Applying early, her grade point average, honors and AP classes, her college essay , school offices and activities. "I was strategic in my school choices in that I only applied to schools that offered my major and merit aid."
I am excited for this young scholar. I have been invited to her College Decision Day virtual event on May 1, 2021. I can't wait to update you on her decision!
Colleges Shakiah has received acceptance letters so far:
Georgia State University
Penn State University
Towson University
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Grambling State University
Talladega University
Acadia University
Drexel University
Nova Southeastern University ($64,000 merit scholarship)
Claflin University
High Point University
Bethune Cookman College
Jackson State University
Fisk University
University of Maryland Baltimore County
NC A&T State University
Virginia Commonwealth University ($17,000 merit schoalrship)
Hampton University
Alcorn State University
Bennett College ($15,000)
Johnson C. Smith University
Lenior-Rhyne University ($88,000 Scholarship)
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Philander Smith College
Benedict College (Dean $20,000 merit scholarship)
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Coastal Carolina University ($28,000 merit scholarship)
Talladega College ( Presidential Scholarship offer)
Towson University
Dr. Sharon H. Porter (Dr. Sharon) is an educator, author, and.publisher. She is the Education Correspondent for Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine and host of Education FIRST interview show. She is a graduate of Howard University, Walden University, Johns Hopkins University, National-Louis University, Winston-Salem State University, and is a part of the Harvard University School of Education Women in Leadership 2019 Cohort.