"Offered 13.2 Billion Won in Scholarships"... Boy Sets World Record with Admissions to 185 US Universities

"I Will Major in Computer Science at Cornell University"

A high school student who was simultaneously accepted to 185 universities in the United States chose Cornell University, a prestigious Ivy League private university.

CNN reported on the 5th (local time) that Dennis Malik Barnes (16), graduating from New Orleans International High School in Louisiana, will enroll in Cornell University's College of Engineering in New York this fall semester.

Wearing a Cornell University T-shirt, Barnes personally shared the news, saying, "Among Ivy League engineering schools, Cornell is the best," and added, "I wanted to attend a university that prepares me for success and provides quality education."

He also said, "I want to leave New Orleans and seek adventure," and added, "I hope to meet new people during college life, gain a better understanding of the world and different perspectives, and broaden my horizons."

Cornell's College of Engineering stated, "We are pleased to welcome future leaders to our campus," and extended congratulations to Barnes and his family.

Dennis Malik Barnes, who made headlines by being accepted to 185 universities in the United States
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Barnes plans to major in computer engineering at Cornell and hopes to pursue a career in software development afterward.

Barnes, who graduated high school two years early this time, earned a high GPA of 4.98 over four years of high school. Starting from August last year, he began submitting college applications, was simultaneously accepted by all 185 universities he applied to, and received scholarship offers totaling over $10 million (13.2 billion KRW), attracting significant attention.

According to New Orleans International High School, Barnes' simultaneous acceptance to 185 universities is a world record. The school stated, "We have contacted the Guinness World Records to officially recognize the record."

Barnes said, "At first, I didn't intend to set a record by being accepted to many universities, but as I applied to more schools, I became interested in the increasing number of acceptances and scholarship amounts," and added, "When I heard I was close to a world record, I decided to give it a try."

He continued, "My achievements were supported by my family," and said, "I admire former President Barack Obama and broadcaster Oprah Winfrey, and I would like to receive advice from them."