Westlake high school senior Chase Matthews just set a college acceptance record.
According to WSB-TV Atlanta, Matthews, a graduating senior from Westlake High School in South Fulton, Georgia, racked up an incredible 155 college acceptances across all 50 states.
The first, the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, snowballed into a flood of yesses from other prestigious institutions including Florida A&M University, Howard University, and Ohio State University.
The high-achieving senior shared with WSB-TV about the inspiration behind her unconventional application process.
“I aspire to become a pharmacist and open a chain of mobile and brick-and-mortar pharmacies,” she explained.
Her principal, Gregory Minnis, described Matthews as an exemplary student who goes above and beyond, maintains an A-average GPA, and is a respected leader among her peers. She’s also active in the school band and other campus activities.
“Chase exemplifies excellence,” Minnis said of his student’s achievements.
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So far, Matthews’ collective acceptances and accompanying scholarships have totaled $6 million, making her one of the most successful—if not the most successful—scholarship earners in Georgia history.
And she’s not just collecting accolades for the sake of it. Matthews has a purpose.
“It’s all for my grandparents and parents,” she told the outlet. “I’ve seen their struggles with affording medicine as well as accessibility. I want to fix that problem in the Black and low-income communities in Atlanta.”
As for her top college choices, Matthews is currently leaning towards Florida A&M University, Howard University, and Ohio State University.
But somehow, people still found a reason to be mad.
After the news broke, social media was flooded with side-eyes, slick comments, and outright negativity about Matthews’ achievements. Because apparently, a Black girl can’t just win without somebody catching feelings.
If Black students get into colleges through diversity initiatives, it’s a problem. If diversity admissions get abolished and we still get in on merit, as we always have, it’s still a problem. So, which is it?
It’s that time of year again where kids on easy street get to flout their “accomplishments”
— J cfreeze (@cdefreese) March 25, 2025
and
What a farce! Somewhere there are a 154 students sad because they were not accepted and are awaiting her decision to attend one school. She will not get all $6 million!!!
— Mark Sharp (@MarkSharpNash) March 25, 2025
and
What a stupid waste of time and resources. Why have these annoying stories sprung up en masse recently?
— The Legalsaur (@legalsaur) March 25, 2025
and
DEI
— Deshawn (@VivaSportsVegas) March 25, 2025
But there were those who were happy to see a Black girl win.
A lot of dumb people in here who don’t realize that colleges will get your scores from a database and send you an acceptance letter without even applying lol
— options gypsy (@corts__world) March 25, 2025
and
Yall so bitter… congratulations young lady ???????????? wondering how she did it instead of being proud that she’s done it !!
— Kei (@MsKeithaSoSassy) March 25, 2025
and
Congratulations Chase. This is an incredible accomplishment. Despite completing this absorbent amount of applications, I hope one of these acceptances is to your dream school and the financial package works for you and your family! Good luck! ????????????????????????????????????????
— Skip Miller (@heel4ever_81) March 25, 2025
and
Dang the some of the non Melanteds got their panties in a bunch. I wonder is it because you can’t put her in the black people are not intelligent column? Can’t claim DEI for her acceptance.
— Katrina Sen (@kittykat103172) March 25, 2025
and
beyond amazing! 155 colleges wowza- Congrats Chase may you have a wonderful college experience wherever you decide to attend. All the best!!!
— Catherine DiGennaro (@cdigennaro) March 25, 2025
Congratulations Chase Matthews!
