16-Year-Old High School Senior, Barnes, Earns $9 Million In Scholarship Offers

Key Highlights

• Dennis Maliq Barnes, a senior at the International High School of New Orleans, has received scholarship offers from over 130 colleges and universities, totaling more than $9 million, at only 16 years old.
• Barnes is a leader and role model for other students, is fluent in Spanish, and has maintained a 4.98-grade point average while earning 27 college credits.

Dennis Maliq Barnes, a senior at the International High School of New Orleans, has achieved impressive academic accomplishments. 

Maintains a 4.98 GPA, Earns 27 College Credits, and Receives Over 130 Scholarship Offers

At only 16 years old, he earned 27 college credits and maintained a grade point average of 4.98. 

1. Even more remarkable is that Barnes has received scholarship offers from over 130 colleges and universities, totaling more than $9 million. 
2. Although the school administrators are considering whether Barnes has set a record for scholarship offers, Barnes’ goal was not to break a record but to ensure he had many options.

Barnes has applied to nearly 200 colleges nationwide, keeping an open mind about his future. His current plan is to major in computer science, but he has also considered attending law school after completing his undergraduate studies. 

Barnes credits his strong Christian faith as a significant factor in his success. He also acknowledges Denise James, the school’s college admissions counselor, as a valuable resource in his college application process.

Barnes Is A Role Model For His Peers

James and Head of School Adierah Berger praise Barnes for being a leader and role model for other students, including English language learners. Barnes, who is fluent in Spanish, often assists his peers by offering translation services. Berger describes Barnes as a student who “embodies the spirit of the school” and is an inspiration to others.

Barnes has not yet decided how far from home he wants to attend college. Although he was born and raised in New Orleans, he is interested in exploring new places. However, he has not ruled out the possibility of staying close to home if a nearby college fits his needs.