Nigerian-born high school student accepted by 8 Ivy League schools in USA

Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna, high-school student from Long Island, N.Y., and the daughter of Nigerian immigrants has a big decision to make soon.  

The Elmont High School valedictorian was accepted into all eight Ivy League schools! - Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania and Yale University.

 

She also gained admission to Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Augusta said her parents instilled in her the value of education.

"Though I was born here in America, I visited Nigeria many times," she said. "And I’ve seen that my cousins don’t have the same opportunities that I have. So definitely, whatever I do, I want to make sure that it has an impact on Nigeria."

 

She also says her own tenacity and persistence helped shape her into becoming a great student. But as with a lot of students, she did face hardships with some classes.

"I’ve struggled with numerous classes in the past," Augusta said. "But I guess what allowed me to be successful, ultimately, in those classes, at the end, is my persistence and my tenacity."

On Monday, Augusta received an invitation to the White House Science Fair. Science is her passion, and she was an Intel finalist for her research on cement that could help prevent underwater oil rigs from rupturing.

Michelle Flannory is Augusta's research adviser.

"She knows that you have to work," she said. "Is she naturally talented? Yes, but she definitely pursues excellence."Flannory said.

Augusta hasn't decided on which college to attend, but with a GPA of 101.6, and a recent invitation to the White House Science Fair, there's no doubt that she'll continue her academic excellence and will thrive whatever choice she makes"