Madison Crowell always knew she wanted to go to college. Little did she know that her journey would make headlines and inspire countless students nationwide.
This fall, the 18-year-old from Hinesville, Georgia, is set to embark on her college adventure at High Point University in North Carolina, where she will receive a full tuition scholarship. What sets Madison apart is her extraordinary feat of being accepted into 231 colleges and receiving nearly $15 million in scholarship offers—an achievement that has earned her the nickname “Million Dollar Scholar,” as well as letters of congratulations from President Joe Biden, Gov. Brian Kemp, and Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.
Madison’s story is more than just about numbers; it’s about breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks. Growing up in a low-income area, Madison wanted to show the Liberty County kids that dreams can come true, no matter where you come from. Her goal was to prove that it’s possible to gain acceptance not only to local institutions like Georgia Southern University and Savannah Technical College but also to prestigious schools like the University of Alabama and the University of Colorado.
The seeds of Madison’s success were sown early on. With the unwavering support of her parents. Madison’s college aspirations were nurtured from a young age. Middle school saw the family taking road trips and college tours, meticulously planning and preparing for her future. Her dedication to pursuing a career in the medical field, specifically in exercise science, fueled her determination to excel.
Madison’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. She knows the sting of rejection and the stress of the application process. “I know what it’s like to be deferred from a dream school,” she said, highlighting that despite her numerous acceptances, she faced her fair share of setbacks.
As Madison prepares to transition from high school to college, she offers invaluable advice to the next generation of high school students:
1. Prioritize Yourself: "Don't make this application process more stressful than it needs to be. Always take time for yourself, whether that be self-care, hanging out with your friends and family, or playing with your dog. Enjoy the things you love to avoid burnout."
2. Stay Organized: Madison and her mom used a shared digital spreadsheet to track applications and scholarships. “Staying organized is different for everyone. Find a system that works for you and your family.”
3. Maintain a Positive Outlook: "Always keep a positive sight on these things because it can get overwhelming. Ensure you have outlets to release stress and keep yourself sane."
As she embarks on this new chapter, Madison reminds students that nothing is impossible. “At the end of the day, I’m just another student. We’re about to graduate, some of us with uncertain futures. But I want to make it known that nothing is impossible, the sky is not the limit, and you should keep pushing for greatness.”
Read more about Madison Crowell’s story. She is a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that any dream can become a reality with determination, support, and a positive outlook.
Lisa Hollenbach is Senior Digital Manager for Education Post. Prior to joining Education Post, Lisa developed digital and content strategy for Teaching Channel. She served on the Bill and Melinda Gates Teacher Advisory Council from 2014-2017 and was active in the planning and execution of several Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teachers and Teaching (ECET2) convenings at both the regional and national level. Lisa attended both private and public schools in Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and holds a bachelor’s in secondary education social studies, a bachelor’s in public policy, a minor in women's studies and a master’s in community psychology and social change. A former educator, Lisa taught for more than 15 years in both traditional public school and public charter school settings. She also served as a leader of her local and regional teachers association from 2001-2016. Lisa has worked with several universities throughout her career and is currently an adjunct professor at the Pennsylvania State University, teaching courses in sociology, psychology, education and their intersections. She is passionate about helping education advocates share their stories and creating an equitable education system that serves all students.
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