Teen Achieves Unique Milestone: High School and Bachelor’s Degree in May

In an inspiring achievement, 18-year-old Savannah Remijn graduated from high school and earned her bachelor’s degree in legal studies from Davenport University within the same month, May 2023. This remarkable feat reflects her dedication and strategic planning, allowing her to navigate both educational paths simultaneously.

Remijn completed her high school diploma at 17, balancing academics with her social life. She enjoyed typical high school experiences, such as spending time with friends and attending sporting events. “It usually shocks a lot of people,” she stated. “It wasn’t because I had to. I just also finished college.” Her success was facilitated by a combination of dual enrollment programs, summer courses, and her homeschool education.

Davenport University offers dual enrollment, allowing high school students to take college courses while still enrolled in secondary education. Remijn collaborated closely with a college advisor at Davenport to select classes that would provide credit for both her high school and college degrees. After four years of intense study, she received her diploma and degree.

The impact of her accomplishment became clearer as her peers transitioned to college. “I realized, ‘Oh, I already did that,’” Remijn reflected. While her achievement stands out, it is not entirely unprecedented. According to Felicia Pope, assistant director of high school admissions at Davenport, the university sees around 500 dual enrollment students each semester, though earning a bachelor’s degree concurrently with high school graduation remains rare.

Pope noted that while many dual enrollment students gain certificates or associate degrees, the combination of both a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree is exceptional. “I’ve been with Davenport for over 12 years,” she said. “I’ve never heard of that.”

The state of Michigan mandates that all school districts offer dual enrollment opportunities to eligible students, covering costs for up to ten classes. Despite this, participation remains limited; only 6.88% of high school students participated in dual enrollment during the 2023-24 school year, according to the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA). Among seniors, the participation rate was notably higher at 14.88%.

Remijn began her dual enrollment journey in her freshman year. “I’m really grateful for the responsibility that it taught me,” she shared. “I learned how to manage my own schedule and became very independent throughout the process.” Her educational path took shape when she transitioned from a private school to homeschooling in the fourth grade, where her mother facilitated her learning through co-ops.

Initially, Remijn aimed to earn college credits, but as she progressed, the possibility of graduating with both degrees became more tangible. “If we scheduled this out appropriately, I could hypothetically graduate at the same time with both degrees,” she remarked.

By her senior year, Remijn was enrolled in a demanding course load, including advanced classes in law. A significant challenge arose when she was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, affecting her health and adding stress to her already rigorous schedule. “It had a significant effect on my overall health,” she explained. Despite this obstacle, Remijn remained determined to complete her studies.

Looking ahead, Remijn applied for and received an age exemption to take the law school entrance exam, known as the LSAT, at just 17. In March 2023, she was accepted into her first-choice law school, receiving her acceptance letter just days before her 18th birthday.

Recognizing the toll her health had taken, Remijn decided to defer her law school acceptance for a year. “Ultimately, I recognized that I couldn’t go to law school in my current physical and mental state,” she stated. She plans to work as a paralegal at a Grand Rapids firm during her gap year, focusing on managing her health before starting law school in August 2026.

Pope noted that Remijn’s accomplishment has inspired her family members to pursue similar educational paths. “I am now working with her little sister and a cousin,” she said. The benefits of dual enrollment extend beyond academic achievements; they help students ease into the college experience while saving time and money.

According to MCCA, 92.7% of dual enrollment courses in Michigan have been successfully completed. Pope emphasized the value of these programs, stating, “At minimum, students can explore possible career paths with classes and have a lighter college class load when they graduate.”

Savannah Remijn’s journey highlights the potential of dual enrollment programs, showcasing how strategic planning and dedication can lead to remarkable academic achievements.