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WASHINGTON (AP) — Days after Howard University notified hundreds of first-time-in-college students that their spots for the upcoming semester were no longer being held, other colleges and universities are stepping up to fill the gap for students who are scrambling to find other options.

The 17-year-old was looking forward to starting classes next month at Howard University as the next step on her educational journey and a way out of the New York City shelter where she lives. She told The Associated Press Tuesday that she may consider the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, which is extending its undergraduate application deadline to Aug. 7. She’s also looking into historically Black colleges and universities in the South, but realizes her options are limited and time is running short.

“I will still love to go to Howard,” Johnson said. “I’ve invested too much into going to that university to give up now.”

Howard, one of about 100 historically Black colleges and universities in the United States, said Friday that it notified 502 first-time-in-college students that their spots for the upcoming semester were no longer being held. The school said the students had not met deadlines for enrollment and financial obligations.

Howard also said students who believe their accounts did not reflect their financial standing should contact its financial aid office and that “each case will be reviewed individually to determine whether adjustments or reinstatement are appropriate.”

Howard University has not responded to an AP request for the number of unenrolled students reinstated or the status of cases being reviewed.