Tia and Jasmin Criss, twin sisters at Cheyney University, are heading toward graduation with some major bragging rights: one sister will finish as valedictorian and the other as salutatorian. 

The Criss sisters are seniors at Cheyney, the nation’s oldest historically Black university, and both graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls. Tia maintained a 4.0 GPA, while Jasmin earned a 3.9 GPA, according to the university.

Tia, who is three minutes older, stressed the two weren’t trying to chase class rank. “It's sort of surreal,” said Tia to CBS. “We weren't trying to achieve valedictorian or salutatorian — it just happened that way.”

While Jasmin said the recognition was a complete surprise.“When they told us, we were shocked," Jasmin said to the outlet. "We didn't know we were top contenders.”

The path to the top of their class was built on routine, discipline, and mutual support. They also credit their parents for helping them remain focused; their father passed away this March, and they shared that they know he’d be proud.

The Associate Dean of Students, Dr. Lakiyah Chambers, also praised the students, who exemplify HBCU excellence, describing their success as nothing short of amazing.

“This is the product of working hard,” Associate Dean of Students Dr. Lakiyah Chambers said. “Dedication. You see that in the Criss twins. It is an amazing story.”

The Criss sisters will graduate soon on May 9, and as for the next chapter, they plan on staying close to home. 

Both plan to enroll in an MBA program at West Chester University in the fall, keeping their academic journey rooted in the Philadelphia region.

Tia plans on heading into the insurance field, like her mother. While Jasmine’s “dream job would be something in marketing or fashion,” she said.

“Our dad learned about the [Keystone] Honors Academy and encouraged us to apply for the full-tuition scholarship,” Tia said to the Philadelphia Tribune. “Our parents pushed us to take a leap of faith and believe in ourselves.