Choosing a college is one of life’s big decisions, and the process of getting in is an exciting — but often stressful — rite of passage. To find out what that passage is really like, U.S. News visited T. R. Robinson High School in Tampa, Florida, in late April to ask a group of seniors what went into their calculus for deciding on a college.
RHS is a neighborhood school whose International Baccalaureate diploma program attracts about one-third of the student body. Nearly a third are connected to the military, with family members stationed at nearby MacDill Air Force Base.
The school population is diverse: 47 percent of students are white; Hispanics comprise more than 21 percent; and African-American students account for 15 percent. Nearly half qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Eighty-five percent of students go on to college. Here’s how eight seniors found the right fit — and what it took for them to make the cut.
Though denied entry to her top choice, Georgetown University, Cassedy is stoked she has landed at Duke University, where she’ll either study computer science or economics.
She applied to 11 colleges, knowing that “I wanted to get out of Florida for sure,” though the University of Florida and Florida State University were among her picks.
She got nods from both as well as the University of Virginia, Boston College and Tufts University.
Princeton University, Yale University and Washington and Lee University denied her, as did Trinity College in Dublin. Cassedy’s mother is from Ireland, and Cassedy has spent many summers there.
She portrayed herself as a leader in her applications, highlighting her officer status in several clubs and her participation in an anti domestic abuse organization, Break the Silence. “I do feel colleges look for certain personalities, and they pay attention to that.”
GPA: 3.83
SAT/ACT scores: 730 math, 700 critical reading, 770 writing/31
Extracurriculars: Captain of the lacrosse team, president of National Honor Society and the sailing club, Girls Who Code club vice president, member of student government and the school spirit club.
Essay: Discussed her collaborative leadership style and how she was able to bring people together.
Smart move: She followed up with admissions in late January by sending an email with links to news coverage of a domestic violence awareness event she’d organized at school.
Commitment: Her passion for technology was “definitely reflected” in her application. Besides specifying an interest in computer science, she showcased her video editing for the spirit club and service as tech director of the Student Government Association and VP of Girls Who Code. “It’s important that you draw parallels in your activities. Finding and highlighting that common theme throughout the application helps.”
Lesson learned: Missed the early action deadline for Boston College and UVA by two and 10 minutes , respectively, as “I waited until the last five minutes to submit.” Trouble entering and processing her credit card info caused a delay, though she followed up with the schools to explain and squeaked in.
Insight: “I’m a procrastinator,” she says. “Keeping your parents in the loop can help you stay on top of it all.”
Advice: The Common App essay really needs to “shine a light on who you are.” Get feedback on your essays — you’ll only improve them by doing so.
This story is excerpted from the U.S. News “Best Colleges 2017” guidebook, which features in-depth articles, rankings and data.
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How I Got to College: Catherine Cassedy originally appeared on usnews.com
