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.
The son of a Norwegian military officer on assignment to MacDill Air Force Base, Hanevik moved to Tampa at the start of junior year. Until last fall, college was not in the cards; he planned to return to Norway to complete the IB program and pursue a military career.
“In Norway, a lot of people find work without going to college,” he says. But his girlfriend suggested he stay on, and a Norwegian friend recommended the University of South Florida. He applied, took the SAT in January, and got in.
“I was very nonchalant about the process,” he says. “I think it was the demographics — being Norwegian got me in.” He now plans to study business or management.
“The Norwegian military is looking for people with outside management” experience, he says. The degree also offers a backup in case the military doesn’t work out. He knows getting a spot is highly competitive.
GPA: 3.4 unweighted
SAT/ACT scores: 610 math, 580 critical reading, 520 writing/24
Extracurriculars: “I work out; I play games.”
Essay: He didn’t have to write one.
No regrets: “I could have done more, but I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished,” he says. That includes fitting in at a new school and taking Advanced Placement and honors courses.
Best guidance: His girlfriend advised him to at least get an associate degree in the U.S. That provided him the motivation to go for a bachelor’s.
Sweet: Most of the cost will be covered by Norway, which provides a yearly loan to residents that is partly converted to a scholarship upon graduation. It’ll start sophomore year, since by Norway’s standards he has a 13th year of high school to go.
Advice: Participate in community service, plays, sports and activities, as U.S. schools look at other things besides GPA.
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: Magnus Hanevik originally appeared on usnews.com
