The PhanincPovolos missed their high school graduation because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but four years later, the quintuplets from New Jersey are making up for it in college.

Victoria, Vico, Ashley, Michael and Marcus Povolo were born on July 4, 2002, and have shared everything from birthdays to bedrooms.

"We know everything about each other," Victoria told CBS News  

But they were never sure they would share a college graduation.

"Some of us even thought of maybe not going to college or just community (college), you know, just to save some money," Marcus said.  

Paul Povolo, the quintuplet's dad, said the family was struggling to figure out how to send all five kids to college at once. 

"We were thinking of different options. Refinance the house, ask for a loan. We were in that process when the big surprise happened," he said.

That surprise came from Montclair State University, which offered all five kids full academic scholarships.

"Our mom was crying instantly as soon as she found out," Marcus said.

Silvia Povolo said her children's graduation was "a dream come true."

"We didn't go to college. We came from another country and here they are blooming," she said.

On Monday, that special moment arrived, and all five Povolos have big plans for the future. 

Victoria hopes to go to medical school. Vico is thinking law school sometime down the line. Ashely is looking to find a teaching job. Marcus said he will continue to work at his corporate banking job. And Michael said he wants "my own business selling my own food product."

In:
• New Jersey
• College

Meg Oliver

Meg Oliver is a correspondent for CBS News based in New York City. Oliver is a veteran journalist with more than two decades of reporting and anchoring experience.

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