there are a great number of senses for the verb to make; MWCD lists about 25, and here's one:
19 a : REACH, ATTAIN -- often used with it <you'll never make it that far>; also : SURVIVE <half the cubs won't make it through their first year> b : to gain the rank of <make major> c : to gain a place on or in <make the team> <the story made the papers>