Introduction to My College Adventures

In my educational journey, I was fortunate enough to apply to and be accepted by some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. This article will explore the colleges that I applied to, the outcomes of those applications, and the insights gained from the experience.

Early Choices and Imperfect Entrances

Back in the 1970s, when I was a student at a college prep school, the education system wasn't pushing for an over-application approach. We were encouraged to apply to no more than five or six institutions. Four seemed ample to many of us. My aspirations were set high; however, reality sometimes has its twists. I was accepted into my top choice, Yale, and also into Princeton and the University of Virginia (UVA). But at Duke University, where I was a legacy, I ended up being waitlisted. This was certainly an ironic turn of events, given the privileged background I had with the college.

High Stakes Admissions and Last-Minute Decisions

My journey continued with further applications to Harvard, Amherst, and Williams. When I was accepted through early admissions at Harvard, my fellow classmates prompted me to withdraw my applications elsewhere, which I then proceeded to do. This episode highlights the intensity and pressure that can come with early admissions processes, often leaving room for significant decisions and last-minute changes.

Undergraduate and Law Programs

For my undergraduate and law programs, I applied to both Harvard and Yale, along with NYU. Admitted to all, I ultimately chose NYU due to its proximity to my home. While I weren't aware, this decision wasn't entirely based on convenience; I had hoped to establish a storefront legal practice, and NYU was much more readily accessible for this purpose. Furthermore, if I had pursued a corporate or political career, Harvard would have been the preferred choice due to its distinguished reputation and easier access to prestigious locations like Boston and Cape Cod.

Postgraduate Pursuits and Beyond

My postgraduate studies were equally competitive. I applied to top universities such as the University of California at Berkeley and Stanford University, both of which accepted me. For graduate studies, my focus was on prestigious institutions away from the Bay Area, choosing Harvard, Yale, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. All were in for my application and all accepted me, a testament to the depth of my academic track record.

International Connections and Local Avenues

While my primary focus was on American institutions, I also considered international options. University of East Anglia (UEA), Reading, Lancaster, Salford, and Bangor all accepted my application, though my decision was more localized.

Small Colleges and Which Ones Really

For undergraduate studies, I applied to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, and two smaller, selective liberal arts colleges: Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, and Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. All three accepted my application. I opted for Hendrix College due to its proximity to a better institution.

Conclusion: A Self-Drive Through American Higher Education

Editor: This piece is not only a personal journey but also a reflection on the diverse pathways American higher education offers. The key takeaway is that a 'university' and a 'college' are often interchangeable terms, and a bachelor's degree from either signifies the same level of achievement. America's college admissions system, while competitive and often challenging, is also a gateway to a wealth of opportunities and educational experiences.