It’s comforting to know that John F Kennedy was a very ordinary guy at the age of seventeen. The Atlantic dug up Kennedy’s application to Harvard in 1936 and one section asked the applicant “Why do you wish to come to Harvard?” His response isn’t particularly brilliant – like many teens, he didn’t seem to know WHAT he wanted to major in. He was, however, aware of the prestige associated with the University and the importance of connections he would make there. His application included his grades from Choate school – maybe you can figure them out. The essay was far from special, but like they did for several others, Harvard managed to turn him in Presidential material.
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All the grades are below average except for English. But, that’s far superior to the grades of Dubya, whom we all assume never graduated from anything.
…………..who is???
JFK”s below average grades are in courses that really don’t matter for anyone not specializing in a field that requires that knowledge.
Latin, French, physics & plane geometry are not necessary to survive in this world, unless you’re stranded on France or ancient Rome.
His grades in history & English were good, which are needed for politics.
Interesting to read his note.
I disagree that he was “ordinary guy” at 17. His dad went to Harvard. Most “ordinary” guys can’t pull the “my-old-man-went-to-Harvard” card. No indeed, there’s nothing ordinary about having that card to pull.
Too funny Bluejay…and true!
DOES ANYBODY REALLY CARE?????