The Princeton college admission officer goes through her stack of applications. Each applicant is personified through their file as she decides to reject them or consider them.

Malcolm writes a powerful and inspiring essay in order to be admitted into Harvard.

Students question a Princton admission's counselor about why they should go to college.

Portia is reading the admissions essay of Jeremiah, a student at an alternative high school. Jeremiah describes how he used books to feel connected to other people.

Over dinner, Bartleby tries to explain to his parents why it's not necessary for him to go to college. He argues that it's fiscally irresponsible to do so. His parents don't understand and tell him that he has to attend college in order to succeed in life. Bartleby gives examples of successful people who didn't attend college, but it doesn't change his parents' mind.