The Truth About Trump College Application Essay: Myth, Speculation, or Reality?
Introduction
When it comes to former President Donald Trump, controversies follow closely. One topic that has sparked curiosity is whether Trump ever wrote a college application essay. Given his long history of bold statements about intelligence, education, and academic credentials, the idea of a Trump college application essay intrigues many. But is there any truth to this, or is it just another speculative narrative?
The Mystery of Trump’s College Application Essay
Unlike many public figures, there are no known records of Trump’s college application essay. Typically, prestigious universities require personal statements or essays from applicants. However, Trump’s transfer from Fordham University to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1966 raises questions about his admission process. The absence of an essay or proof of one leads to speculation about whether he had someone else craft it or if an essay was even required at the time.
Allegations of SAT Cheating and Admissions Privilege
The Trump college application essay discussion is closely tied to allegations that Trump had someone take his SATs for him. His niece, Mary Trump, detailed in her book Too Much and Never Enough that Trump allegedly paid a friend, Joe Shapiro, to take his SATs. These high scores supposedly helped him transfer to Wharton, one of the most prestigious business schools in the country.
Further fueling controversy, Trump’s own sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, was recorded stating that Trump “got into college because he had someone take the exams for him.” These allegations led to calls for an investigation into Trump’s admission to Penn’s Wharton School, but the university declined to probe the claims, citing the lack of recent evidence.
What Would a Trump College Application Essay Look Like?
If Trump had written a college application essay, what would it have contained? Based on his public persona, speeches, and writing style, one can speculate:
Self-Promotion
Trump is known for his strong emphasis on personal success. A hypothetical essay might have been filled with statements about his ambitions, intelligence, and leadership qualities.
Business Acumen
Given his lifelong association with real estate and business, his essay might have detailed his early interest in entrepreneurship and his father’s influence on his career.
Bold Language
Trump’s communication style is straightforward, often repetitive, and filled with superlatives like “tremendous,” “the best,” and “huge.”
Lack of Reflection
College essays often emphasize personal growth, challenges, and lessons learned. Trump, however, has rarely publicly acknowledged failures or mistakes, so an essay from him might have lacked deep introspection.
The Role of Wealth and Influence in College Admissions
The discussion about the Trump college application essay brings up a broader conversation about privilege in elite college admissions. The Ivy League and other prestigious schools have long faced scrutiny over how wealth, family connections, and legacy status impact admissions. Trump’s father, Fred Trump, was an influential and wealthy real estate mogul, raising the question of whether family ties played a role in his acceptance into Wharton.
The Absence of Proof and the Power of Speculation
Despite many claims and allegations, no concrete evidence has surfaced regarding Trump’s college application essay or the authenticity of his SAT scores. The lack of transparency from both Trump and the University of Pennsylvania only adds to the mystery. However, the fact remains that Trump did attend Wharton and graduated in 1968, regardless of how he got there.
FAQs About Trump’s College Application Essay
Did Trump actually write a college application essay?
There is no publicly available record of Trump writing a college application essay. Given the era in which he applied, it is unclear if Wharton required an essay at the time.
Is there proof that Trump had someone take his SAT for him?
While Mary Trump and Maryanne Trump Barry have alleged that Trump paid someone to take his SATs, there is no verifiable proof beyond their claims.
Did Trump get special treatment in college admissions?
Trump’s father, Fred Trump, was a wealthy and influential businessman, leading many to believe his family connections helped secure his place at Wharton.
What was Trump’s major at Wharton?
Trump majored in economics at Wharton and graduated in 1968.
Conclusion
The Trump college application essay remains an enigma, just like much of his academic history. While speculation is rampant, no verified document or essay has surfaced. What is certain, however, is that discussions surrounding Trump’s education continue to spark debates about privilege, merit, and integrity in higher education. Whether an essay existed or not, the controversy surrounding Trump’s college years adds yet another layer to his complex and often debated legacy.
