In "The Devil in the White City," author Erik Larson recounts the experience of a man named Burnham who, despite feeling adequately prepared for his examinations, faced unexpected setbacks. He attended Harvard with two peers who seemed less prepared, yet they both passed their tests, while Burnham struggled to produce any written answers and ultimately flunked.

This pattern repeated itself when Burnham attempted admissions at Yale, where he encountered similar rejection. These experiences left a lasting impression on him, marking a significant chapter in his life that he could never forget.