I went to Harvard for examination with two men not as well prepared as I. Both passed easily, and I flunked, having sat through two or three examinations without being able to write a word." Burnham said.Larson wrote, "The same happened at Yale, Both schools turned him down. He never forgot it.
In "The Devil in the White City," Erik Larson recounts the experience of Burnham, who faced significant challenges while attempting to pass examinations at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale. Despite being better prepared than his peers, Burnham endured a disheartening outcome, as both companions passed while he failed to write anything during the tests.
This experience left a lasting impact on Burnham, highlighting the unpredictable nature of success in competitive environments. His struggle at these renowned schools serves as a reminder that preparation does not always guarantee results, and that perseverance is often essential in the face of setbacks.