Sixth Grader Flies from Texas to Speak to Committee on Admission

Down Texas way, the saying is, "It's becoming more difficult to get into college everyday," or at least so 11-year-old Thomas Van Auken's father seems to think. Threatening to become the youngest applicant for admission since Cotton Mather, Tommie invaded the University Wednesday accompanied by Russell B. Howe of Boston, a friend of the family.

The sixth grade, Alpine, Texas lad and his companion were keenly disappointed upon learning, at the Dean's Office, that application could not be made until the senior year in high school. Especially perturbed was Howe, who had just told Tommie, "They usually get you in this place before you're born."

Promptly answered by Howe was the question of why Tommie wished to attend the University. "I figure a man at Harvard has as good a chance as anybody," he said.

When asked how he was doing in school, Tommie replied, "I won the State Reading Certificate two years in a row and the award for not being absent for five years." Then, as an afterthought, he added, "You can quote me on that."

Doesn't Think Yard So Hot

By this time, the boy was anxious to be off on an inspection tour of the Yard. He figured the "Athropopological Museum" as the best entertainment bet. As he disappeared in that direction, he was heard to say, "I still don't see what is so hot about this place."

Having been defeated in the primary purpose of his air trip to the North, Tommie is spending two weeks sight-seeing in New England, with headquarters in Boston.