How Michael Corleone Got Into Dartmouth: An Insider’s Perspective

Michael Corleone, the iconic character from Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather, is a figure shrouded in mystery and intrigue. His journey from a fictional mafia prince to a college student is a fascinating one, especially considering his admission to prestigious institutions like Dartmouth College. This article aims to explore the lesser-known aspects of how Michael made his way to Dartmouth, drawing from both the novel and fan theories.

Michael Corleone: A Character in The Godfather

Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino in the classic film, is the de facto leader of the Corleone crime family. However, his path towards Dartmouth is not as explicitly detailed in the narrative, which focuses more on his transformation and the significant choices he makes later in the story. Fans of the novel often wonder about the details surrounding his admission to the prestigious Ivy League school.

The Common Belief: An Offer They Could Not Refuse?

Many fans believe that Michael's admission to Dartmouth was due to the typical mafia tactic of an "offer they could not refuse." Tom Hagen, in his role as attorney and Michael's advisor, mentions that Vito Corleone "had to pull a lot of strings" to get Michael into the college. This detail, while intriguing, is intriguing but not consistently supported throughout the novel.

Was It Merit-Based Admission?

Considering Michael's intelligence and the family's financial resources, it's plausible to believe that he could have been admitted based on merit alone. Ivy League institutions like Dartmouth and others do have standards, but they are not always insurmountable. Michael’s father, Vito, did not actively intervene or exert the same level of influence seen in other cases of such high-profile admissions.

Behind-the-Scenes Influence: Subtle Strings Pulled

Some theories suggest that Vito may have subtly pulled some strings behind the scenes. He was a shrewd and influential figure in his own right. However, the novel does not explicitly provide evidence of this. It’s possible that he leveraged his connections in a more subtle and less overt manner.

The Real Path to Admission

The most plausible scenario, based on the information provided in the novel, is that Michael was a good student in high school and applied and was accepted through a typical admissions process. It’s clear that Michael did not consult anyone about his plans to attend Dartmouth. He made the decision independently and even kept it a secret from his family until the day he left to attend the school. His father’s decision not to involve Michael in the family business aligned with his plan for his son to pursue an education away from the criminal life.

Lessons from the Past

It's important to remember that getting into an Ivy League college, particularly in the 1940s when Michael would have attended Dartmouth, was less rigorous than it is today. The admissions process was not the stringent and competitive system we see today.

Conclusion

While the precise details of Michael Corleone’s admission into Dartmouth remain a topic of discussion and speculation, the more plausible explanation is that he was a bright student who was accepted through the regular admissions process. Vito Corleone did exert some influence, but not in the overt manner often assumed.

Understanding Michael’s path to Dartmouth provides deeper insight into his character and the complex storyline of one of literature's most famous mafia lords.

Keywords: Michael Corleone, Dartmouth College, Mario Puzo, How to Get into Dartmouth