Education: Seven Rhodes to Harvard

In the 57-year history of Rhodes scholarships, no school has ever won more than five of the annual 32 open to U.S. colleges and universities. Last week Harvard broke the bank with a record seven,* compared to five last year, when it tied with West Point. Harvard's distinction was largely due to the unpredictable luck of an especially impressive batch of aspiring seniors. But it also seemed to reflect rising standards in the nation's applicant-besieged prestige colleges. Added evidence: although 18 colleges and universities shared this year's 32 scholarships, nearly half went to three Ivy League schools—Harvard (seven), Yale (five), Princeton (three). Aside from West Point and Williams, with two each, no other school had more than one winner.