Space for Needy Students

The cost of college tuition often denies qualified students attendance at prestigious universities ["A Costly Cap and Gown," November 5].

At age 17 in 1940, I was on active duty in the U.S. Army as a high school dropout. It was my good fortune to receive a GED certificate. Upon discharge in 1945, I applied to Georgetown University. Registrar Estill Guinane permitted me to attend for one year as a probationary student. In May 1948, I received a Bachelor's of Science in Foreign Service with a 3.2 grade-point average. Thanks to taxpayers, the gi Bill of Rights paid my tuition. Elite schools should set aside at least 5 percent of admissions space for needy applicants and give them the same opportunity that Georgetown gave me.
Robert Wagner
Coupeville, Wash.