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    James Traub, City on a Hill
    Traub's book explores the legend of City College, New York City's 156-year-old experiment in academic meritocracy. He asks if the school's traditional mission – to equalize academic opportunity across class and race lines – remains viable today.

    City College was founded in 1847, offering free tuition to all qualified students. The institution now struggles to accommodate the needs of many students who arrive on campus needing remedial help. For many of today's students, English is not the first language. The school began charging tuition to balance the costs of programs needed to bring students up to standards. Its reputation suffered accordingly.

    Traub visits classes and talks with students, teachers and administrators to determine whether the American dream still exists in American academia.