Hoover did not pass Stanford entrance Exam

Herbert Hoover was permitted admission to Stanford University in 1891. It's interesting to note that he passed every subject except for mathematics. In other words, except for Math, he failed every Stanford entrance exam. After working with John Casper Branner, the head of Stanford's geology department, during his freshman year, he changed his major from mechanical engineering to geology.

Hoover co-founded "Romero Hall," Stanford's first student housing cooperative, during his second year to cut costs. Hoover began as a mediocre student. He spent the majority of his time working at side jobs or participating in extracurricular activities at school, which suggests that his priorities were off at the time. It's interesting how this path made him well-known around Stanford. Hoover was elected treasurer of the student council, sports team manager, and project coordinator for several significant University events.

He oversaw the football and baseball teams as the student manager, and he assisted in planning the first Big Game against the University of California. Hoover worked as an intern for USGS economic geologist Waldemar Lindgren during the summers before and following his senior year. Hoover was able to have an unexpected influence at Stanford despite having a poor start. These experiences persuaded Hoover to pursue a career in mining geology. Hoover eventually earned a degree in geology with aspirations of working as a mining geologist.