I thought it curious that Beaver decided NOT enter Fallbrook Prep because he wanted to remain with his friends in Mayfield. Doesn't Beaver realize that his 'friends' in Mayfield have betrayed him time and again? How many times has Gilbert Gates led Beaver astray? How many times has Richard Rickover done the same thing? Are people like Gilbert and Richard really friends - or just people to hang out with? IMHO, Beaver let slip an opportunity to get a good education, meet new people, make new friends, and see another part of the country in order to remain at home for questionable reasons. Would Beaver's friends have done the same for him? Would they have drop such an opportunity to stay home with him? What do you think?