A.N (December 2001, Sam is 18 and Dean is almost 23)
Sam had applied to Stanford using Bobby's address as a permanent address since he had no idea how long they would be staying in Grove City, Kansas. Despite frequently moving schools, he was managing to keep his grades up. He also took an early writing session of the ACT in October and was pleased to find out he had scored in the 98th percentile and could work quickly to make the early admission deadline. When they stopped in to see Bobby for Christmas, Bobby tried to quietly slip the envelope to Sam without Dean or John seeing. "You know your daddy ain't gonna be pleased by this," he said quietly to Sam, "But I'm proud of you."
"What the hell, Sammy?" Sam looked up and froze since he hadn't heard Dean come into the living room.
"Dean, you know I'm no good at hunting," Sam pleaded. "Remember that witch? She snuck up on my deaf side and we both almost died, Dean."
Dean frowned. "So what? Accidents happen, Sam."
"See this envelope, Dean? It means I got into Stamford and they want me to start next fall. I'm going, and there's nothing you or dad can do."
John wasn't pleased.