After the end, Klaus applies for university for his undergraduate in combined honours in library science and English literature. Violet, meanwhile, goes to high school. Duncan gets a job with the Daily Punctilio as a journalist and does his best to be impartial. Isadora, meanwhile, has her poetry collection published while she is in high school. Fiona heads to Cambridge to do biology, and Quigley travels the world.
"Come in!" cried Justice Strauss. "What do you need my help in?"
The Baudelaires and Quagmires stepped into the house.
"Well," said Violet. "Klaus wants to go to university, and I would like to attend high school, but our shenanigans may not allow us to go. Also, Klaus does not have the qualifications from high school."
"Well," said Justice Strauss. "Every child has the right to an education, regardless of past events. So you'd be allowed to go to school."
"Oh, these are the Quagmires," said Klaus. "They're friends of ours. And what about me?"
"Which university are you looking to attend?" asked Justice Strauss.
"Oxford. To do Library Studies and English Literature." replied Klaus.
"Well, I know they are looking for high grades," said Justice Strauss. "But also breadth and depth in reading. I think with your brains, Klaus, you'll be able to get in. The deadline is in 3 days though. Let me do the application process. You prepare by heading into the library and writing your personal statement and some essays. Violet, I will enrol you in high school once I have sorted your brother out. And I will ring Mr Poe to let him know you are living with me now."
Klaus nodded. He went into Justice Strauss's library, pulling his notebook out of his pocket. He fished around for a pen, scribbling down his personal statement. It read as follows:
Having an aptitude for reading from a young age, I have always had a passion for English Literature and Library Studies.
I have enjoyed a wide range of genres, from reading about law to reading the great classics such as Moby Dick. Growing up, I went to high school at an extremely young age; I was nine when I entered my freshman year. I helped out by organising libraries at high school and even went on to write papers for various competitions. Having worked for Dr Montgomery Montgomery briefly in my childhood, I learnt different skills, including organisation and defeating the villain, Count Olaf, even if it was for a short moment. You should consider me because I am highly organised and intelligent, finishing my Senior Year at 12, and have been practising academic conduct for many years. I can also decode secret codes and have a deep passion for researching anything I can get my hands on.
Justice Strauss came into the library. "Have you finished your personal statement?" she asked.
"Yes," replied Klaus, handing her the notebook.
Justice Strauss left with his notebook. Klaus sighed. Justice Strauss came in five minutes later. "All sent," she said.
"Thank you, Justice Strauss," said Klaus.
"I've also put you down for CalTech, Cambridge and Durham," said Justice Strauss. "In case you don't get in. Now, I have to sort out your sister's enrollment. Violet, will you and the Quagmires come with me?"
"Actually," said Duncan. "I was hoping to get an apprenticeship with The Daily Punctilio. And my brother wants to explore."
"So just the girl," said Justice Strauss. "And Violet."
"Isadora," replied Isadora.
Isadora and Violet followed Justice Strauss out of the library.
Three days later, a letter came through the mail, addressed to Klaus.
"Klaus!" called Justice Strauss. "A letter's here!"
Klaus ran downstairs into the kitchen. Two letters were on the table.
He opened the first one.
Dear Mr Baudelaire,
We are happy to inform you that we have given you an unconditional offer at Merton College, Oxford University. The term begins on 2nd October. We look forward to welcoming you to Merton. Please email us to arrange an interview.
Klaus stopped reading after the word interview. He could barely contain his excitement. He turned to the second letter.
Dear Mr Baudelaire,
We are happy to inform you that you have a conditional offer at CalTech. As a mature student, we want to see a few of the papers you mentioned in your personal statement. Please email us your documents so we can arrange an interview.
Klaus stopped reading after the word interview—an email pinged from Justice Strauss's computer.
"Cambridge has given you an unconditional offer," said Justice Strauss. "But they, too, want an interview."
"I guess I'll start preparing for these interviews," said Klaus, sitting down. He pulled out a notebook and pen and began to write notes for the interview.