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Senior facts & stats

7 fact-checked facts about senior year, graduation and academic traditions, each with the reason behind it. 5 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.

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The basics

What is the flat, square graduation cap called?

AnswerMortarboard

The mortarboard is named for its resemblance to a mason's board.

Which march is traditionally played at US graduations?

AnswerPomp and Circumstance

Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 is the graduation staple.

Going deeper

The student ranked second in a class is often called what?

AnswerSalutatorian

The salutatorian traditionally gives the opening greeting.

Which Latin honor is the highest?

AnswerSumma cum laude

Summa cum laude means with highest honor.

The word senior comes from a Latin word meaning what?

AnswerOlder

Senior is Latin for older.

Expert level

Pomp and Circumstance was first played at a US graduation at which university in 1905?

AnswerYale

Yale played it when Elgar received an honorary degree in 1905.

The phrase pomp and circumstance comes from which Shakespeare play?

AnswerOthello

Othello speaks of pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war.

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