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I think the American Dream was a little less specific than that. AFAIK the American Dream was that if you applied yourself, you could be anything that you wanted to be. You see it with the movie trope of the kid who wants to prove everyone wrong and be the next president of the United States.

Ah, I guess that's part of it. I was thinking of the more general perspective, i.e. "Anyone can make it with a little hard work and determination."

I've always interpreted it as earnest hard work and merit would pay off in the end, with the first three examples you listed as making it easier. I saw the American Dream as being inclusive to those without good grades or a college education as well.