" I graduated 256 out of a class of 256 (at the University of Utah). That is, I had the most efficient degree possible. I got a degree, but I didn’t do one bit more than I needed to."
Well in the 1960's, just having a degree meant more than it does today.
That was before making student loans non-dischargeable in bankruptcy (1976) created an educational finance industry[1] requiring the world to produce more postsecondary students.
Hah, I was similarly pleased by finishing with exactly 59.5% - the threshold for a 2:1 in the UK system, meaning I hadn't wasted any energy on getting higher marks than necessary.