So you want to be the President?

Tips for your future commander in chief

Rome wasn’t built in a day, so before you become the leader of the free world, consider a career in law, Hollywood, or peanut farming. Kindergarten first, though! In the case that you’re not well-born, study hard so you get to go to Harvard, Yale, or both. You don’t have to be a standout student once you get there, but in addition to your secret society, you should take your love of American authors, or English ones like Shakespeare and Ian Fleming, pretty seriously. If these oft-praised famous men seem several reading levels away, why not start with some children’s books that make electoral politics as simple as green eggs and ham? We like Grace for President. Follow with a geography bee, a debate class, a Scouts trip, and several hundred hours logged helping your fellow man. Reward yourself with an educational vacation to Springfield, Illinois or Hope, Arkansas to get a more personal sense of the shoulders on which you’ll be standing. Remember, though, Americans like a president with character, so don’t be afraid to break the rules a little. —Kate Guadagnino