🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Steve Pink
- Genre: Comedy
- Release year: 2006
- Runtime (length): 1h 33min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (142K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 38%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A guy who can’t get into college starts his own, parties ensue, and somehow he gets accredited because…reasons?
🍿 Accepted: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Bartleby’s Rejection and Deceptive Plan
Bartleby Gaines, a high school slacker, faces a major setback after being rejected by every college he applies to. To avoid disappointing his parents, he concocts a plan with his friends to create a fake college, South Harmon Institute of Technology (SHIT). This fictitious institution is meant to fool their parents into believing they are attending higher education.

The Birth of South Harmon Institute of Technology
Bartleby and his friends, including Sherman Schrader, create a convincing website and even lease an abandoned psychiatric facility to serve as the campus. Their intention is merely to maintain the facade for their parents. However, their plan backfires when the website accidentally accepts hundreds of other rejected students.

Embracing the Unconventional
Faced with a campus full of students and a hefty sum of tuition money, Bartleby decides to embrace the unexpected. He hires his eccentric Uncle Ben as the Dean and allows the students to create their own curriculum. This leads to unconventional courses and a student-led learning environment that contrasts sharply with traditional colleges.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Bartleby Gaines (Justin Long): A resourceful high school graduate who, after facing college rejections, creates a fake university that unexpectedly becomes a haven for other rejects.
- Sherman Schrader (Jonah Hill): Bartleby’s Ivy League-bound friend who aids in creating the fake college, balancing academic ambition with a desire for social acceptance.
- Monica Morely (Blake Lively): The attractive and intelligent girl next door who becomes Bartleby’s love interest and a supporter of the unconventional college.
- Glen (Adam Herschman): One of Bartleby’s loyal, albeit academically challenged, friends who contributes to the chaos and camaraderie at S.H.I.T.
- Uncle Ben (Lewis Black): The cynical and outspoken former teacher who becomes the ‘Dean’ of S.H.I.T., providing a dose of reality and unconventional wisdom.
- Dean Van Horne (Anthony Heald): The antagonist and Dean of the neighboring Harmon College who seeks to shut down S.H.I.T. due to its unorthodox nature.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Bartleby Gaines: “You guys have already made up your minds. I’m an expert in rejection, and I can see it on your faces.” – Bartleby confronts the board of accreditation, pointing out their preconceived notions about him and his school.
- Bartleby Gaines: “Tradition of what? Of hazing kids and humiliating anyone who’s a bit different? Of putting so much pressure on kids they turn into these – these stress freaks and caffeine addicts.” – Bartleby challenges the value of traditional college traditions.
- Uncle Ben: “You think college is gonna make you a man? It’s not. I went to college. I’m still a schmuck.” – Uncle Ben gives a cynical take on what to really expect after going to college.
- Sherman Schrader: “I’m gonna be on academic probation at Yale for starting a fake college!” – Sherman laments about his precarious academic standing after his involvement with the South Harmon Institute of Technology.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $23,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $36,323,505
- Worldwide Gross: $38,623,262
💥 Accepted Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so ‘Accepted’ isn’t winning any awards, but I loved it! It reminds me of those college comedies from the early 2000s that don’t take themselves seriously. The premise is ridiculous – a fake college? – but it’s hilarious to see the students create their own rules. And Lewis Black as the ‘Dean’? Pure genius! My favorite part is when they’re designing the courses; Math-turbation, anyone? It’s dumb, but I can’t help but laugh every time. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, silly movie to watch with friends, ‘Accepted’ is a solid choice.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of teen comedies”
- “Viewers interested in movies that challenge traditional institutions”
- “People who enjoy Justin Long and Jonah Hill’s performances”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Suggestive humor”
- “Some partying and alcohol use”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite a few laughs and some sharp commentary on the pressures of higher education, ‘Accepted’ fails to rise above typical teen comedy fare. The movie relies on tired tropes and predictable humor, ultimately missing the mark.
- Common Sense Media: “‘Accepted’ provides some thought-provoking moments about alternative education paths, cleverly poking fun at the competitive nature of college admissions. However, the excessive partying and silly pranks might overshadow the movie’s message for younger viewers.
- Hollywood.com: “While Accepted aims to subvert expectations with its offbeat premise, it often falls back on predictable teen comedy clichés. The film has its moments, mainly thanks to Lewis Black’s witty performance, but it lacks the depth and originality to truly stand out.
Audience Reactions
Viewers found the movie hilarious and loved the humor.: The movie’s greatest strength is its ability to deliver laughs consistently, making it an enjoyable experience for many viewers.
Many viewers appreciated the movie’s message of self-acceptance and non-conformity.: The film’s positive themes about finding your own path and embracing individuality resonated with audience members.
Overall Consensus: A light-hearted comedy with an outlandish premise, ‘Accepted’ offers plenty of laughs and a message of individuality. While not a cinematic masterpiece, it’s an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate silly, feel-good movies.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The acronym for South Harmon Institute of Technology (S.H.I.T.) was a major source of humor both on and off set.”
- “Many of the extras in the movie were actual college students from nearby universities.”
- “Lewis Black’s character was written to be a direct commentary on the state of higher education and the pressures it puts on students.”
🖥️ How to Watch Accepted?
Accepted is available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability in your region. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) can be purchased through Amazon and major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Accepted, you might like these similar films:
- Animal House (1978): A classic college comedy about a group of misfits challenging the establishment, focusing on the fun and freedom of college life.
- Old School (2003): Similar theme of adults creating their own unconventional college experience outside of traditional institutions.
- Camp Nowhere (1994): A group of kids create a fake summer camp to escape their parents’ planned activities, similar to creating a fake college.
- 21 Jump Street (2012): Undercover cops go back to high school and find themselves caught up in the social dynamics and pressures of teenage life, blending action and comedy.
🛒 Accepted Related Products
- Accepted Movie Poster: A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster. Ideal for dorm rooms, home theaters, or any fan looking to showcase their love for the film.
- College T-Shirt: Declare your educational (or lack thereof) allegiance to the South Harmon Institute of Technology. Show off your alma mater!
- Accepted [Blu-ray]: Enjoy Accepted in HD quality with bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews, and deleted scenes. A must-have for any film collection.
🎧 Soundtrack
Accepted features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Accepted was primarily filmed at Chapman University in Orange, California. The university’s campus served as the backdrop for many of the movie’s college scenes.
No, Accepted is a work of fiction and not based on a true story. The plot revolves around a fabricated college and the challenges of creating a learning environment from scratch.
The movie’s message is to challenge the traditional concept of higher education. The film promotes the idea of self-discovery and personalized learning that is focused on learning what one likes and enjoys.
🔥 Bonus Content
Strange University With No Teachers To Teach The Students…
Ever wondered what it would be like to create your own university? This video gives a great overview of the movie ‘Accepted’, where a group of friends do just that. It’s a fun and inspiring story about the importance of following your dreams, no matter how crazy they may seem.
Accepted (10/10) Movie CLIP – Bartleby’s Speech (2006) HD
Get ready to be inspired by Bartleby’s passionate speech in this iconic scene from ‘Accepted’. His words about the importance of creativity and freedom will resonate with anyone who has ever felt stifled by traditional education.
Accepted (8/10) Movie CLIP – What Do You Want to Learn? (2006) HD
In this thought-provoking clip from ‘Accepted’, the students share their unique perspectives on what they want to learn. Their answers are a testament to the power of education to transform lives and inspire change.
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