story identification - Space Cadets with Secret Android rumor

Looking for a short story probably anthologized in a golden age collection about space cadets that are under the impression they have to figure out who in their class is the secret android (and maybe kill him). They end up picking the valedictorian / smartest in the class for obvious reasons.

I think that it might then be revealed that this is a hoax played upon the students by the instructors.

Answer

I believe you are seeking the 1974 short story Pacer by Raymond F. Jones (not to be confused with his 1943 story with the same title).

Pacer by Raymond F. Jones (from Future Kin, © 1974) Summary: A class of futuristic space cadets must decide whether to accept a member whom they suspect to be a robot known as the Pacer or to follow tradition and kill him.

Comments

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