Porte enrolled at Cooper Union (1951–52) after graduating from high school and intended to pursue an engineering career, but left owing to lack of interest and of perceived ability. A paragraph from Mark Van Doren's A Liberal Education (1943) compelled him to switch to literary studies, first at night school at Brooklyn College (1952–53) and subsequently at the City College of New York. In 1957, he received his A.B.
Porte enrolled at Cooper Union (1951–52) after graduating from high school and planned to pursue an engineering career, but left due to a lack of interest and perceived ability. A paragraph from Mark Van Doren's A Liberal Education (1943) prompted him to switch to literary studies, initially attending night classes at Brooklyn College (1952–53) and later at the City College of New York. In 1957, he earned his B.A.