[brainfish]

A high SAT score is table stakes for Ivy application, not in any way a free pass. Successful applicants generally need impeccable grades, documented community service + extracurricular activities, stellar recommendations, etc. Or alternatively, be a "legacy", meaning your ancestors attended that school, which is more often than not a proxy for "be rich."

I don't doubt your characterization of the situation in France at all, and there are certainly a plethora of great universities in the U.S. that have reasonably accessible admissions, but the "top" schools (Ivys, MIT/Caltech, etc.) are certainly beyond the reach of many, and favor those who know how to play their game.