It should be noted that most people actually get their jobs through their social networks (as discussed in books like Tipping Point) as well as other research into Management.
So, I think the logical result of these ideas is that the way to success for those at Ivies (and schools like Stanford etc...) is that their social networks include many other highly motivated and successful people. However, anyone at any large university has a huge network to possibly tap, including thousands of talented students, alumni, and world class professors. Thus, I think the more logical result is that motivated students at any large school do well by building large and powerful social networks.
I would actually downvote this comment because it seems you don't know what you're talking about. While a minute fraction of people do get jobs at i-banks through connections, the vast majority are admitted on merit.
I am an undergraduate (senior) at one of the nation's top i-bank feeder schools.
So, I think the logical result of these ideas is that the way to success for those at Ivies (and schools like Stanford etc...) is that their social networks include many other highly motivated and successful people. However, anyone at any large university has a huge network to possibly tap, including thousands of talented students, alumni, and world class professors. Thus, I think the more logical result is that motivated students at any large school do well by building large and powerful social networks.