The cynical attitude is that the true heights of power can only partially be reached through meritocratic advancement. Sure, you need to be at the top of your f

The cynical attitude is that the true heights of power can only partially be reached through meritocratic advancement. Sure, you need to be at the top of your field - but there is a cultural/class/network element that only opens certain positions of power to people within certain circles. It sounds like Minerva is explicitly avoiding the goal of creating highest-caliber professionals (the meritocracy route) - so what social/political capital does the founder/faculty bring to the table to open these non-meritocratic doors for their elite student body? If I am indeed one of these exceptional and ambitious young people, why should I gamble with this startup rather than climbing the well worn power ladder through the Ivy League?