As a guy who went to a state school, the three main benefits of attending an elite school are: 1. People will prejudge in your favor, the more average the indi

As a guy who went to a state school, the three main benefits of attending an elite school are: 1. People will prejudge in your favor, the more average the individual the more they will do this. This is a very strong effect, and the primary benefit. I don't mean this in a cynical way. It's a great thing if you can get it. 2. Your classmates in school will be smarter and think bigger, which has a significant motivational effect. A larger percentage will go on to have significant achievements. Most of your classmates at an elite school will eventually accomplish nothing, just like a state school. 3. Prestige-oriented institutions will favor you heavily, for example banks, law firms, and consultancies. They really do need people with great social skills and a strong work ethic, which is the same filter that elite schools use. I'm on vacation right now, lack the time to add references.