That works for some cases, but not where a candidate's parents also went to the same school or where the parents can and do donate a lot to the school. At most

That works for some cases, but not where a candidate's parents also went to the same school or where the parents can and do donate a lot to the school. At most of the schools we're discussing, both situations give the student a boost in admission and in passing classes regardless of effort. (Disclosure: I went to a well-known school, but without either of the parental benefits I just described. My parents helped in other more indirect ways throughout my upbringing, but they didn't come from a wealthy or connected family background.)