They go because there is value in the stamp of approval. Harvard's role in the economy is to certify people as being in the top x% of quality. If you are in the

They go because there is value in the stamp of approval. Harvard's role in the economy is to certify people as being in the top x% of quality. If you are in the top x% and qualify for their stamp, it's certainly worthwhile to go get it, unless you think that you are so exceptional that you can do without it. And some people are, and do, but you generally have to be an order of magnitude or two above x to be certain of that working out for you.