> Without an outright scholarship or wealthy background, how would you pay? I never bothered because I was an upper quartile student, not an outstanding one (I

> Without an outright scholarship or wealthy background, how would you pay? I never bothered because I was an upper quartile student, not an outstanding one (I was distracted by the usual things). I needed in-state benefits and grants to afford college. This leads me to suspect there is no “academic middle class” at Harvard. Your suspicions are evidence of your suspicion? I'm not sure what you meant by "academic middle class": If you mean, in terms of academic skill, well of course - why would Harvard accept any but the best (and wealthiest and most powerful)? > the quality distribution of accepted candidates is roughly similar to most other universities too Recent experience with Ivy League undergraduates leads me to a believe that it's a pretty effing talented cohort. That statement may match the snobbery that many are (rightfully) suspicious of, but it's not that; they were just very impressive.