I worked in the deans office of “prestigious university” for a bit. She’d openly admit how surprised she was to hear that there was a certain level of donation

I worked in the deans office of “prestigious university” for a bit. She’d openly admit how surprised she was to hear that there was a certain level of donation that guaranteed acceptance. They’d also graduate students from other countries (mostly China) that had a kindergarten level of English. At best. Experiences like that will really shatter illusions.