That is how a socially prestigious university perpetuates its elite reputation. It admits enough of the brightest to ensure that it keeps its academic status a

That is how a socially prestigious university perpetuates its elite reputation. It admits enough of the brightest to ensure that it keeps its academic status and then gives special treatment to certain 'desirable' students, who give prestige to the institution in one way or another. This would, of course, never work if the 'desirables' had to compete academically. They are thus steered into easier courses. Of course, if the institution does not offer such easy subjects, it cannot play this game.