<p>Maybe, just maybe, the schools are eager to find FA applicants because the FP pool can’t sustain the academic standards required to justify the $50,000 tuition. The SAT scores need to be at a certain level. The matriculation lists must be strong. The “right” colleges won’t accept very many students with subpar grades and SAT scores (even if the last name matches one on a campus building). </p>
<p>Money can buy a lot, but it can’t buy a faster mental processing speed or a better working memory. High achieving is not the same as profoundly gifted. Breeding by zip code or country club affiliation doesn’t guarantee the latter. Living an opulent lifestyle doesn’t always mean living a rich life. Money can’t buy a thirst for learning. Money can’t buy a sparkling personality or fuel a passion that isn’t there. Money can’t buy a hunger for knowledge. </p>
<p>Perhaps someone can do a study comparing student course schedules to home zip codes and we can see if I might be on to something.</p>