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<p>PG, would you have reacted differently if the young voice had told you that your contribution would not only help your alma mater in the USNews rat race, but that the results of the rankings might influence the bond ratings in a positive way? The savings from a lower interest rate might in turn allows the school to spend more money on financial aid, and this financial aid might take the form of a work study job that entails calling alumni for a few dollars? </p>
<p>The reality is that just as the schools do look better when limiting the class size to below 20 students, the few dollars make them look better because the donations represent a direct barometer of the general happiness of alumni and their desire to make the school better for the next generations. And, fwiw, the level of the participation (more than the amount) also represents a clear indicator of the “culture” of a school as it separates the givers from the takers and reinforces the level of expectations and entitlement of the students a particular school has attracted.</p>