Game Theory and undergrad/grad admissions

Nerdyparent
Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:06:19 +0000

Just wondering about something.

With seemingly everyone applying to the most elite undergrad schools they can and taking out large loans to do so when necessary, does that make it easier for students who went to state schools on full rides to go to an elite school after undergrad?
My logic goes like this: Mom and dad shell out the cash and take on loans to send their son or daughter to an elite school.
When he/she graduates from the undergrad school, there is less money left to pay for elite law school, med school, business school, or grad school - not to mention added pressure to join the workforce and defer post-undergrad education altogether. I have also heard that after undergrad, universities are less generous with financial aid.

With all of those factors at work, does that make elite schools easier to get into on the back end for students who went to state schools for undergrad?