<p>I think one of the key tests of whether a top school is elite is whether or not it has to buy its National Merit Scholar contingent with non need-based aid. If your school can attract three or four dozen Merit Scholars in the normal course of issuing need-based aid you are prestigious and on the same playing field as other top 20 schools. If you have to buy your Merit Scholars you are not. USC in 2010 still has to buy its top talent.</p>