<p>Brilliant article. </p>
<p>I just interviewed a Rhodes and a Marshall scholar for an upcoming article - both came from normal 99% backgrounds. And as I think my last few years of college interviews - the most compelling students did too.</p>
<p>Not to say that 1% students aren’t compelling but there’s something to be said for having to push against obstacles to achieve a goal.</p>
<p>I had the opportunity to compare candidates from an elite private school - (with the standard and ubiquitous resume of science related clubs etc. and an attitude that assumed they were on the top of the heap) - with students from a nearby public school (same ethnic group) that routinely turned out amazing talent - most of whom were from solidly middle class or lower homes. The kids in schools with no resources that went out and found them. The ones without teams that took it upon themselves to find a coach and create a team or activity.</p>
<p>Attitude is everything.</p>
<p>My recent interviews really gave me some hope that the right people will eventually take over the world given access to the right resources and enough time.</p>