While rest of us can’t afford to pay for college - others are giving $$$$$$ to cut the line

One of the biggest determinants of whether or not you attend/will attend a top 20 school is coming from an affluent family (that includes both upper middle class/wealthy). People with financial resources can provide all kinds of assistance to their kids - from something as basic as living in a good school district right through donating millions to junior’s college of choice. It’s just the way it is.