This list raises an important point- which is how regional many of these patterns are.
I know a LOT of mega wealthy folks where SMU, A&M, UT, etc. are the pinnacle of achievement for their kids. You’re going to tell a wealthy family in suburban Dallas that Swarthmore is a prestigious school? Or that Amherst has a well deserved reputation for transitioning kids from disadvantaged backgrounds into a rigorous and elite college experience?
So prestige is in the eye of the beholder. The scion of a wealthy family in Boston has a completely different set of choices than his or her peer in Scottsdale. And not just old money vs. new, or Mayflower vs. self made although those are culturally relevant as well.