A thread through the archive

elite institutions

Essays tagged “elite institutions”. Follow an idea across the archive.

Essays on elite institutions

2 essays

Jul 11, 2023ACX

Why Match School And Student Rank?

Scott Alexander explores various explanations for why top students attend the best colleges, including optimistic views about maximizing potential and cynical views about signaling and 'privilege laundering'.

8 min read 1,124 words

Dec 1, 2022ACX

Book Review: First Sixth Of Bobos In Paradise

Scott reviews David Brooks' thesis on how a 1950s change in Ivy League admissions policy reshaped American elite culture and society.

23 min read 3,511 words

American history book review cultural change