(09-13-2016 08:08 AM)jumpinmullet Wrote:  I understand that some of these kids will do well but the deal is different at Harvard as a whole and even you should be smart enough to get that.

The point is that not every Harvard student ends up doing what they really wanted to do, NOT an argument that a Harvard degree isn't better than a Maryland degree.

Here's what tends to happen:

Step 1: Bright student is deciding between several great schools, and elects to go to Harvard. Student has a strong interest in chemistry.

Step 2: Student who goes to Harvard is no longer a top student in chemistry. In fact, he is near the bottom of the pack. Which, among the normal population, still makes him brilliant. But amongst his peers, he is uncomfortable.

Step 3: Student switches majors and becomes a lawyer instead.

Step 4: Instead of a brilliant Chemist (which we need more of), Harvard has spit out another lawyer. (Note: I mean no offense to lawyers, I am just saying we need scientists more right now).


If, alternatively, the student had gone to a lesser school and dominated there, he would have remained a chemist.

See what I mean? And this happens all the time.