Journal of Sociology and Social Work

Access to Elite Education: Wealth, Merit, and Inequality
Burton F. Porter

Abstract
A basic American value has been the opportunity to succeed, regardless of origin; the Horatio Alger myth is embedded in our folklore, inspiring millions with its promise of opportunity. However, the road to substantial wealth and status runs through America’s elite universities, especially Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, and those who are admitted come from families that already occupy a high socioeconomic rank. In this way the status quo is perpetuated and upward mobility is stifled. Under such conditions, admission according to merit is a disguised form of social selection because the most meritorious will be the richest. Students from the wealthiest 25% account for 2/3 of the slots in the top 150 colleges, and SAT scores correlate to family income – 12 points for every $20,000 of salary. In short, the advantages of wealth translate to higher academic scores and hence a higher rate of admission to elite universities. Although we want to maintain academic standards, we might modify our admissions requirements for the sake of social justice. We could 1) judge applicants in terms of demonstrated potential as well as their academic record, 2) provide a plus factor for those whose lower achievement is partly due to a disadvantaged background, 3) take character into consideration as an educational value.

Full Text: PDF