Ivy League schools, once symbols of academic achievement, now operate under a highly competitive, scarcity-driven system that perpetuates inequality. With acceptance rates below 5%, students face immense stress and burnout. A recent study highlights how the top 1% are disproportionately admitted, while underprivileged students are at a severe disadvantage. The process, shaped by legacy admissions and preferential treatment, undermines true merit and shifts focus away from academic exploration, exacerbating mental health issues among applicants.
