<p>Kids at the top schools tend to be very smart; that should surprise no one. However, there are also smart kids at most every school. Many are also privileged in one way or another. But one thing that really distinguishes kids at the top schools in my experience is an almost frightening level of industry and discipline. Very, very few slackers at top-10 colleges and universities. That’s frightening if you’re a *slacker. * To everyone else it could well be inspirational.</p>