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<p>Chicago was an anomaly, I think. Even prior to the class of 2011, its average test scores were quite high. One thing that astonished me recently was to read its Jewish population is now under 20%. Back in the 70s, it seemed nearly all my classmates were either Jewish or Roman Catholic. Up to that time, it had been a refuge from anti-semitism for years. In addition, unlike the Ivies or top LACs, it always admitted women.</p>
<p>The “elite” schools did not always have affirmative action or 50% of their classes on need-based aid. They sent out subtle and not so subtle signals that many people were not welcome. Old perceptions linger that “elite” doesn’t just mean “excellent”; it also means “exclusive”, in a not-so-nice way. I suspect these perceptions still suppress a percentage that would otherwise be higher (though there would still be a limit to the number of places, unless demand pushed it up). </p>
<p>What percentage of college students in California, MI, NC, VA, TX or Wisconsin go to the top flagships?</p>