^ This is a marvelous example of why OP’s assertion is false. She(?) declares that the “elites” are a precious resource. Says who? They’re only precious because of the nos. of kids who want to attend them. I firmly disagree. Examples like McGill and Caltech and other top end schools which admit kids solely based on academics EXIST and are performing magnificently.
But kids/families are voting with their feet. THEY are the ones who stream towards these schools who CLEARLY say they admit holistically.
OP simply doesn’t like the fact that they’ve built a better mouse trap in a sea of mouse traps. And that’s why they have record breaking apps year after year.
Why isn’t the beauty school at the local strip mall one of the most sought after institutions of higher learning in the country? Because they offer something that only a few people want. The holistically-evaluating schools are so “precious” because of what they stand for – which includes holistic admissions.
In the end, this is simply a debate exercise. No one, no entity – has the right to tell a private institution how it can admit students as long as it falls within legal bounds. Call for the torches and pitchforks and attack the castle keep, OP. You may find yourself with a small company of fellow mobsters.
Your “scourge” seems to lack an audience, IMHO.