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btw, what exactly made your brother stand out SO much that he got PAID to attend Caltech?
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<p>He graduated as valedictorian at his prep boarding school, with extensive national awards for mathematics and science (can't remember which ones). Furthermore, he was a key participant in award-winning school chorus and acting troupes. He was also an active athlete. </p>
<p>The point is, he's had numerous impressive accomplishments. And he did it without coming from a background that would be considered 'privileged' by any reasonable standards. He just worked extremely hard. I suppose one thing that might be considered 'privileged' in my family is that education and hard work has always been deeply stressed. But I don't think that's the kind of 'privilege' that old-but-wise is talking about, because it just begs the question of why can't other parents stress education and hard work to their kids? </p>
<p>So the point stands. My brother was able to get a full ride at a top boarding school because of his hard work and academic achievement. That means other people can do it too.</p>