The simple fact is that it's easier for persons with these backgrounds to be less conservative in their entrepreneurial endeavors than for, say, the guy who struggled through a B.S. or B.A. program and who came from poverty. That sort of conditioning lasts for life almost every time. As a result, the population of people who are likely to put together a truly acceptable YC application are more likely to be found in the "pedigreed" group. It's a flaw in society at large, not necessarily with YC itself.
YC is getting a big pass here. Just like the grade inflation in those good ole ivy leagues.
The mistake is to regard YC/SV as disruptive. It isn't; it's about generating excess returns for a bunch of previously successful people. They have zero interest in fixing a broken status quo as long as they can continue to benefit.
> Just like the grade inflation in those good ole ivy leagues.
I only heard about this recently. The practice is abhorrent and further reinforces the entitlement complexes of some people.
But, hey, there's lots of money flowing, so that's cool, right? We can all sit around and grasp at success for the rest of our days!
(This is not an indictment of Muse; they sound like they know what they're doing.)