Keeping at least 40 places for those without prior connections is still a populist measure, no matter how one cuts it. People would simply move near the schools, creating a tighter circle of those who live in select addresses.

On the other hand, the alumni of a school, having gone through the vicissitudes of life, contrary to the fairy-tale image the public holds, have achieved varied degrees of success, hold different jobs and are scattered around the country.

They bring more diversity to the school than by merely using distance or having a quota for the unconnected.

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