This is such an important conversation to have. I hope top schools are considering ways to control the ever rising standards expected of incoming PhD students. If nothing is done, I think working as RAs pre-PhD will become a norm. Which would be kinda sad IMO
A student from a disadvantaged background would benefit far more at a prestigious school, than someone born into privilege. I think of it as who would benefit more. As it leads to more long term changes in the world and address inequality at a personal level that we control.
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