Elite colleges are facing a reckoning over their admissions practices. But is there a case for upholding policies that give preferential treatment to some students?

On this episode of “Matter of Opinion,” the hosts examine whether it really matters if you go to Harvard and what the upside could be of favoring family connections.

Mentioned in this episode:

• “Diversifying Society’s Leaders? The Determinants and Consequences of Admission to Highly Selective Colleges,” by Raj Chetty, David J. Deming and John N. Friedman in Opportunity Insights.
• “Fast Car,” written and originally performed by Tracy Chapman
• “Privilege: Harvard and the Education of the Ruling Class,” by Ross Douthat