Choosing Elites

Choosing Elites examines the complex systems and methods used to select individuals for prestigious educational institutions and positions of influence. The book draws from Klitgaard's experience as an admissions dean at Harvard University and his research into selection processes across various organizations. The analysis covers multiple real-world case studies of elite selection, from university admissions to Rhodes Scholarships to corporate recruiting. Klitgaard breaks down the criteria, metrics, and decision-making frameworks used to evaluate talent and potential, while exploring the inherent challenges in predicting future success. The work addresses fundamental questions about merit, fairness, diversity, and the purpose of elite institutions in society. Through statistical analysis and philosophical inquiry, it investigates whether current selection methods serve their intended goals and what alternatives might exist. The book speaks to broader themes of opportunity, social mobility, and how societies allocate access to power and resources. It raises essential questions about the relationship between individual achievement and institutional gatekeeping in shaping leadership across generations.

This book receives limited online discussion and few reader reviews. On Goodreads, it has only 6 ratings with an average of 3.67/5 stars. Readers highlighted: - Analysis of selection processes at elite institutions - Examination of IQ testing and merit-based admissions - Historical case studies of how institutions choose people Main criticisms: - Data and examples feel dated (book published 1985) - Academic writing style can be dense - Limited practical takeaways for modern readers One Goodreads reviewer noted: "Interesting historical perspective but needs updating for current admissions landscape." Available ratings: Goodreads: 3.67/5 (6 ratings, 0 written reviews) Amazon: No reviews WorldCat: No reviews Google Books: No reviews The book seems to maintain niche academic interest but lacks broad reader engagement online. Most discussion appears in scholarly citations rather than consumer reviews.

The Half-Life of Facts by Samuel Arbesman This book examines how scientific knowledge and expertise evolve over time, connecting to Klitgaard's analysis of how institutions evaluate and select talent.

The Price of Admission by Daniel Golden A detailed investigation into the selection processes at elite universities reveals the complex systems that determine who gains access to prestigious institutions.

The Tyranny of Merit by Michael J. Sandel The book dissects meritocracy in modern society and its impact on education, social mobility, and institutional selection processes.

Who Gets What and Why by Alvin E. Roth An exploration of matching markets and how institutions design systems to select and allocate opportunities among different candidates.

Excellence Without a Soul by Harry R. Lewis A former Harvard dean's examination of how elite universities choose and educate students provides insight into the mechanisms of institutional selection.

📚 Author Robert Klitgaard worked as a professor at Harvard's Kennedy School during the time he wrote this controversial 1985 examination of elite college admissions. 🎓 The book caused significant debate by suggesting that elite universities should embrace their role in selecting future leaders rather than trying to democratize their admissions process. 🔍 Klitgaard used previously unreleased admissions data from Harvard, including detailed information about thousands of applicants' test scores, grades, and demographic information. 📊 The research revealed that Harvard's admissions process placed significant weight on non-academic factors, with only about 1/3 of the admission decision based on academic credentials. 🌍 The book's publication coincided with growing national concerns about affirmative action in college admissions, making it a key reference in subsequent legal and policy debates about university admissions practices.