Connections matter. So do internships. Internships build connections. Internships mean not playing summer ball or playing in a lesser league. My son’s coach wasn’t pleased when my son told him he needed to be placed on a summer team in Northern Jersey so he could intern in Manhattan. The internship led to a full time job with a Big 4 after graduation. Two of my daughter’s law internships led to “come work for us” interviews.
Re: Ivy League intelligence
I have a relative who scored 1600 on the SATs and graduated PBK. She couldn’t find her way out if a paper bag if pointed towards the daylight. It doesn’t mean most Ivy Leaguers are this way. Her two brothers (also Ivy) are nationally known in their fields.