There are also alternative paths for people with good connections from their background. I remember seeing brochure in one of the business hotel I went for work.

It was about a University type establishment but with no major or minor or hard science, instead a mix of business and philosophy curriculum. Because, I paraphrase them, it was more important for the future leader of the world to be attuned to the world and understand the real things in life such as philosophy. They were also conveniently located in a south american country and looked more like a resort than a place of study.

If you follow that kind of route without the proper connection in your family, you chances are basically nil. Those are the place you would send your kid before kick starting him/her at "the bottom of the ladder", i.e. some upper management position with 6 figures starting salary, working on "ideas" and strategy.

Basically, some people are born successful. They can afford to make different choices.