I thought the trend is interesting. And I think any stories over 5 years old don't pertain. Just like general hiring practices. thousands apply to a job posting, so there are computer generated programs and sort through looking for word groupings.
Maybe someone has created a school search app to define the applicants better. Maybe they have some psychologist that has suggested that applicants that go to competitive schools are going to be "hungrier" workers, striving for more excellence. I don't know, just thinking about the trend.