It's interesting because the nepotism isn't full on, in my experience, at the beginning.
Professors want to accept graduate students who are good, hardworking, smart - because they need publications and unsuitable candidates won't do it. Many positions are given to friends kids, but there is actually a certain amount of merit to the decisions.
However; then the nepotism starts for real.
Academics want their students to succeed because they expand their network of collaborators, and having successful graduate students increases their own prestige.
It's interesting because the nepotism isn't full on, in my experience, at the beginning.
Professors want to accept graduate students who are good, hardworking, smart - because they need publications and unsuitable candidates won't do it. Many positions are given to friends kids, but there is actually a certain amount of merit to the decisions.
However; then the nepotism starts for real.
Academics want their students to succeed because they expand their network of collaborators, and having successful graduate students increases their own prestige.