The only reason I was able to break into programming was because of high standardized test scores. The SAT and others like it really are a great equalizer. Dropping the requirement is a shame.
If you said any other career except programming I'd agree with this, but programming is literally the least gate-kept of the high-paying careers. Anyone can break into programming, all you need is the internet, interest and aptitude to understand code.
Doctor? Gatekeepers. Actor? Gatekeepers. Lawyer? Gatekeepers. Programmer? Just show up and be good! (The closest thing to a meritocracy there is.)
I think the newness of software engineering relative to more traditional professions like medicine, law, and even other kinds of engineering is a large part of the reason why gatekeeping is less of a barrier. Given enough time, though, I'm sure this will change for the worse.
If by "break into programming" you mean getting any decent paying job, it's even easier than that. I'd say it's closer to "show up on time having showered and be able to code yourself out of a paper bag".
Edit: not trying to derail what you had said either, just a comment