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But my hope is a very modest one: that a few academic institutions would focus on academics in admissions and drop the non-academic tip factors.
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<p>So pick those schools that emphasis academics. </p>
<p>For example, the number one criteria for admission to Swarthmore is an evaluation of whether or not a student has demonstrated the ability to handle a very challenging academic program...specifically a highly-interactive program that demands student engagement in the classroom discussions/presentations and critical thinking (i.e. not just memorizing "what will be on the test"). There are many seminars that are built around student presentations of papers, reports, and problem sets, so it is essential that applicants have shown the ability to be successful in that kind of academic environment -- regardless of their race, ethnicity, parent's college, or athletic prowess.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, your additional criteria that the school not prioritize diversity does rule out many of the strongly academic oriented schools. So, your choices are to limit your search to a smaller number of schools or change your criteria or accept the reality that all colllege choices require some tradeoffs. For example, Swarthmore meets your requirements except that there is an emphasis on diversity -- and, frankly, your focus on "objective" measurements of intellect (such as SAT scores and grades) runs so counter to the campus culture at Swarthmore that I don't think you'd be happy there. For example, the pass/fail first semester would leave you with no way to evalute your relative "intellect".</p>