<p>mifune - Absolutely great points, and I almost agree with you. </p>
<p>However, for those students that do not undergo extensive test prep and still achieve 2300+ SAT scores, it is likely–in my opinion–that they also do not devote copious amounts of time to SAT II scores or GPA. In that case, not only will they qualify academically, they’ll also have much more free time to pursue ECs than peers who achieve the same GPA, SAT, and SAT II scores through considerable studying and preparation. Furthermore, in light of their superior processing abilities, these “naturally intelligent” people are able to accomplish more EC-wise at a faster rate. Combine this with more leisure time to pursue ECs, and there may actually be an exponential relationship between SAT scores and over all qualifications for top universities. </p>
<p>This is especially possible when we consider the nature of the bell curve. I would think that, those who fall on the extreme far right of the intelligence curve (say, 99.5th percentile) spend (almost) exponentially less time (in accordance w/the curve) on studying/prep than those just one percentile below them (98.5th). </p>
<p>Of course, this speculation only applies if the intelligence bell curve corresponds with the SAT score bell curve (an assumption of which I myself am skeptical), and only for those who score 2300+ w/o preparation.</p>