Addressing a Few Concerns

[mifune]

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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.

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<p>That’s a reasonable conclusion.</p>

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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.

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<p>Maybe. It is safe to assume that there is a positive correlation between excelling academically and having success in extracurricular pursuits. But if these successes additively contribute to the merit of an application, does it still account for the rapid increase in admissions as scores transcend beyond the 98th percentile? Clearly, much of this is due to highly strategic admission practices. For instance, admission probability actually decreases between the 92nd and 98th percentiles at Princeton before exponentially increasing. I find that very peculiar, conspicuously evident, and rather noteworthy. </p>

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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).

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<p>I don’t know. For many, consistently achieving at such a high standard certainly consumes a fair bit of time.</p>

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You should also consider that the higher the SAT and in most cases the ACT scores with excellent grades, the better merit scholarship you can get from many outstanding college and universities. Many include money for travel abroad and internships.

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<p>True.</p>