<p>“An academic standout might be, for instance, a student with sky high stats and an article published in a professional history journal, top awards in National History Fair, and an outstanding recommendation by a history professor.” - I agree 100%. But that would also show a passion for history: ECs and awards would reflect that, maybe even the essays as well. SAT isn’t everything. For Princeton, the 2100-2290 range still has an above average acceptance rate (11% as opposed to 10 or 9 percent). Granted, the 2300-2400 SAT range gains many more applicants, but colleges don’t rely on test scores alone. Colleges also know that standardized tests tend to favor the upper class applicants, those who can afford really good test prep. True: a 2300+ will definitely make a difference, but there’s nothing to say that a 2100 with other great stats is at a huge disadvantage.</p>
<p>“Why would you take a 4.0/2100 when often the 4.0 is heavily inflated, resulted from an easy course load or just from an incredibly easy high school. I would prefer a 3.7-3.8/2400 over a 4.0/2100 any day.”
Of course, but I wouldn’t take a 3.6/2300 over a 4.0/2200. SAT isn’t everything. Keep in mind that many adcoms do know the schools in their region, so they’ll know when a 4.0 is tough to pull off. Of course, they won’t know them all, but they’ll know the big names.</p>