TM, I think the confusion- and my issue with the thread link- is that kids do focus on stats, it’s the basis for top hs standing, their frame of reference. But many who read a report like the one cited then think stats are the primary factor in college admit decisions. Other than rack-and-stack, it’s a very important element, a ‘first consideration,’ sure. They want kids who show, via their stats and rigor, that they can, indeed, manage the challenges of a tough college. But it’s not the whole, not a predictor, not a sole or primary basis to use when matching yourself. No guarantee, not a make-up for some other issues. Not an indication that, with top stats, you can glide in.
I no longer have access to those old BPDS tables. But again, eg, being val is no special hook, in light of all the bullets they will look at and for. Correlation, not causation.
Thibault, I don’t agree the “de facto threshold is actually a 1550 SAT score for unhooked middle- and upper-middle class applicants.” What I see, is: hit 750 and fine. Then attention turns to the rest- which is where those top performers often miss. This is the vital part.
If you have 1500 and, in all the other ways, are compelling, it’s still possible that, when deciding actual admits, after all the culling, they lean toward higher scores. Sure. They can, there are thousands of contenders and they’re then cherry-picking. That doesn’t make it de facto. Not when choosing to apply.
And this “bar” is flexible. Maybe you have lopsided scores, but maybe the rest of what you present (not talking hooks) is so valid that they’re willing to take a chance on you. They can see from course choices, results, activities, the approach one takes in the app/supps, whether a slightly lower score is not a reason to dismiss. Therein lies the problem, for too many: they don’t understand the holistic nature. They don’t have a sense of what a college does look for, can be submitting blindly. They struggle to pass full muster.
This isn’t just about tippy tops. Any college (looking for more than just warm bodies) wants to know you get them.