@intparent
I use the GPA argument all the time and agree with you that it is largely ignored. Test scores rule in public conversation. I believe it is like baseball statistics… easier to talk about but hard to play. My background involves behavioral statistics. I’m really not very smart, but I have noticed a deep lack of understanding in this field. That is why the government can make so much money in the lottery!
Personally, I believe one learns more through interests. Some people call it curiosity.