Is the SAT really that important?

vlines
Sun, 31 Jul 2011 12:29:28 +0000

I think that high GPA’s (3.75 un weighted and much higher weighted) CAN be poor predictors. But lower GPA, below 3.2 ish may be fairly accurate. Even with grade inflation, if you are in the top 1-3% of your class, it shows that within your personal environment, and the resources available to you, you pushed to succeed. You took risks and rigorous classes.
But these kids are all different. I personally know of students that recieved 4-5’s on AP exams that did terribly in classes (C’s). Why? They didn’t do the work! But they knew the content, and they are “good test takers”, so they did well on the exam. Will that type of student do well in college? I also know of students that did extremely well in classes, not because they knew the content, but because they were…shall I say “very convincing” when it came to negotiating with teachers. They then got 2’s on their AP exams. Humm, College success? And then I know of students who do the work, do well in class, and score respectably on the AP exams- 4’s. Which of those three “types” of students do you want to admit to your school? I don’t think that any one set of rules about what is a better predictor for college success fits every student. And yes, I know that there are exceptions to every statement- so don’t flame me.
All I can say I that I would not want to have to look at submitted peices of paper and try to figure it all out! I would be terrible at that.