<p>"Yes but high standardized test scores and high GPA don’t equal inquisitive minds. "
-Well this opinion may be shared by others and may be not as “inquisitive minds” is very personal and by no means objective definition. Some would have “inquisitive minds” by some people and will be assessed to be very dull by others. Education in general terms (and it is again stricly my opinion which may not be shared by others) is achieved mostly outside of academia. I am talking about both proffessional and general education. No matter where one goes, (as one example) if one is uninvolved and very focused he might be considered uneducated by some, but yet others might consider him very educated in the area of his focus. It is all perception. Does person remember the great number of artists or he has very sensitive and unique way of understanding the art or it is both? Who can judge if this person has “inquisitive mind” or not? It is only in the eye of a judge and many will have very opposite opinions about this one person. Education within academia should be treated as an indication and proof that person can work hard. In this sense, "standardized test scores and high GPA " serve very well, what else could be an indication of hard working ethic?
The opinion of each UG college could be also on opposite sides of spectrum. There are opportunities in all aspect of young life at every single place. Some take advange of them, others just pass by (this the comment that I just repeat, this was made by a student). Some will see “party and troubled” place where others will have experiences that were way beyond their original expectations. Got to dig a bit deeper than prestige/reputation/known name/ranking.</p>