Why is it impossible to admit STEM majors purely by merits? [implied: elite or highly selective / rejective]

Here is my thought.

  1. Curriculums students took in secondary school, the performances.
  2. Open end tests.
  3. Essay or projects on specific STEM topics.
  4. interview by faculty (like how Oxbridge does it) focusing on essay, project and test

STEM shines in quantifiable measures, anything not quantifiable consider subjective. 3 and 4 should be indicators for aptitudes and interests.

EC should not be considered.