Always felt that the ability to think was indicative of academic success.

But also a good SAT for (those not naturally brilliant = most of us) also a positive indication of the student work ethic (to study for the test).

The problem I believe with the disadvantged students argument, which I believe to be a very real problem - is that lowering the standards wrt the test scores - is just a bad solution to a real problem.

Poor students do sit at a disadvantage - but the fix is much more difficult and complicated, and involves that child's entire life experience until they become 17 or 18 y/old. No one has a handle on how to fix it.

I get the feeling smart + hard work will come back into fashion when it comes to academic opportunities.