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Studies have shown grades and test scores are predictive of college graduation rates and grades. Where is the research showing that subjective assessments of pe

Studies have shown grades and test scores are predictive of college graduation rates and grades. Where is the research showing that subjective assessments of personality do so?

Alex3917 8y ago
> Studies have shown grades and test scores are predictive of college graduation rates and grades. College grades and graduation rates don't matter either though. Given that society has limited resources, we should be trying to give the best educations to those most likely to do stuff that contributes positively to society, not those who are most likely to spend their four years maximizing their GPA and those most likely to graduate.
- whatok 8y ago
  How do you identify individuals who are "most likely to do stuff that contributes positively to society"? How do you define "positively to society"?
  - Alex3917 8y ago
    > How do you identify individuals who are "most likely to do stuff that contributes positively to society"? I think the basic things to look for are people who have some combination of: - Basic awareness of what's going on locally, nationally, and around the world, and the problems that society faces. - Technical skills (e.g. math, science, the active literacies, etc.) - Interpersonal skills, leadership ability, grit, resourcefulness, and other positive personality traits. - Passion of certain hobbies, interests, problems, etc. - Track record of success in one or more areas. - Culture literacy In other words, leaving aside the issue of whether or not they're using these criteria as a way to discriminate, what Harvard is ostensibly looking for today. > How do you define "positively to society"? That's really up to the school faculty. Each person's definition is going to be different, and you can't really impose something on people from on high.
  - xxxdarrenxxx 8y ago
    Isn't that in part why outside activities are a thing at prestige universities. Like doing voluntary work, raising money for charity, managing a project which specifically targets people in need (ie. 3d printable implants or small mesh devices with disaster aftermath in mind)

Studies have shown grades and test scores are predictive of college graduation rates and grades. Where is the research showing that subjective assessments of personality do so?

Alex3917 8y ago

> Studies have shown grades and test scores are predictive of college graduation rates and grades. College grades and graduation rates don't matter either though. Given that society has limited resources, we should be trying to give the best educations to those most likely to do stuff that contributes positively to society, not those who are most likely to spend their four years maximizing their GPA and those most likely to graduate.

whatok 8y ago
How do you identify individuals who are "most likely to do stuff that contributes positively to society"? How do you define "positively to society"?
- Alex3917 8y ago
  > How do you identify individuals who are "most likely to do stuff that contributes positively to society"? I think the basic things to look for are people who have some combination of: - Basic awareness of what's going on locally, nationally, and around the world, and the problems that society faces. - Technical skills (e.g. math, science, the active literacies, etc.) - Interpersonal skills, leadership ability, grit, resourcefulness, and other positive personality traits. - Passion of certain hobbies, interests, problems, etc. - Track record of success in one or more areas. - Culture literacy In other words, leaving aside the issue of whether or not they're using these criteria as a way to discriminate, what Harvard is ostensibly looking for today. > How do you define "positively to society"? That's really up to the school faculty. Each person's definition is going to be different, and you can't really impose something on people from on high.
- xxxdarrenxxx 8y ago
  Isn't that in part why outside activities are a thing at prestige universities. Like doing voluntary work, raising money for charity, managing a project which specifically targets people in need (ie. 3d printable implants or small mesh devices with disaster aftermath in mind)