> 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

> 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.