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> In studies of expert performance admissions people are less good at predicting UG[undergrad] GPA than a simple algorithm. (The "algorithm" is simply a weighte

by Deestan 16y ago

> In studies of expert performance admissions people are less good at predicting UG[undergrad] GPA than a simple algorithm. (The "algorithm" is simply a weighted sum of SAT and HS GPA!) If you replace the admissions people with a simple algorithm (or even a complex one), you get a machine that can be gamed very efficiently. In a couple of years, the algorithm is going to suck unless you have a team of experts constantly changing it. (Hi, Google!)

tomjen3 16y ago
I am not sure about that - how do you hack the SAT? I know there are a lot of companies who have tried for years, but wouldn't one of them have had a breakthrough by now, if it was possible?
- yummyfajitas 16y ago
  Many people believe Kaplan/other such test prep schools are such a hack, though the evidence suggests they create very little benefit. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124278685697537839.html http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124278685697537839.html
gvb 16y ago
Ironically, the admissions people are currently being gamed by applicants by way of their essays and "portfolios." There is a whole college application advising industry equivalent to "SEO" companies. http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/30/college-application-tips-lifestyle-education-admissions.html http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/30/college-application-tips-li...
jamesbkel 16y ago
This quote also implies that the goal of an admissions officer is to maximize total UG GPA/be able to predict UG GPA of admitted students. Isn't the goal ostensibly to build a solid UG class of talented individuals? [update] I don't have any data to back this up, but I would even hazard a guess that admissions officers take a certain number of calculated risks on students who they know won't be stellar academic performers but add value in other ways.
- dkarl 16y ago
  They can accomplish a lot just by being human. If the applicant can sell himself to them despite his poor academic achievement, then he can sell poor products to customers, keep employees faithful at crappy jobs, and attract investment dollars to underperforming companies. If he can't, maybe he can get a series of promotions anyway. By acting as "charisma detectors" and "bullshit quality meters" (i.e., normal human beings) admission officers can spot people who have a future, people whom it will be beneficial to have the college brand on and who might donate to the university later.

by Deestan 16y ago

tomjen3 16y ago

I am not sure about that - how do you hack the SAT? I know there are a lot of companies who have tried for years, but wouldn't one of them have had a breakthrough by now, if it was possible?

yummyfajitas 16y ago
Many people believe Kaplan/other such test prep schools are such a hack, though the evidence suggests they create very little benefit. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124278685697537839.html http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124278685697537839.html

gvb 16y ago

Ironically, the admissions people are currently being gamed by applicants by way of their essays and "portfolios." There is a whole college application advising industry equivalent to "SEO" companies. http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/30/college-application-tips-lifestyle-education-admissions.html http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/30/college-application-tips-li...

jamesbkel 16y ago

This quote also implies that the goal of an admissions officer is to maximize total UG GPA/be able to predict UG GPA of admitted students. Isn't the goal ostensibly to build a solid UG class of talented individuals? [update] I don't have any data to back this up, but I would even hazard a guess that admissions officers take a certain number of calculated risks on students who they know won't be stellar academic performers but add value in other ways.

dkarl 16y ago
They can accomplish a lot just by being human. If the applicant can sell himself to them despite his poor academic achievement, then he can sell poor products to customers, keep employees faithful at crappy jobs, and attract investment dollars to underperforming companies. If he can't, maybe he can get a series of promotions anyway. By acting as "charisma detectors" and "bullshit quality meters" (i.e., normal human beings) admission officers can spot people who have a future, people whom it will be beneficial to have the college brand on and who might donate to the university later.