>> The problem with this reasoning is that it presumes that GPA + test scores is the definition of merit. >So let me get this straight: GPA + test scores don't

>> The problem with this reasoning is that it presumes that GPA + test scores is the definition of merit. >So let me get this straight: GPA + test scores don't show merit, but race does? I think he's implying that cultural differences could be coming into play that skew the curve while looking like racial discrimination. Just like Academic scores differ between races, I'm sure Athletic honors differ between races as well, as well as Club honors, and Arts (band/choir/etc) Honors, and so on. If you want to argue that Academic merit is all students should be judged on when colleges are considering applications, that is a separate argument, but GP is probably just saying that GPA + test scores doesn't singlehandedly define "merit" to a college because things like community service and athletics and student council and... and... and... all altogether factor into the cumultive merit of any given applicant in addition to GPA and whatnot.