Originally Posted by playandlearn
My personal opinion is that looking at IQ can be very informative when the kid is young--because little kids usually don't achieve much anyways, even the really smart ones. But as they get older, I'd rather look at achievement which is a combination of talent and how the kids are using their talent. And of course this is only when we talked about intellectual achievements. There are many types of other achievements that are equally important to the society and rewarding to the individual that don't require a high IQ.

I agree with this. I think the ability to work hard is also somewhat hardwired. I have always been jealous of those who have the motivation and stamina to work hard everyday.

The problem with any of the achievement testing is that if it is not hard enough, then it is impossible to differentiate the students at the top. Then you ended up a GT program that cannot move too fast or even need a remedial class as some of the schools find out when they start to use a broader more subjective admission process.

I also don't believe only HG or PG students belong in the very top of colleges. If we are talking about graduate degrees in theoretical physics, then sure. But not a bachelor degree in most fields.