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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Numerous studies have shown over and over again that test scores are superior predictors of college performance and career success.[/quote]

If one measures success by reaching the c-suite or becoming an executive the largest correlation is not found in test scores but found in "did the person in question go to an elite school and play a college sport?" i.e. were they an athlete. The Chetty study is correct but opaque because they didn't isolate and write about the correct factors. [b]The increased chance for the 1% is driven by gatekeeping in IB, MBB consulting, top law, top med school. Entry to those careers (outside of medicine which is a bit wider) is largely limited to graduates from the Ivy+ schools and a small set of elite SLACs. And, within some of those careers (IB, MBB especially) athletes have big recruiting advantages.[/b]  Remove these careers from the dataset and the Ivy+ schools look like all of the other top schools which is why there is no additional bump into the top 25% but a large one into the top 1%.

In the end the path looks like this:

wealthy families -> access to organized sports (especially lax, hockey, and volleyball for women) -> recruited athlete admission to elite colleges -> elite college networks and credential -> entry into prestigious firms and graduate schools -> executive pipeline -> top 1% income

It's really not hard to see and the research backs it up.[/quote]

Bolded is not 100% wrong but heavily outdated by about 20 years.[/quote]

The thing is that it isn't.

You might wish it were different but that is still how it works. There is a bit more room for other profiles but not as much room as you want to believe there is. The difference today is that the athletes academically look very similar to the student body especially for "elite sports" and especially at the top SLACs. Having a strong profile for entry into IB and MBB at the Ivies requires membership in the right Investment clubs and consulting clubs which are very hard to get into (the mere idea that a 21 yr old club officer has any control over your career is ridiculous but that is another conversation) and not getting in really hurts your chances. Smart athletes move from the Ivies move into IB and MBB without needing the clubs. Sometimes they join them but the sports connection completely bypasses that first gate if necessary. Clubs at top SLACs are far less stressful but very helpful in the recruiting cycle but the athlete network is far tighter and again a direct path. As I said, you may not like it but this is how it works. I see it year after year.[/quote]

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