We see that SAT scores predict college grades about as well as high school grades do. Combining SAT scores and high school grades does a better job than either by itself. The predictions are actually a bit better for private institutions than for public institutions. We also see that neither SAT scores nor high school grades predict college grades very well. Students with the same grades and SAT scores often perform quite differently in college. Motivation and study habits matter a lot. Choice of major, choice of classes, and choice of college also affect college performance.

Selective colleges are justified in paying some attention to SAT scores, but they are also justified in looking beyond SAT scores for the motivation that can bring success to students with weaker academic preparation. The SAT debate is not really about the numbers. It is about how colleges should use all the information they have in deciding whom to admit, and also about the goals colleges should have in forming their entering classes.