[RegulatorCountry]

Board scores can’t account for motivation. Some students are bright, test extremely well but are not stellar performers academically because they’re unmotivated. Other students aren’t quite so bright, are mediocre on their board scores, but are extremely motivated and make up for it with hard work and determination.

Of the two, the hard workers with the lower implied IQ are more likely to find success in life, in my observation, and I was one of the bright ones who tested extremely well but was a mediocre student outside of coursework that I really enjoyed. Managed to keep myself on the honor roll but only just enough effort to do so.

[AnAmericanMother]

Exactly. My son has more native intelligence than my daughter, but he is simply not interested in college AT ALL. We found him a small private school where they taught practical knowledge (business math, reading for content, time management, hands-on stuff like carpentry as well as extensive athletic programs). He is happier working with his hands and being outdoors, where he uses his intelligence to be the best U.S. Marine riflery instructor that he can be. He has a little gunsmithing business on the side and is doing well.

My daughter is a hard worker and highly motivated. She took a biology degree at a top-tier small college and is a curator in the rain forest of a science museum. She is likewise happy and doing well - which is what we want for the kids, after all.