[alexgartrell]

If "David" attended a school that was serious about athletics, getting good grades with the huge commitment of track is so much more impressive than some political BS that "Steve" seemed to get lucky with.

As a data point, I got mediocre grades (barely top 10% in my high school class at a pretty run-of-the-mill high school) while playing football (it's a year round commitment) and for some reason Carnegie Mellon chose to let me in [0]. When push came to shove I managed to put myself ahead instead of behind because I was willing to work a little bit harder than I needed to, and I learned how to do that with every miserable, awful football practice I ever went to.

In all likelihood, "Steve" isn't as mentally tough as "David", and I think (assuming a similar grade and test score standing) it'd be foolish to take Steve over David.

[0] In fairness, I had also programmed a lot and I think I was able to convey a passion for it, but I think that's pretty standard for a lot of people who didn't make it in.

[jacobolus]

> In all likelihood, "Steve" isn't as mentally tough as "David"

How can you possibly make this kind of speculative judgment on the basis of no further information? “All likelihood”? Give me a break.

I know football players who are mentally tough. I also know football players who are lazy dipshit assholes. The kids in the band, or the theater, or the debate team, or the math club, are no less “mentally tough” than the kids on the football team (unless by “mentally tough” you really mean “physically bulky and imposing” in which case you’re absolutely right).

[alexgartrell]

On one hand I have evidence that "David" can force himself to train (which, for track athletes, involves running miles in all kinds of terrible weather, often until they throw up). Alternatively, "Steve" sent some emails, did some networking, and ended up in a couple sweet positions.

What I meant by "All likelihood" is that, given the information provided, I would wager more on David's mental toughness than on Steve.

What is unfair about me making that judgement based on the evidence provided?

[jacobolus]

> I have evidence that "David" can force himself to train

From the information given, no you really don’t.

> What I meant by "All likelihood" is that, given the information provided, I would wager more

Okay, glad you clarified. That’s not what “all likelihood” means to anyone else.