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by wenc 2907 days ago
This is why I mentioned nonlinear thinking.

If you imagine a multivariate nonlinear function (I don't believe there exists a definitive function, this is just a framework to help us reason more rigorously) representing the performance of a hire, there will be ranges where the function is insensitive to the x (e.g. say GPAs between 1.0-2.0). If you discount x entirely, you're throwing out the baby with the bath water because the signal might be meaningful in other ranges.

2 comments

So what would you call the meaning of the low GPA? It is clearly meaningful to you. How would you describe the candidates you’re rejecting with this heuristic? It could mean anything from “i can’t read” to “i dropped out to form a business”.

I don’t see any value for the gpa beyond preparing students for performance reviews and identifying whether or not they give a shit about the material. And why would they? High Schools teach few real life skills and a lot of bad habits. Even in college, you’ll learn more (in some cases) by skipping class and building things.

Without context, gpa is not a meaningful metric

This is basically what a strategic advisor (sic) for ETS told me was the official position of the corporation.

He said ETS does not recommend that schools and employers use test scores as a (edit: SOLE) way to decide whether or not to admit/hire someone. What I heard was ETS is aware that schools and employers do this and wants to cover its behind.