[Softball Fan]

My overall feeling without reflecting too much is that the SAT measures a pretty narrow range of abilities while even an average HS curriculum ends up testing students on a broader range of things.

I agree with that.  But admissions officers don't use SAT scores in a vacuum.  It's only one of many tools.  The value of a nationwide test whether it be SAT or some newly created test is it provides a universal measure of comparison.  There are so many high schools with such extreme differences in academic rigor that some metric other than GPA may be helpful to admissions officers.

I believe in a holistic approach to selection of students and believe overcoming big obstacles is a good predictor of future success.  I would also like to have some indication of academic achievement in basic math and reading before making a final decision.

[Softball Fan]

My overall feeling without reflecting too much is that the SAT measures a pretty narrow range of abilities while even an average HS curriculum ends up testing students on a broader range of things.

I agree with that.  But admissions officers don't use SAT scores in a vacuum.  It's only one of many tools.  The value of a nationwide test whether it be SAT or some newly created test is it provides a universal measure of comparison.  There are so many high schools with such extreme differences in academic rigor that some metric other than GPA may be helpful to admissions officers.

I believe in a holistic approach to selection of students and believe overcoming big obstacles is a good predictor of future success.  I would also like to have some indication of academic achievement in basic math and reading before making a final decision.