CB>  SK> The kids who do complete the exam in our country 
CB>  SK> are considered to be so
CB>  SK> far above the rest of their peers, and in 
CB>  SK> achievement they are. What is
CB>  SK> it that makes students in other countries more 
CB>  SK> willing to work to such a
CB>  SK> level in greater numbers?
CB> 
CB> Could it be?
CB> 1. They aren't considered geeks?
CB> 2. Parents expect achievement?
CB> 3. Schools challenge students?
CB> 4. Society honors them more?
CB> 5. The rewards for achievement are greater?
    This one especially.
    European nations are more _meritocratic_ when it comes to deciding who 
goes to college, particularly at taxpayer expense (and thus low price).
    Like Al Shanker has repeatedly said, HS performance here makes 
little-to-zero difference on admissions at most colleges.
CB> 6. (who can add to this list?)
    America is too damn egalitarian.  
    American politics has divorced achievement from reward in many ways.
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