A university uses two criteria to set admission standards for freshmen to be admitted to a college in the university's system:

(a) Students' GPAs and scores on standardized tests (SATs and ACTs) are entered into a formula that calculates an "admissions index" score. The admissions index score is used to set eligibility standards intended to meet the goal of admitting the top 15% of high school students in the state.

In this context, what percentile does the top 15% represent?

1) GPA and extracurricular activities
2) GPA and recommendation letters
3) GPA and standardized test scores
4) Standardized test scores and extracurricular activities

The top 15% corresponds to the 85th percentile and above in a percentile rank system, indicating scores better than 85% of the population. For the University of California, GPA and standardized test scores are crucial criteria, reflecting the broader emphasis on quantitative metrics like SAT/ACT scores in university admissions. Therefore, the correct answer is option 3) GPA and standardized test scores.

Explanation:

The question "What percentile does the top 15% represent?" refers to the part of a distribution above which the top 15% of scores fall. In a percentile rank system, the top 15% of a distribution would be above the 85th percentile, meaning these individuals scored better than 85% of the population. Therefore, aiming for the top 15% translates into targeting scores or performance above the 85th percentile mark.

For the University of California's admissions, GPA and standardized test scores are the criteria used, as highlighted in the adapted context. This approach aligns with many universities' aim to maintain rankings and offer "merit" scholarships to recruit students with high standardized test scores. The importance of SAT or ACT scores, despite debates on their predictive validity and fairness, showcases the emphasis on quantitative measures in the admissions process.