Concentrating on assembling a diverse and well-qualified student body, instead of on a single method for selecting its members, would make it necessary to do an equally good job of selection for each group, not necessarily to use the same measure for all. The goal is equality of results, not process. He suggests that there are three kinds of intelligence. Componential intelligence is the ability to interpret information in a hierarchial and taxonomic fashion, in a well-defined and unchanging context. Standardized tests do not measure this type of intelligence, according to Sternberg.
Contextual intelligence is the third type.
Applying Sternberg's types of intelligence to typical college admissions practices indicates a heavy concentration on componential intelligence. The list is intended to be illustrative not exhaustive. Positive Selfconcept or Confidence. Strong selffeeling, strength of character. Realistic Selfappraisal, especially academic.