However, this measure fails to capture differences in achievement within these groups. Even among the top 1% of people as measured by cognitive ability (evaluated at age thirteen), exceptional outcomes are strongly correlated with GMA. Compared with those who are in the bottom quartile of this top 1%, those who are in the top quartile are two to three times more likely to earn a doctoral-level degree, publish a book, or be granted a patent. In other words, not only does the difference in GMA matter between the 99th percentile and the 80th or 50th, but it still matters—a lot!—between the
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