Uh. Why do you think this is stupid?

We know intelligence is at least partially genetic. The degree is up for debate, but there's an indisputable link between intelligent parents and intelligent children. If we can isolate genetic sequences tied to better memory, cognition, or perception, you'd be an idiot not to opt into a selection process that gives your child better tools to succeed in life.

We can't do it yet, but once the technology is available we'll see this kind of thing done frequently for anyone having IVF. It's like genetic screenings for trisomy 21, Huntington's, or cystic fibrosis, just in reverse. Instead of blacklisting gametes or embryos with certain genetic sequences, we'll provide you a survey where you weigh different factors and a computer will select the appropriate combination of gametes or fertilized embryos based on your criteria. This one has eight sequences of memory, and six of cognition. That one has twelve of cognition, but only four of memory, etc.

This is the future. This is how we take evolution into our own hands, and begin to craft the society that we've dreamed about for centuries. No more sickness. No conflict. We'll breed a population of enlightened scholars, with empathy and compassion for their fellow man.

If you think this won't happen, you're naive. I'd guess already happening in China, albeit not with the efficacy I envision. We'll need a few generations of test subjects to refine the algorithms, identify the best combination or ratio of traits and what (if any) side effects occur when you force atypical brain development upon a child.

My suspicion is that if we push too hard, we end up with Asperger's syndrome and autistic savants. But, I don't have the evidence to support that hypothesis. It's just a guess, and was admittedly influenced by the DS9 episodes with the genetically augmented humans that Bashir tries to help.

It's basically the same. You take two (previously three) exams, scored out of 800.

Anything below 700-ish should provoke an automatic retest if you're serious about attending a private University. I had a 2200 (730/730/740) when I applied to Ivy League schools (Harvard, Duke, Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth), and got only a single interview (Dartmouth), no acceptances. I had the other stuff, GPA, extracurriculars, AP course and exams, letters of recommendation, essays, etc., but it wasn't enough. Scored a 35 on the ACT, too, though I think that's even less important. I had one of the highest scores in my graduating class, and exactly one of us was accepted to an Ivy League school. She had about a 2150, and was accepted to Barnard (Columbia), but her extracurriculars were miles better than mine. She was there on a partial sports scholarship, in addition to having great academics. That girl was brilliant, driven, and talented. She earned that spot. Worked way harder than I did, that's for damned certain. I was reading novels (and later Reddit) in class while she took notes. I played video games and building robots while she studied and did ballet. There's no animosity or envy, there. I was genuinely happy for her, and I imagine she's doing great things with her life.

Anecdote aside, I guess "passing" depends on your goals and it should be noted they're not the only important metric. I don't think they're even the most important.