Orfield, who spoke first after the film, said that the problem of below-average SAT scores among some minorities highlights a need to improve school systems where some minorities do not receive the same quality of education as students from wealthier districts.

"My belief is it is important not to look for a simple solution," he said, in reference to critics of the SAT who call for its elimination as the best way to improve educational opportunities for minorities.

Camara said that problems with the SAT, as well as the significance of the test itself, are exaggerated. He added that the SAT's are only the third ranking factor, behind grades and difficulty of classes, in the college admissions process.

"The media has overemphasized the SAT," Camara said.

Guinier, the most vocal of the panelists, maintained that the SAT should not be used at all as a determinant in college admissions.

She said that qualities such as research skills and the ability to work well with others holds far more importance than a test that, in her words, "misdefines merit as quick strategic guessing with less than perfect information."

"There is not a lot that can be told about a person from a three hour test," Guinier said.