Hey everyone. I've heard that some colleges have a reputation for grade deflation, which sounds a little stressful. Does anyone have a list or know where to find which schools are known for this?
There are indeed some universities known for grade deflation, where the grading is rigorous and less generously distributed. Here are some that frequently come up in discussions:
1. Princeton University: They formerly had a policy where Professors were advised not to give more than 35% of students A range grades, but it was abolished in 2014. However, Princeton still has a reputation for maintaining high academic standards.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT is known for its challenging courses, and A's are not easily awarded.
3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Like MIT, Caltech has a reputation for rigorous grading due almost exclusively to the high level of difficulty in its coursework.
4. University of Chicago: This university is well-known for its serious academic environment and its rigorous grading scale.
5. Cornell University: Some students say that certain programs, particularly in the sciences, are known for tough grading.
Remember, having a rigorous grading policy isn't inherently bad. These institutions all have extremely high academic standards, and their demanding coursework is a significant part of why they're highly regarded. It's also important to note that the level of grade deflation might vary between different programs within the same school. If you're seriously considering any of these schools, it's a good idea to connect with alumni or current students to understand more about their experiences.
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