Grade deflation: Which colleges have reputations for the most difficult grading?

I've been hearing a lot about 'grade deflation' at some colleges, where professors are known to give much harder grades. Can anyone give me a list or some examples of colleges known for this? I certainly want to challenge myself in college, but I also don't get discouraged to the point of giving up.

Sure, the concept of grade deflation can certainly be a key factor to consider when applying to colleges. This phenomenon usually refers to a school or program's tendency to award lower grades for work, as compared to other institutions.

From what students often report, some universities have a bit of a reputation for grade deflation. Some Ivy League Schools, like Princeton and Cornell, are notable examples - although Princeton officially ended their grade deflation policy in 2014, some students still report a rigorous grading culture.

Outside of the Ivy League, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are also often mentioned in discussions about grade deflation. As you might suspect, challenging programs at these schools, particularly in science and engineering, could contribute to this perception. The same goes for University of Chicago.

Moreover, public universities such as UC Berkeley and Purdue University are also frequently mentioned due to their rigorous curricula and competitive atmosphere, especially in STEM disciplines.

It's important to note, however, that this doesn't mean you won't get a good education at these institutions or that you should avoid them. Every school has its own educational philosophy, and what may feel like grade deflation to some may be seen as maintaining a high academic standard to others. Always remember to balance this information with other important aspects like course offerings, extracurriculars, location, and financial considerations before making a decision. It may also be worthwhile to connect with current students or alumni from these schools to get a more in-depth view.