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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
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Where is it hardest to get an 'A'?

Guys, I might sound a little paranoid but I was wondering which colleges are notorious for it being difficult to secure an 'A' grade. Anyone knows anything about it or has had a personal experience?

2 years ago

There's indeed a wide variation in grading policies across colleges, and certain institutions are known to be more rigorous when it comes to grading. Here are some examples:

1. Princeton University - Although its much-debated grade deflation policy was officially removed in 2014, the cultural effect of that policy has lived on, making it more difficult to secure high grades in comparison to some other similar universities.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Known for its hard curriculum in STEM programs, people often talk about it being challenging to maintain a high GPA at MIT, especially in the first year.

3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) - Like MIT, Caltech presents a challenging curriculum given its emphasis on the sciences.

4. Reed College - Reed judges its academic rigor, resulting in grades being lower than one might expect.

5. University of Chicago - It's often cited as a school where getting an A can be particularly challenging.

That being said, remember that grades are just one aspect of your college journey. The learning experience, networking opportunities, and personal growth tend to carry more value in the longer run. Also, most employers understand the nuances of grading policies at individual schools, so a lower GPA at a rigorous institution won't necessarily disadvantage you compared to a higher GPA at an institution known for grade inflation.

2 years ago

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