Colleges with the Most Rigorous Grading - Is It Hard to Get an 'A'?

Hey guys, I'm just wondering, what colleges are typically known to be the hardest to score an 'A' in? I’ve heard some schools can be tough when it comes to grading, even if you’re doing your best. Any insights about this? I know grades aren't everything, but I'm not exactly a fan of nasty surprises...

It's important to note that grading standards can vary widely not just from school to school, but also across departments within a single school.

That said, certain colleges are known for their rigorous grading policies. Some of the Ivy Leagues, for instance, are infamous for their tough grading scales. Princeton, for example, used to have a policy known as "grade deflation," where no more than 35% of students in a class could receive an 'A'. However, they have since abandoned this policy due to its unpopularity.

Caltech and MIT are also known for their rigorous standards, due to the challenging science and engineering courses they offer. It's common for students to find the work there demanding, and scoring an 'A' requires a significant level of understanding and proficiency.

Reed College, often considered one of the most rigorous liberal arts colleges, is also known for tough grading standards. Interestingly, Reed doesn't publish official grades unless requested by the student, but that doesn't mean the grading itself isn't rigorous.

However, it's important to remember that a rigorous grading system isn't necessarily a bad thing. It might push students to strive for a greater understanding of the material and foster a culture that values learning over grades. Students are also often evaluated holistically, and admissions officers from graduate schools and employers are aware of the academic rigor of these institutions.

While it's not comprehensive, this should give you a starting point in understanding which schools might have tougher grading standards. Be mindful too, that the difficulty of achieving high grades can also vary greatly depending on your major and individual course load.