Hey, feeling a bit anxious here but thought it's good to know. I've heard stories about certain universities with really tough grading systems in the US. Can someone share some info? Which universities are these, and why are they considered tough graders?
You're correct that grading systems can vary widely between different universities. Some are particularly strict, known for their "grade deflation," while others are more lenient, where "grade inflation" is more common.
Universities with a reputation for tough grading often include those particularly renowned for their engineering and science programs, such as MIT and CalTech. Professors at these universities are often highly rigorous in their assessment of coursework.
MIT, for example, employs a highly rigorous grading system to ensure that students are truly mastering the knowledge and skills in their courses, not just regurgitating information. As a result, students who earn high grades at MIT have demonstrated deep comprehension of challenging material. A similar sentiment is mirrored at CalTech, another institution renowned for its rigorous scientific and technical programs.
Likewise, institutions such as Princeton and Reed College have a reputation for grade deflation, eschewing the national trend towards higher grades. For example, Princeton had a policy until 2014 that capped A grades in each class at 35%. Though this specific policy has been relaxed, Princeton still has a reputation for demanding high standards from its students.
Reed College, on the other hand, is known for its intense coursework and rigorous grading standards, often leading to lower grade point averages when compared to other institutions.
It's worth noting that this doesn't mean these universities are "better" or "worse" than others - it simply means their grading systems may be more demanding. This can actually be a positive point to consider, as these kind of rigorous environments can push students to achieve their best.
Finally, while it's healthy to consider the grading system when making your university choices, remember that your college experience will also be shaped by many other factors including extracurricular opportunities, research options, study abroad programs, and more.
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