Understanding Cornell University's Grading Scale

Hey there! Does anyone have any information about Cornell University's grading scale? Is it fairly standard or do they follow a unique system? Trying to get a sense of it to better plan my academics.

Hello! Cornell University primarily operates on a standard letter grading system like most of other institutions. This includes grades like A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, and F. Of course, an 'A' is taken as the best grade, reflecting excellent performance, while an 'F' essentially means failure. However, there are variations in this grading scheme across the various colleges within Cornell University. Some colleges at Cornell, like the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), have an option for an S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) grading policy for certain courses which is essentially a pass/fail grading system - a 'S' grade means you've passed the course and a 'U' grade means you didn't. Additionally, some courses offer a choice between letter grade or S/U grading when you register. It's also worth noting that the GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale, where an A is 4.0, A- is 3.7, B+ is 3.3, and it decreases in intervals from there. Remember, while grades do matter, a pure focus on achieving high grades should not be your only aim. Prioritize gaining a broad understanding of your subject, participating in extracurricular activities, and developing a well-rounded college experience. Let me know if you need any further information!