Harvard Implements New Grading Policy to Combat Grade Inflation
Harvard announces reform to fight grade inflation

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Harvard University announced a new grading policy aimed at reducing grade inflation, limiting professors to awarding A grades to no more than 20% of students in a course. This change, effective in the 2027 academic year, aims to restore the value of high grades in the eyes of employers and graduate schools, as current A grades have become too common.
- 01The new grading policy allows professors to award an A to a maximum of 20% of students, with an option for four additional A's.
- 02In the 2024-2025 academic year, approximately two-thirds of grades awarded at Harvard were A's.
- 03The new system aims to revert the A grade ratio back to levels seen in 2010, where only a third of grades were A's.
- 04Faculty voted 458 to 201 in favor of the new grading scheme, indicating strong support among professors.
- 05A poll showed that 85% of students oppose the new grading system.
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Harvard University announced a significant reform to combat grade inflation, a growing concern in American higher education. Starting in the autumn of 2027, the new grading policy will limit professors to awarding A grades to no more than 20% of students in any given course, with the possibility of granting up to four additional A's. This change comes as a response to the alarming trend where about two-thirds of grades awarded to undergraduates were A's during the 2024-2025 academic year. The faculty's vote in favor of the reform was substantial, with 458 professors supporting it against 201 opposed. This policy aims to restore the meaning of high grades, making them more indicative of a student's true performance and achievements. The last time A grades were awarded at such a low ratio was in 2010, when only a third of grades were A's. However, the reform has faced backlash from students, with 85% expressing opposition in a recent poll. Amanda Claybaugh, the dean of undergraduate education, emphasized the importance of this change for maintaining Harvard's academic integrity and hopes it will inspire other institutions to address similar issues.
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The new grading policy is expected to enhance the academic rigor at Harvard, potentially affecting students' future academic and employment opportunities.
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