Harvard Cuts Off the Grade Inflation Lifeline
Harvard University has finally taken the step to cap the number of A grades in its undergraduate courses, a decision that comes as a relief to those who’ve long argued that rampant grade inflation has been warping the value of academic achievement.
This isn’t just a victory for traditionalists who bemoan the watering down of academic standards, though – it’s also a nod to the concerns of students who want to earn their grades honestly. By limiting the number of A’s given out, Harvard is attempting to rein in a system that’s long prioritized giving students a good GPA over teaching them the material.
The Rise of A’s and the Rise of the Bubble
It’s not like grade inflation is a new phenomenon, though it’s gained more attention in recent years. The number of A’s being handed out has been steadily increasing over the last few decades – 62% of grades given at Harvard in 2020 were A’s, up from just 18% in 1960. This creates a self-reinforcing bubble, where students expect to earn good grades, instructors feel pressure to give them out to keep their students happy and the overall academic environment becomes distorted.
What this means
By capping the number of A’s, Harvard is acknowledging that this system has gotten out of hand and attempting to re-center the focus on genuine academic achievement. It’s not just about making students work harder or being more “selective” – it’s about recognizing that grades are a way to measure learning and giving students a fair shot at earning the grades they deserve. Whether or not they succeed remains to be seen, but it’s a positive step for the university.
