Grade Deflation At Princeton University Essay -- Higher Education

In Lisa Foderaro’s article â€Å"Type A-Plus Students Chafe at Grade Deflation†, she summarizes an ongoing debate within the higher education community of Princeton University. Foderaro wrote an informational article to depict both sides of the argument in a fair and balanced manner. She was attempting to expose a possible academic problem and the solution and consequences of a change in school policy. The article covers how the prototype grade deflationary policy at Princeton affects students both academically and professionally. The students refute any positive effects with negative consequences such as how policy affects the students mentally, puts students at a competitive disadvantage, and creates unrealistic standards in grading. I agree and disagree with some of the students’ stances as there are always benefits and consequences to any policy. Princetonian students argue that the policy of limiting the number of A’s to just 35 percent of all grades given has detrimental effects on Princeton’s A- plus type body of students. They argue that the lowering of a students’ GPA through this policy makes it harder for the students to compete with other equally intelligent ivy-league students who are not affected by the policy. The undergraduate student body president heard from students that the policy was creating inequities in the grading system. â€Å"I had complaints from students who said that their professors handed back exams and told them, ‘I wanted to give 10 of you A’s, but because of the policy, I could only give five of you A’s.’ This is very surprising and exposes an important flaw that the policy has created. Additionally the students argue that there are mental affects created by the policy including dampening competition an... ...n students and their administration at Princeton. Perhaps even if there may not have been significant decreases in acceptance rates, students feel punished and will therefore perform more poorly. It seems as though this policy has in essence put a wet blanket that was the bright flame of the pursuit of challenging intellectual stimulus through education. Regardless of the aim of any policy it is imperative that all sides are weighed equally and the decision is based logically on these results. Works Cited 1. Foderaro, J.W. (2010, January 31). Type-a-plus students chafe at grade deflation. New York Times, Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/31/education/31princeton.html?pagewanted=print 2. Staff, Initials. (2009, December 02). Editorial: on grade deflation. The Daily Princetonian, Retrieved from http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2009/12/02/24601/