Grade deflation in colleges

Hello, I was wondering, how can I find out about the universities known for grade deflation? Is there some sort of official list or would it have to be more of an anecdotal type of info? Some people have mentioned that top Ivy leagues tend to deflate grades, but I'd really like some more concrete info. Thanks!

While there isn't an official list published by colleges or a governing body regarding grade deflation, you can find related information through different means. A good start would be to look at college forums, articles, or discussions where current students or alumni have shared their experiences. One important caveat to mention - sometimes, the term "grade deflation" is a proxy for rigorous academic standards, so it might be useful to differentiate the two.

You're right that there are certain schools, Ivy leagues included, with a reputation for tougher grading. For example, Princeton University had a known grade deflation policy until 2014. The policy sought to limit the number of A range grades given in classes, but they abolished the policy due to concerns that it was affecting students' mental health and their chances at careers or further academia.

There are numerous online discussions regarding schools like the University of California, Berkeley and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) dealing with similar grade deflation phenomena. For some STEM courses in schools like these, grading curves can be stringent, making it challenging for students to maintain high GPAs.

However, remember that it's often the most challenging environments that prepare students the best for their future endeavors, be it graduate school or careers. Employers and grad schools are generally aware of the rigor of these institutions.

Ultimately, knowing whether you prefer a rigorous environment or a softer grading scale could help you make a more informed decision about college. You might also consider reaching out to college admissions offices directly to inquire about grading policies.

Do be aware that this information is mostly anecdotal, as "grade deflation" isn't a standardized doctrine across institutions. It varies widely depending upon specific professors, departments, and courses.