Hi all, I'm a junior looking into universities for applications and I was wondering which universities have the toughest grading standards? Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks!
Sure, happy to share some information on this topic! Grading practices can definitely vary from university to university and even between different departments within the same university. However, there are certain universities which are rumored to have tougher grading policies.
Princeton University, for instance, had a well-known grade deflation policy for about a decade where no more than 35% of students in a class could receive an A. They ended the policy in 2014, but have maintained rigorous grading standards. And while they no longer have an official policy, professors tend to adhere to a stricter curve.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) are also known for their tough grading, particularly in their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses.
Cornell University has also been known for challenging grading standards, particularly in certain programs such as Engineering and the pre-medical track.
Keep in mind that while some universities may have a rigorous grading policy, this can also reflect on their emphasis on academic excellence and the caliber of students they attract.
Remember it's important to consider many factors while choosing a school, not just grading policies! Location, campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, and many other factors should also be taken into account.
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