Hey folks, I'm currently exploring colleges options and I've heard some schools are infamous for their 'hard grading'. Which colleges in America are known to be the hardest graders? I want to make sure I can maintain my GPA.
In the U.S, several colleges have gained the reputation for having challenging grading policies, but it's important to remember that the rigors of a program can also depend on the specific course of study. However, on a general scale, here are a few:
1. Princeton University: While Princeton has softened its grading policies in recent years, it initially had an official policy limiting the number of A's professors could give.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT has been known for its rigorous grading system and a course load that requires careful time management.
3. Reed College: Known for challenging coursework and stringent grading, Reed doesn't inflate grades like some other institutions might.
4. The University of Chicago: UChicago is also reputed to have a more stringent grading scale compared to other universities.
5. Caltech and Harvey Mudd: These tech-focused schools have rigorous standards and tough grading policies.
6. Most Ivy-League schools have a reputation for stringent grading although there is some variation among different departments in these schools.
One piece of advice is do not let this deter you from applying to or attending these schools if they offer programs you're interested in or activities that you wish to be a part of. Hard grading does often mean you'll be pushed to your academic best. Plus, grad schools and employers often recognize the rigor of these programs, and understand that a 'lower' GPA from these schools still signifies high performance.
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