Most Challenging Universities for Grading?

Hey guys, I was wondering which universities are known for having the toughest grading systems? I've heard a lot about 'grade deflation' and how some schools might be harsher with giving out high grades. Any information on this would be super helpful!

Absolutely, I understand why this might be important to you as it could impact your GPA and future prospects. It's crucial to note that grading rigor can vary greatly even among departments within a single institution. However, there are a few universities that have picked up reputations, for better or worse, for what's often termed "grade deflation."

Princeton University was famously known for a policy of 'grade deflation', where the school set a policy that no more than 35% of the grades given in any undergraduate course could be A-range grades. However, this was disbanded in 2014 after concerns about student stress and competitiveness, but its effects may still linger.

MIT and UC Berkeley are also commonly cited as institutions with high academic rigidity, and they are known to have challenging classes with grading to match.

On the other hand, Duke University also had a reputation for grade deflation, but a study found that the average GPA had been steadily increasing over the years.

In general, many of the top schools, such as Stanford University, Harvard University, and Yale University have seen grade inflation over the years. That's not to say that these schools are easy, but it's worth noting that many students do achieve high grades.

Remember, it's always a good idea to meet with current students or alumni if possible, to get a feel for the culture and rigor at a particular institution. What's most important is finding a school that aligns with your academic expectations and where you feel you can thrive.