The case for lower grades

Interesting blog post here by Dan Filler about grade inflation. The author acknowledges that since grades are synthetic, they are arbitrary, and then goes on to examine what difference it makes to push grades up or down. A school with a low average GPA might be trying to send the message that it is more rigorous and consequently produces better graduates. A low average also widens the curve to ensure that top performing students stand out. This is attractive to employers who are trying to find the strongest students. When the mean is raised it can be harder to distinguish which students are a sure thing, and which are a risk. A wide curve also helps law schools to identify low-performing students so that they can get crucial academic support earlier. As Filler points out, low grades can actually benefit the students who might appear to suffer the most.

The case for lower grades thecareerist.typepad.com Fri, Jul 2, 2010