Is Grade Inflation a Factor in College Admissions?
Grade inflation refers to the upward trend in grades that has been going on for several decades - and has perhaps been accelerating recently. While a "C" was at one point considered average, at many high schools the average grade can now be as high as an "A-". The reason for grade inflation is hotly debated. Some think students are simply performing better. Others believe that today's teachers and parents want to make sure that "everyone is a winner" in today's self-esteem culture. At some high schools, weighted grades for AP classes and other factors are at least partially responsible for today's higher averages.
But what are the implications? In reality, grade inflation isn't as bad as it seems. The real danger is when teachers run out of room to distinguish between good and excellent performers. So far, there's little evidence that this is happening.
And, of course, students and parents need to be careful not to overestimate the value of "good" grades. It may not be unfair for a student with an A- average to be outside the top 30% of his class if other kids have legitimately done better. But it's important that he knows where he stands so he can make the right decisions in the college admissions process.
Tuesday November 21, 2006
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