Harvard Faculty Votes to Cap A Grades for Undergraduates to Address Grade Inflation

1-Minute Brief

The new grading policy aims to address concerns about grade inflation and maintain the value of academic achievement at Harvard.

Key Facts

• Harvard faculty voted to impose a cap on A grades for undergraduates.
• The decision was made on Wednesday, according to CBS News.
• The cap will limit A grades to about 20% of undergraduate classes.
• The new policy is set to take effect in the fall of 2027.
• A Harvard law school dean told the Washington Post that grades are 'almost useless.'

What Happened

Faculty at Harvard University approved a policy that will limit the number of A grades awarded to undergraduates, with the goal of curbing grade inflation.

Why It Matters

The move is intended to preserve the significance of top academic honors and respond to concerns that grade inflation diminishes the value of high grades at selective institutions.

What's Next

The cap on A grades will be implemented starting in the fall of 2027, and its impact on grading practices and student outcomes will be monitored.