Harvard University is tightening the A grade system to combat 'grade inflation'.

Harvard University has just approved a policy to combat 'grade inflation' by limiting the number of students who receive an A grade in each class, according to Reuters on May 20. The university's arts and sciences faculties voted overwhelmingly in favor of the new rule.

Students walk on the Harvard University campus in Massachusetts, USA - Photo: Reuters

The regulations take effect in the fall of 2027 and will be reviewed every three years. Under these rules, Harvard University faculty are limited to awarding an A grade to a maximum of 20% of students in their class, plus a maximum of four additional students. Lower grades, such as A-, are not subject to this limit.

This move comes after years of debate over grade inflation at Harvard. The university's report shows a sharp increase in the percentage of A grades over the past two decades: from 24% in 2005 to 40% in 2015 and projected to reach approximately 60% in 2025. Many faculty members argue that grades no longer accurately reflect academic ability, causing Harvard transcripts to lose their value in classifying students' abilities.

Amanda Claybaugh, head of undergraduate education, believes this situation is damaging the school's academic culture. She said students are increasingly choosing easier subjects to get high grades in instead of challenging themselves in more difficult areas, and that grades below an A are seen as a failure.

The subcommittee proposing the reforms argues that the new policy will make "Harvard's A grades truly meaningful," helping employers and graduate schools more accurately assess applicants' abilities. Beyond the A grade limit, Harvard is also shifting to using percentage rankings instead of the traditional grade point average (GPA) when considering academic honors and awards.

However, this decision has also sparked controversy among students, according to CBS News. Some are concerned that the learning environment will become more competitive, affecting collaborative spirit in the classroom. Others wonder whether medical schools, law schools, or graduate programs will adjust their GPA expectations to fit the new system.

Harvard is not the first school to address this issue. In 2004, Princeton University implemented a 35% A grade cap but had to abolish it after about a decade due to criticism that it put students at a disadvantage in job and scholarship competitions.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dai-hoc-harvard-siet-diem-a-de-chong-lam-phat-diem-20260522091442328.htm