"More Than Half Received A's"... Harvard to Tackle 'Grade Inflation'

A Grade Cap Lowered to 20%
Impact of Generative AI Under Review
94% of Undergraduates Strongly Oppose Policy

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Harvard University, a prestigious American institution, has decided to introduce a policy limiting the proportion of A grades in its undergraduate programs in order to address chronic grade inflation.

According to reports from U.S. media outlets such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, cited by Yonhap News on May 21, a faculty vote was held on a proposal to implement a system restricting the percentage of A grades in undergraduate courses. The measure passed with 458 votes in favor and 201 against.

The core of the new policy is the “20%+4” system. Under this rule, professors can award A grades (excluding A-) to no more than 20% of students in each course, with the option to grant A grades to up to four additional students. For example, in a class of 100 undergraduates, the maximum number of students who can receive an A grade would be limited to 24.

This measure is intended to curb grade inflation. It stems from internal concerns that excessive grade inflation has diminished both academic differentiation and the credibility of the university's degrees.

According to Harvard, more than 60% of grades awarded to undergraduates in the 2024–2025 academic year were in the A range. This figure is nearly double the percentage from the early 2010s, when it was in the 30% range.

The "Sophia Freund Prize," which is awarded to graduates with the highest GPA, was historically given to just one or two recipients. However, in the most recent academic year, as many as 55 students received the prize as co-winners due to tied GPAs.

Some analyses suggest that this phenomenon has been exacerbated by the recent proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Research found that courses in which professors actively utilized generative AI saw approximately 30% more A grades awarded.

The university stated, "Reforms are necessary to restore trust in grades and return to past standards," adding that "this decision will strengthen Harvard’s academic culture."

There is strong opposition from students. An internal survey found that about 94% of undergraduates are against the new policy.

The new policy will be fully implemented starting with the 2027 academic year. Its effectiveness will be re-evaluated three years after its introduction.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.