Throwing The Curve

By Harriet Barovick, Elizabeth L. Bland, Victoria Rainert, Roy B. White, Rebecca Winters

A report by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences has decried the growing trend of GRADE INFLATION at U.S. universities. In 1969, 7% of undergraduate grades were A's; by 1993, 26% were A's. At Harvard University, the proportion of A's rose from 22% in 1966 to 46% in 1996. WHY THE RISE? During Vietnam, the report says, professors helped failing undergrads stay in school to avoid the draft. In the 1980s, the problem worsened when students were invited to evaluate professors. THE CONSEQUENCES: Employers now view grades as less crucial in hiring, and rely more on other factors, such as personal references.