The Grading Scale Dilemma
Photo of Hamilton grading scale (left) compared to the typical grading scale (right). Typical grading scale from Take Your Success.
Emily Adams
Hamilton students have been told throughout our high school career that our difficult grading scale will be to our advantage. Because our district considers a 93% an “A-” rather than the standard 90%, we are seen as more prestigious and are held in higher regard compared to other schools. Upon further research, I have discovered that the opposite is true. Not only does having a more difficult grading scale limit our opportunities, but it serves as a major stressor for students at Hamilton, further disadvantaging them.
The primary reason why Hamilton administrators justify our difficult grading scale is the fact that post-secondary schools are already aware of the rigorous grading system provided at the school and take it into consideration when viewing applications. This may be true for in-state schools, considering that the University of Wisconsin Madison states, “If your school indicates a 93% as an ‘A-,’ we will make our decisions for students applying from there based off that school report/grading system.” However, students who wish to apply to colleges out of state do not have the privilege of coming from a school already known by admissions officers, and therefore, are at a major disadvantage. This especially applies to larger schools with more applicants where admissions officers are much less likely to analyze every student’s high school curriculum.
Another major disadvantage that students face due to Hamilton’s difficult grading scale is being less likely to qualify for good grade insurance discounts. Many insurance companies allow students to save anywhere from 4-20% on car insurance if they receive a 3.0 GPA or better, or earn a spot in the top 20% of their class. These companies only look at students’ report cards when determining whether or not they qualify for the insurance discount. This means that not only does a more difficult grading scale result in a lower GPA, but more expensive car insurance is crucial for new drivers. Losing access to cheaper insurance can be detrimental to Hamilton families, especially those who are less fortunate.
Another major downside to Hamilton’s grading scale is the stress it causes for students. When Hamilton students are receiving lower grades than students at other high schools due to our grading scale, it decreases their self-confidence. Although administrators claim that colleges make sure that the grading scale is taken into consideration, it is frustrating when our grades suffer while others are thriving. Although a higher grading scale may allow for bragging rights; at the end of the day, all it does is make students feel that their GPA will never accurately reflect the type of student they are.
This feeling of frustration and insecurity has been further dramatized this year, now that we are unable to receive extra credit. These newly implemented policies do nothing for our students but lower their GPA and wreak havoc on our mental health. Is this slight increase in competitiveness really worth all the excess stress students are facing?
With the challenging courses provided here at Hamilton, there is no reason why our grading scale should be any more difficult than the ones of other high schools in Wisconsin. Rather than robbing students of valuable opportunities, administrators should focus on encouraging students rather than draining them. Additionally, creating a grading scale that is similar to nearly every other high school in the country does not take away from Hamilton’s excellent test scores, staff, and overall environment. These are the factors that have allowed Hamilton to become a prestigious school, not a percentage.
