Grading Numerology
I use percentages to map to letter grades.The percentages mirror the 4.0 scale, except that where a GPA difference of 1.0 corresponds to a full letter grade,I use a percentage difference of 10. The table below shows the conversion from numerical grades to letter grades.
Why I don't round grades
It is my practice not to round the numerical gradebefore mapping to letter grades by the table.This can be a sore point, so let me explain.For example, I use ≥90.00 as the transition from a B+ to an A-.This means that if your numerical grade is 89.9, I map it to a B+and not an A-. It can be heartbreaking to miss agrade boundary by -0.1, I know.But to round up, say, every numerical grade ≥89.50 to 90.00and map that to an A-, means that the transition from B+ to A-is actually 89.50, not 90.00. And that would mean that a grade of 89.4 would miss a grade boundary by -0.1. (It would also mean that me announcing the grade boundary of 90.00is not accurate.)No matter whatpoliciy is followed, some could miss a grade boundary by a hair.Even though there may be some psychological difference betweenthe two situations, I prefer to keep it straightforward byannouncing the sharp grade boundary and then following it strictly.I find it helps keeps the process more objective, and does not allowroom for subjective grade adjustments, which are almost always unfair.
Number → Letter Conversion |
Numerical Grade | Letter Grade | Equivalent on 4.0 scale |
≥ 97.5 | A+ | 4.0 |
≥ 92.5 | A | > 3.7 |
≥ 90.0 | A- | > 3.3 |
≥ 87.5 | B+ | > 3.0 |
≥ 82.5 | B | > 2.7 |
≥ 80.0 | B- | >2.3 |
≥ 77.5 | C+ | > 2.0 |
≥ 72.5 | C | > 1.7 |
≥ 70.0 | C- | > 1.3 |
≥ 67.5 | D+ | > 1.0 |
≥ 62.5 | D | > 0.7 |
≥ 60.0 | D- | > 0.0 |
< 60.0 | E | 0.0 |
Often I will grade with letter grades on subparts of an assignment, convert to numbers for averaging (or weighted averaging), and then back into letter grades using the above table. For conversion from letter grades to numerical grades, I use the middleof the numerical range above. Thus, an A is a 95, halfway between 90 and 100.An A- is a 91.25, halfway between 90 and 92.5. Etc.Here is the conversion more precisely:
Letter → Number Conversion |
Letter Grade | Numerical Grade |
A+ | 98.75 |
A | 95.00 |
A- | 91.25 |
B+ | 88.75 |
B | 85.00 |
B- | 81.25 |
C+ | 78.75 |
C | 75.00 |
C- | 71.25 |
D+ | 68.75 |
D | 65.00 |
D- | 61.25 |
E | 55.00 |
FAQs
Sufficient evidence exists to show that traditional grading systems do a relatively poor job of accurately measuring knowledge and clinical skills, motivating students, and providing feedback.
Is a 69% a bad grade? ›
Most colleges and universities generally consider a "D" (or a 60% to 69% score) as a passing grade. It's important to note that this minimum or lowest passing grade standard can significantly vary depending on the institution or major. For instance, some universities may require a "C" or better to pass.
Is 70% good for a grade? ›
Numerical and letter grades
However, there are some schools that consider a C the lowest passing grade, so the general standard is that anything below a 60% or 70% is failing, depending on the grading scale. In college and universities, a D is considered to be an unsatisfactory passing grade.
Is American grading harder? ›
The apparent failure of students can be attributed to pressure, excessive workload, unsafe environments, and more. America's grading system is a lot harsher than other countries. For example, the lowest passing grade in the US is typically 70%, while in Canada it's 55%.
What is the most common grading system in the US? ›
GPA stands for Grade Point Average, and it is a standard way of measuring academic achievement in the US. It is calculated on a scale of 0 to 4.0 and used by high schools and universities to gauge a student's performance over a specific period.
What is the flaw of grading system? ›
What's the Problem? The confusion starts with consistency, as in, there is none. At most schools, there's no consistency about what's included in a grade or what's left out, even among teachers teaching the same subject in the same school to students in the same grade at the same level.
Which is better, letter grading systems or pass-fail? ›
The Advantages of Pass-Fail Grading System
Because e students don't get to see letters or numbers, they are more likely to enroll in more challenging courses that they would have avoided if the traditional grading system was used.
Should the grading system be eliminated? ›
Grades serve two purposes: to motivate students and to assess their level of understanding. However, they are counterproductive in both realms. Grading incentivizes busywork, corrupts students' motivations, and proves unhelpful in assessing their understanding.
Do colleges accept D grades? ›
In summary, while a D grade isn't ideal, it doesn't automatically disqualify you from college admissions. It's essential to evaluate the specific college requirements, consider retaking the class if necessary, and provide context for the grade on your application.
Is D failing in college? ›
Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks! A passing grade grants credit for a college-level course. A D is the lowest passing grade at most colleges. Students with a D may need to retake in-major courses or prerequisite classes.
In undergraduate programs, 'D' is typically the lowest passing grade, but passing may not be enough to fulfill graduation requirements.
Why do grades skip E? ›
It's a simple answer really. Back in 1897, the letter E used to mean the same thing as F; that is, it used to be the lowest possible grade. However, parents and students found it easier to understand that “F” stood for “Failed” (rather than thinking that “E” could mean “excellent”).
Is 72 passing in college? ›
Many people wonder, “What is a passing grade in college?” Coming from high school, the grading system doesn't really change. In fact, a “D” is considered passing in both high school and college, as it's above 60%. While a passing grade may be as low as 60%, you will want to aim higher for many reasons.
Is 80 a passing grade? ›
Grades below a “C” (80%) are considered a failing grade. Grades of less than a “C” (80%) will be assigned in order to assist in Financial Aid processes, but still considered as failing in the program.
What is good about the new grading system? ›
In the new grading system, students will have a clearer picture of where they stand in their academic progress thanks to standards-based rubrics and feedback. They will also have additional opportunities to show mastery as opposed to one make-or-break test, including student projects and presentations.
Is standards-based grading effective? ›
Research has shown that Standards-Based Grading can have a positive impact on student performance. Studies have indicated that using this approach can lead to improved achievement, increased engagement in learning, and a better classroom climate.
How long has the current grading system been around? ›
Grades are a staple of American education, but they're a fairly modern invention. The earliest formal grading emerged in 1785 when Yale University began stratifying grades into four groups: Optimi, second Optimi, Inferiores, and Perjores (roughly translating to best, second best, less good, and worse).
Should we eliminate the grading scale? ›
In addition to harming students' health, grades are also inefficient motivators for learning. External incentives and rewards, such as grades or paychecks, are less effective than intrinsic motivation, such as a natural curiosity or desire to learn, according to the American Psychological Association.
