<p>This is a question for current/recently graduated students. How harsh is grading at Pomona? My mom is trying to convince me that I should go to the local state school instead of Pomona in part because "grading will be too harsh among so many smart people and I don't know if you'll be able to succeed". Despite the nice lack of confidence displayed here, I'm currently first in my class and have never received less than an "A".</p>
<p>So basically, how harsh is grading and do you think I'd be able to succeed?</p>
<p>I don’t think that should be a consideration–if a school accepts you, it means they think you can handle the work. It sounds like your mom is trying to psyche you out and save some money. :/</p>
<p>I have found that the grade inflation at Pomona truly depends on which professors you get, which is hardly fair. For example, my advisor told me that once you are in an upper division french lit. class, getting an A- is considered a bad grade. However, take a philosophy class with Tannenbaum and you are in for one rude awakening…</p>
<p>Pomona is making a concerted effort to address grade inflation and to find equitable grading between departments. As a result, getting an “A” may not be as “easy” as in the past, but it will surely be well earned.</p>
<p>consider as well whether a B from Pomona does not carry more weight than an A from your local state school. it may well be that your state school is well know and competetive (e.g., william & mary), but that could mean that the grading is as rigorous as pomona.</p>
<p>as an aside, i think it makes perfect sense that there is grade inflation at the most selective colleges, because the admissions process is so much more selective and competitive. i don’t know how many harvard/georgetown/princeton grads my age (50s) have said that today they never would have gotten into their alma mater with their high school record as it was back then. there is very little difference among students these days-- in fact, every student is ‘exemplary’, so applying the same standards as 10 or 15 years ago you’ll have most students deserving As.</p>
<p>Finally, as noted above, if you got into Pomona, you can handle. they are not looking to weed students out. it’s not that kind of place. Public universities are more likely to take that approach, at least with certain programs (I went to a public university).</p>