<p>Bluebayou–2 comments. First–the statistics you cite are from incoming freshmen over 5 years ago who were (because they as yet had no personal experience) basing their opinions on the same misinformation and myths that often permeate CC. The same report noted that the vast majority of graduating seniors believed that they received a superior education and most had a good time doing it. </p>
<p>Second, the report, which was done over 5 years ago, did point out some real problems, including the fact that too many students, albeit a minority, did not sufficiently enjoy their time as undergraduates. As a result of that report from the Committee on Undergraduate Education, numerous significant changes were made to improve the quality of the undergraduate experience. I’m surprised you didn’t mention that. If you talk to undergraduates today (I do often), I think you will find that the vast majority are enjoying their undergraduate experience in addition to receiving a superior education. </p>
<p>Hawkette–while perhaps I was a bit snippy to blaw ( I probably was tired)–I do get annoyed whenever people offer advice based solely upon what they “heard,” without any personal knowledge of what they are talking about and without any indication of their background or experience to enable someone to judge whether the advice should be taken seriously or not. The fact is that JHU has among the highest placement rates to medical school notwithstanding the faculty’s efforts to fight the grade inflation rampant at some other institutions. Medical schools are very familiar with Hopkins and its grading policies–and I’m told by admissions officers at medical schools (a few–I’ve obviously not spoken to them all–but at least the anecdotal evidence is consistent) that Hopkins’ undergraduates are highly regarded, very well prepared, and not at all at a disadvantage because their grades may, on average, be somewhat lower. They (just like undergraduate admissions officers evaluating high schools) are familiar with most colleges and make adjustments accordingly. </p>
<p>By the way, some undergraduate schools, including Princeton, are rethinking their attitudes about grade inflation and are toughening up grading standards. When most everyone gets an “A,” its difficult to tell the superior student from the average one.</p>