<p>Is it hard to get a GPA higher than 3.7? Most international study programs I'm interested in require a GPA of 3.7 or above. I heard that there's significant grade deflation at Wellesley, and I thought it's not possible to get a GPA of 3.7...</p>
<p>It’s a consideration - there were some study abroad programs and other fellowship opportunities that were not options for my D because of GPA requirements. There are some students who have that GPA, but because of the grading policy it’s not easy to achieve.</p>
<p>My D is looking at study abroad programs for next year. As a second-semester sophomore when she has to apply, she will definitely not have a 3.7, which is an A-, a very high grade average for Wellesley.</p>
<p>For the new class, Wellesley is rolling out a “shadow grade” program for first-years in which your first-semester grades are not reported outside of Wellesley and are not included on your transcript. </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.wellesley.edu/sites/default/files/assets/departments/admission/pdf/intladmissionreport2013.pdf[/url]”>http://www.wellesley.edu/sites/default/files/assets/departments/admission/pdf/intladmissionreport2013.pdf</a></p>
<p>I have some mixed feelings about this, but i kind of wish it had been available for my D. The college says it wants first-years to explore different disciplines without having to worry about GPA protection. My D’s experience her first year of a certain lab science caused her GPA to take a hit, and she changed her plans. She’ll definitely recover and graduate with a respectable GPA, but perhaps not in time for some JYA application deadlines.</p>