I’ve heard various statements about the grade deflation at BU and I was wondering if there is any truth behind this? Is it really that difficult to get an A? BU is currently one of my top schools but if there is truth behind this than that would change things. I say this because I am a prospective pre-med student and I know that having a high GPA is very important in med school applications.
Some will tell you it doesn’t exist. But then @proudterrier will likely tell you otherwise. Good luck!
If you want easy A’s, go to Salem State College.
It does exist! XD But here’s the thing: it’s ridiculous we have to call it grade deflation, which really highlights the issue with other schools more than BU–they have grade INflation. BU provides a rigorous academic experience that recognizes that it is simply not possible for every. single. person. to be outstanding. Even among outstanding people, there will be a curve, or at least a wide distribution of specific talents.There will always be someone who is better than you at something–or smarter, or simply a harder worker OR a better writer/better at crafting an argument. When everyone gets As, As lose meaning.
It’s worse in some schools/departments/classes than others, but it is definitely “a thing” at BU. And IMO it’s one of the reasons BU is such a good school. It is, indeed, something that concerns pre-med kids, which I totally get. If you think you’ll have a panic attack if you don’t graduate undergrad with a 4.0, definitely do not go to BU–it’s legit difficult to get that kind of GPA. But you’ll actually get a good pre-med education, and most schools are aware of BU’s (excellent) academic reputation, and will recognize the relative value of your GPA. On the plus side, you’ll be FAR better equipped for med school with a 3.6 from BU than with a 4.0 from a school that gave you As for being smart enough to get in. But you have to weigh the pros and cons and make the best decision for you.
What concerns me is that most merit scholarships require you to maintain a 3.2 GPA. My DD is going into engineering and that leaves little room for error for a freshman.