Grade inflation?

Parents Forum
1

<p>S has been accepted EA at Stanford and thinks that law school is in his future. His dad is a lawyer, for whatever that's worth. Looking at the statistics from the top law schools in the country it looks like they all have students with GPAs in the 3.7 mean range for admitted students with LSAT scores around 170.</p>

<p>So, how hard is it to get a 3.7 as a poli-sci major at Stanford? His other choices are Vandy (letter from admissions inviting him to a URM weekend stating he's been admitted and the formal admit letter will follow next month) and waiting to hear from Harvard.</p>

<p>Clearly, the LSAT score will probably be the same regardless of what school he goes to so you can't really factor in that variable into the equation. So, the only thing left is whether those GPAs are attainable at each of the above mentioned schools. </p>

<p>Bottom line, is there grade inflation or deflation at Stanford, Vandy, or Harvard?</p>

<p>Thx for your responses.</p>

2

<p>3.7 in PoliSci should definitely be doable at Stanford. Generally speaking, the grading in "fuzzy" courses is easier then in "techy" ones. He will have to work for it - but that's true for every school on his list.</p>

<p>I agree with the posters who advised you to make this choice either based on "fit", or based on money (if money is an issue). Don't try to look for the best strategy to get him into law school; look for the best college experience instead, and the rest will follow.</p>

3

<p>I've 'heard' that Stanford inflates grades. You should be able to pretty much tell if you can see what the averages are compared to other schools.</p>