<p>I've seen several posts about grade deflation at Vandy, and would like to hear other opinions. Is there really grade deflation at Vandy, or is this just the natural effect of putting students in a curve? (That means, no matter how somebody did well in high school, he/she can end in in the low or high section of the curve). Other schools, with a strong premed environment, also have "weed out" courses. Is this any different than Vandy? Thanks!</p>
<p>I think it is mostly " the natural effect of putting students in a curve" coupled with our professors' extremely high expectations for us. Peabody, for instance, actually heightened its expectations a few years ago because the curricula was generally considered "too easy" and too many students were making 4.0s.</p>
<p>One of my first memories of Vanderbilt (8 years ago, when a sibling was here for her accepted students' day) is Dean Berquist saying, "Your child may have been first in his or her class in high school, but every student here was first in his or her class." I doubt I will ever forget her saying that.</p>
<p>When you put us all together, a curve must be set--particularly when, on average, 1/4 of a freshman class comes in and considers themselves pre-med. Granted, some classes (gen chem, intro biosci, econ, to name a few) are considered harsher because they are weed out classes, but even English majors like myself can get A's in those classes when we work hard enough. (I did.)</p>
<p>If you love Vanderbilt, please don't be discouraged by the grade deflation rumors. Come in determined to do well, and THEN find the balance between work and play.</p>
<p>I don't know it is grade deflation or the fact that (at least in my DD's case) they make you learn and understand things...not just regurgitate it for a test. They will be as helpful as can be so long as you are helping yourself. If your GPA is all that matters choose a school where the focus on academic excellence isn't as high. There are no easy A's at Vandy...particulary for pre-med. My daughter is a sophomore ChE major and I don't think she has had a "weed out" class. They are all hard and rightfully so...</p>
<p>The grading standards at Vandy are very rigorous, but it is worth noting how collegial and supportive I found the academic atmosphere to be. Not at all competitive, everyone tends to feel like they are in it together and a helping hand is never far away. If your self-worth is coupled to your GPA, this is not the right school for you, and one of the more competitive Northeastern schools would fit you better. However, you'll find that you learn a great deal regardless of your grades. In the end, its all about your effort and what your priorities are.</p>