@lostaccount: They call it “physics-based creative writing” at MIT, with a smile.
@lostaccount for some reason I thought 2 of the most recent fields medalists went to Harvard. Hmmm. Actually Harvard math has been accused of being too rigorous which can be problematic to lots of STEM students such as Biology majors. And nope I am not kidding. You give A’s to A students. That is why so many are given out at Harvard.
Here’s what one Harvard professor told his class not that long ago. If you think the college has undergone a fundamental change in the space of a decade, that’s your prerogative, but I’m inclined to doubt that the present defies all historical precedent.
Grade inflation is a very real phenomenon. When half of all grades given out at some Ivy League schools are As, one does wonder about the rigor of grading policies.
I’ve heard this justified by the statement that “Nearly everyone at Harvard would get A grades at (insert top 20 school here), so H shouldn’t punish students for attending a more rigorous school.” I think that argument smacks of hubris, and would love to see grade inflation - both at the college level and in high school - reined in.
Professor Harvey Mansfield is also against women making as much as men, gender studies and affirmative action of any type. He is closely aligned with Rush Limbaugh and has derided feminism. I am not surprised by his views on grade inflation
Whatever the gentleman’s views on other matters, I fail to see how one can call his objections to grade inflation a misogynist or racist sentiment.
I think Ben Carson must be genetically immune to facts in matters of politics and government, but if he claimed that the standards for a license in neurosurgery were drastically lower than they were 20 years ago, I might pay attention.
Genetically immune to facts…? Are you really going to go there?
Perhaps tiger1307 was making the connection intimated in the Professor’s statement and the change in admissions whereby more women and minorities across the socioeconomic spectrum are sought out and encouraged and supported once they enroll.
Many people allude to changes in the fabric in our social structures to imply that it is such changes that have lead to the diminishing value and quality of whatever is being discussed.
My child’s friends who got into Harvard were both rejected by Pomona, Stanford, Princeton, Yale and MIT. Other kid got into Dartmouth but rejected by UCBerkeley, Stanford, MIT. My child got into Mudd and that was her first choice.
Anyway, it is hard to know what kind of students school are really looking for especially big name university.
Not every school gives A to high school students who got all or mostly A. Mudd is a perfect example.
What does that mean, intparent? They will downgrade an incoming A when assessing a transcript?
@notverysmart Harry Mansfield is a gov professor. I dont know how that gives him any expertise regarding grade inflation. He needs to stick to the cigar room. I would note that Princeton is raising their grades because of complaints
Harvey Mansfield was grousing about grades when I was at Harvard. I can’t believe he isn’t dead yet! I graduated in 1978. He was a crank then, and he’s still one.