Swarthmore Grade Deflation?

[grandprime]

Hi, I just have a question about the grade deflation at Swarthmore. What is the grading system like and is there intentional grade deflation (bell curving)? In other words, is there a set number of maximum “A’s” that can be given out by percentage (Ex: top 15%) or can any amount of students get an “A?” I’m thinking about a pre med track, but I’ve heard a lot about how students at Swat are famous for saying “anywhere else it would’ve been an A” (just from what I’ve heard in the past). Thanks for any and all comments!

[coase]

Swarthmore does not have grade deflation; average grades have been rising over time. The last median GPA I saw was just over 3.50. Swarthmore students do well when applying to medical school. Here are some snippets:

Currently, with a strong 3.5 average, both overall and in the sciences, you can apply to medical school with reasonable confidence in being accepted, assuming you have good MCATs and impressive non-academic experiences.

Yes, many medical schools are aware of Swarthmore, and the excellence of its students and its academic program. They are often willing to consider our applicants with grades that are slightly lower than those of their typical admitted students.

http://www.swarthmore.edu/health-sciences-office/frequently-asked-questions-premedical-students

[grandprime]

thank you @coase for your response!