In an email sent to faculty members of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) on 27/1, Amanda Claybaugh, Undergraduate Dean, stated that the percentage of A grades decreased from 60% in the previous academic year to 53% in the fall 2025 semester.

This development follows a report in 10/2025, which highlighted that the percentage of A grades at Harvard University nearly tripled over the past 20 years, despite unchanged student self-study time. Furthermore, many students frequently skipped classes and showed little effort, yet still easily achieved maximum scores.

To restore academic rigor, Claybaugh encouraged departments to adopt stricter grading standards, such as holding in-person final exams instead of take-home essays. The faculty council is also considering limiting the number of A+ grades and publicly displaying course average grades on individual transcripts, allowing employers to easily compare candidates' actual abilities.

A corner of the Harvard University campus. Photo: Harvard University Fanpage.

However, some faculty members expressed concern that stricter grading could lead to negative student evaluations, resulting in fewer course registrations. Claybaugh reassured them, stating that student evaluations would be considered alongside course difficulty and class average grades.

Meanwhile, many students expressed concern that curbing grade inflation could disadvantage them when applying to graduate school or entering the job market.

Given the mixed reactions, Claybaugh stated that a faculty committee will continue research to present an official proposal in early 2026, followed by gathering broad feedback from faculty and students.

Khanh Linh (According to The Harvard Crimson)