Harvard faculty approves cap on A grades for undergraduate students

Harvard University’s faculty approved a new grading policy to limit A grades in undergraduate courses starting in fall 2027. The measure caps A grades at 20% of a course’s enrollment, plus four additional A grades, while excluding A- grades from the cap. The vote passed with 458 in favor on the first proposal, which also requires instructors to use an average percentile rank (APR) instead of GPA for internal awards and honors, winning 498 votes in support. A third proposal allowing courses to petition for exceptions to the A-grade cap failed, receiving 292 votes against 364 in favor. Amanda Claybaugh, dean of undergraduate education, praised the faculty’s rigorous debate, calling the decision a step toward strengthening Harvard’s academic culture. The policy aims to address decades of perceived grade inflation, ensuring A grades reflect genuine distinction, according to the grading subcommittee. The subcommittee emphasized the reform’s significance for students, employers, and graduate schools, stating that a Harvard A will now signify true achievement. After three years, Harvard’s Office of Undergraduate Education will review the policy’s impact. The changes reflect broader institutional efforts to align grading with academic rigor and encourage intellectual risk-taking among students.