Making the grade

When the information regarding Columbia’s possible grade inflation was “leaked” to the public, we expected scandalous breaking news.

The fact that eight percent of SEAS and CC students received straight A’s does not come as a shock. While that figure may be larger than those of the past, it does not signify a vast problem with Columbia’s grading system.

The leak and the response highlight only what we already know—that grades are a profoundly important part of our student culture and self-esteem, and inform our academic expectations and anxieties.

Whereas in the past a degree from a well-regarded university was enough to secure a job, students now must have stellar grades, demonstrate extracurricular leadership, exude personal flair, and communicate a sense of style, too. Given the terrible state of the job market, it makes sense that students both want and need high GPA’s. Many competitive internships require a minimum GPA for consideration, which may give students from less-competitive colleges a leg up. With these pre-professional anxieties in mind, grades are arguably more important than ever.

We must, however, resist such arguments. Though it is tempting to give way to fears about inadequacy in the job market, we must remember the purpose of a Columbia education. We do not come to Columbia solely to get a high-paying job—we matriculate because we want to become better students, thinkers, and people.

We should be uncomfortable with the notion that the goal of a Columbia education is to make us competitive amid other Ivy League graduates. Students take pride in their hard work and hours spent in Butler, so to reward everyone equally is to devalue the achievement of above-average students.

But this problem is not generated solely by uptight students, the job market, or irresponsible teachers. As students, we do have control over one of the factors contributing to the GPA craze—ourselves. We must bear in mind that Columbia should leave us with more than a GPA.

So the next time you’re jealous of your friend in that easy Lit Hum section, remember that he’s not much better off.