In the 2024-25 school year, two-thirds of students at Harvard got A’s. Though this might seem impressive, if everyone is a champion, there is no single most outstanding or exceptional one.

Since almost everyone is outstanding, an A has lost its true meaning. Instead of showing real excellence, it has become an easy goal for everyone. Therefore, Harvard is right to cap the number of A’s it awards students each year. This policy is necessary to protect the true value of a Harvard degree.

Years ago, in 2013, only 35 percent of grades at Harvard were A’s. But last year, that number jumped to nearly two-thirds. When grades go up too much, they lose their power, and it is unfair to students that are truly exceptional. So, employers and graduate schools cannot use these numbers to see who is truly the best. This trend makes a famous degree look weak. To fix this problem, Harvard announced a new policy: it will limit A’s to 20 percent of the letter grades awarded in a course, with an allowance for as many as four additional A’s

Many students do not like this new policy. They worry it will cause too much stress and stop classmates from helping each other. However, these worries are unnecessary. In the real world, there is always competition. Facing hard standards now will help students prepare for their future careers.

In conclusion, Harvard is making the right choice. School should not be a place where everyone wins easily. It must be a place where hard work brings real rewards.

Amazing job, Nina! I’m recommending this article for publication 🙂