Grades Not Too High

The phenomenon known as "grade inflation" --the convergence of grades around the higher end of the scale--has had fortuitous effects despite the worries of the grade-conscious staff. Among its merits, inflation at Harvard has brought the grades of undergraduates in line with the inflated marks of students at other universities. Additionally, it has effectively narrowed the range of grades available, thus limiting their importance. Students are forced to look beyond the incentive of a strong report cards for reasons to work assiduously.