The Answer: It Depends
Whether or not colleges round up grades is a complex question that depends on several factors, including the college’s grading policy, the professor’s discretion, and the student’s individual circumstances.
Grading Policies
Each college has its own grading policy that outlines how grades are calculated and rounded. Some colleges have a strict policy of not rounding up grades, while others may allow professors to round up grades at their discretion.
Professor’s Discretion
Even if the college has a policy against rounding up grades, professors may still have the discretion to do so in certain cases. For example, a professor may round up a student’s grade if they are on the cusp of a higher grade or if they have shown significant improvement throughout the semester.
Student’s Circumstances
In rare cases, a college may round up a student’s grade due to extenuating circumstances, such as a medical emergency or a family crisis. However, this is typically only done in extreme cases and with the approval of the college administration.
Official Rounding Policies
According to a 2019 survey by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), 75% of colleges have a formal rounding policy in place. Of those colleges, 45% round up grades to the nearest whole number, while 30% round up grades to the nearest half number. The remaining 25% of colleges do not round up grades at all.
Unofficial Rounding Practices
In addition to official rounding policies, some professors may also have their own unofficial rounding practices. For example, a professor may round up a student’s grade by 0.5 points if they are within 0.1 points of the next highest grade. However, these unofficial practices are not guaranteed and vary from professor to professor.
Tips for Students
If you are concerned about your grades, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting a rounded up grade:
- Talk to your professor: If you are on the cusp of a higher grade, you can talk to your professor and ask them if they would be willing to round up your grade. Be prepared to explain why you deserve a higher grade and what you have done to improve your performance in class.
- Improve your performance: If you are struggling in a class, you should make an effort to improve your performance. This may involve attending extra office hours, studying more, or seeking help from a tutor. By improving your performance, you will increase your chances of earning a higher grade that is less likely to need rounding.
- Be a good student: Professors are more likely to round up grades for students who are respectful, engaged, and participate in class. By being a good student, you can make a positive impression on your professor and increase your chances of getting a rounded up grade.
Conclusion
Whether or not colleges round up grades is a complex question that depends on several factors. However, by understanding the grading policies of your college and talking to your professors, you can increase your chances of getting a rounded up grade.
Do all colleges round up grades?
No, not all colleges round up grades. Some colleges have a strict policy of not rounding up grades, while others may allow professors to round up grades at their discretion.
What is the most common rounding policy?
The most common rounding policy is to round up grades to the nearest whole number. This means that a grade of 89.5 would be rounded up to 90.
Can I ask my professor to round up my grade?
Yes, you can ask your professor to round up your grade. However, be prepared to explain why you deserve a higher grade and what you have done to improve your performance in class.
What if my professor refuses to round up my grade?
If your professor refuses to round up your grade, you should respect their decision. However, you can still ask your professor for feedback on how you can improve your performance in class.