Three weeks after the University announced a grade point average (GPA) quintile ranking system, the student ratings are in. Reactions were mixed, ranging from apathetic to inspired.
"I'm kind of indifferent," Neta Levanon '08 said in response to the new ranking system. "I feel like it goes hand-in-hand with the attack on grade inflation."
Though she said she understands the University's rationale for the statistic — to provide a context for students' grades — Levanon said she still doesn't understand the system's practical purposes.
But for some, the system provided comfort. Katy Bacon '07 said she was satisfied with her ranking and happy to know where she stood. She said the ranking provided her with extra motivation to study hard and move up a quintile.
However, Bacon said the ranking may increase competition and divide the student body over grades. She expressed concern about the categorization of University students.
"Every student at Princeton is outstanding. So to tell people that they are average or just below average isn't accurate and doesn't portray the character of the school," Bacon said.
Nick Kessides '05, a molecular biology major, said the quintiles provided a good generic assessment, but may not be indicative of students' performances relative to their major. He said a departmental quintile ranking might be more effective.
"The quintiles do not properly reflect an individual's performance or diligence to work," Kessides said.
He said some departments have lower average GPAs than others, and students in those departments should not face lower rankings.
"I think it's useless. Especially for me as an engineer," Steven Eaton '07 said. "It's tough to compare."
The rankings, however, do not yet affect all University undergraduates.
Members of the Class of 2008 will not be able to view their rankings until the end of the semester.
Many freshmen said they were nervous about their rankings.
Overall, most students said the quintiles were nothing more than an aid to know where they stand relative to the rest of the class. But for some, like Kessides, "it provides a slight motivation to work harder."
The Faculty Committee on Examinations and Standing implemented the ranking system after the University adopted a new policy to standardize grading practices last spring.
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