Standards Based Grading And College Admissions

Summary This brief explores how admissions professionals at colleges and universities perceive standards-based grading. The report also highlights how school districts can help facilitate accurate interpretation of the grading system. Key observations from our research 1. Contacts at profiled institutions report standards-based grading systems do not impact a student’s standing in the admissions process. 2. While use of standards-based grading does not impact admissions decisions at profiled institutions, contacts acknowledge several pros and cons associated with the grading system. 3. Admissions staff at all profiled institutions prioritize a student’s academic record when reviewing applications. 4. Like admissions decisions, standards-based grading does not affect scholarship allocation at profiled institutions. Download the Report