Is Grade Inflation Bad?

Even though it might not seem like it on days when you get a test handed back, one of the prominent trends in higher education over the past few decades has been a steady increase in the average GPA’s of college students. In 1960, the average GPA was around a 2.5 (4.0 scale). By 1980, it was around 2.8 and in the 2000’s, approached 3.1.  Have people gotten smarter? No; based on the statistical concept of random sampling and psychological research of intelligence, the people in college today are more or less just as smart as students were in the past. The increase in GPA’s is simply because good grades are easier to get these days. The below chart shows the drastic increase in the number of A’s given over the last half century.

What does this mean for current college students? Let’s start with the good (and the obvious). Good grades are easier to get. This may help marginal students by increasing the likelihood they will grades satisfactory enough to stay in school and potentially even graduate. With the average GPA above 3.0, more students will have GPA’s worthy of being displayed on their resumes.

Unfortunately, there’s also some bad to go along with the good. For top students, it’s now a lot harder to stand out. Good grades won’t cut it anymore. To stand out, you now need other skills such as leadership and communication along with relevant experience. For others, grade inflation could potentially “inflate” their qualifications and lead to problems down the road.

Landon J. Latham

Career Educator

Decoding the Help-Wanted Ads Jargon

Fortune magazine points out something I think most people have noticed – most job postings and help-wanted ads sound the same. For example, “Seeking a motivated team-player” could easily be found in half of the job postings on any career website at any time. With the widespread use of such jargon, what do these words mean? Are employers sending a message to potential employees? Here are what some career experts have to say about commonly used help-wanted buzzwords:

Detail-Oriented: This may be used to describe positions that truly are detail-intensive, such as accounting jobs. Otherwise, it could imply that your supervisor might be somewhat of a “control freak” and you will be heavily scrutinized.

Team Player: This can mean you’re expected to take whatever’s dished out to you. “Team player is a code phrase for someone who will allow us to do whatever we want to you.”

Fast-Paced Work Environment: This indicates the employer expects you to be consistently productive no matter what. It also suggests the workplace is hectic, whether or not that is the industry standard. “Fast paced means you’re going to work more hours than we’re paying you for.”

Multitask: The employer using this phrase expects you to perform different duties beyond the job description. “What they’re trying to say is, ‘We may switch up your job description without telling you and we want you to be okay with it.’”

Self-Starter: This implies the employer will likely provide little in the way of guidance or direction. You’ll be expected to produce on your own.

Results-Oriented or Self-Motivated: This is often used to describe sales positions or other jobs with commission-based pay. You likely have to be very driven to be successful.

Early-Stage or Venture-Backed: This is often used by startups and other small businesses. Don’t expect a lot of available resources or high pay.

Experience in an Entrepreneurial Setting: Similar to the last buzzword; implies a job with a non-linear description. Expect to do anything, even taking out your own trash.

Landon J. Latham

Career Educator