Is it normal not to care at all about good grades?

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So, I have recently moved to Europe (Germany) from America to do a master. I am not sure if this is a general thing, but I notice that most of the people around here (from different countries) have a similar mentality.

Let's say that the grades are from 1 to 10, and you need a 6 to pass. Well, just like in any normal university, there are many that are happy by just passing (6). But back home there would always be a bunch of people making the effort to actually get a 10. Here I notice that people don't care at all about high grades, even when they deserve it.

I notice this indifference from professors in particular. I have seen more than once that a professor would grade an excellent paper or exam with an 8 or 9, for no reason at all, just because they feel like it. I am not even a perfectionist, but I have tried to have fight for a 10 in these situations and both my classmates or professors just seem not to understand why would someone fight for the best score when they already have an 8 or 9.

So well, I just wanted to know what do you think about this topic. So, is it normal to care about having the best grades?

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Based on 23 votes (16 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • dom180
    9 years ago

    Could just be a difference in academic systems. Do you know if a 10 is even achievable? In my British university (FYI: I'm doing a Bachelor's degree) they never give above 85% for any piece of written work, ever, because no paper can ever be that close to flawless. Even above 75% is almost impossible. If you achieve over 70%, you get the highest degree classification and considered a big success. My point is that if one of my friends complained about getting 85% and not 100%, I'd laugh at them because 100% literally is not possible here.

    Maybe German universities work similarly? Perhaps in your university 8 or 9 is considered incredible already and a 10 is only reserved for a piece of work which is genuinely very special. Academic systems are very different wherever you go in the world so it's worth making sure there isn't any confusion about what the top grades mean in your university. If in doubt go to office hours or talk to some members of academic staff about how you feel.

    Alternatively, your classmates might think it's disrespectful or even arrogant to argue about grades; you were given those grades because that's what you deserve and arguing about it isn't likely to get you anywhere. Instead, take feedback on board and put the effort into doing better the next time. You get good grades by working as hard as you can on a piece of work, not arguing as hard as you can after it.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      9 years ago

      You are most probably right, I do notice that for most around 70% to 85% is already "remarkable". But well, the frustrating thing here is that in some classes you can indeed get the perfect score, because there is no room for misunderstandings(mostly technical classes). You can either do it right or wrong. The issue is that the final scores really do not reflect your effort or dedication in a standard way at all.

      It is mostly when you do an exam with open questions or an academic paper than they grade you low. Personally, I do not agree with this type of system. Back home there would be really specific and well defined criteria for grading. Basically, you would need to make a mistake or not fulfill the requirements properly to get your grades lowered. Later, the professors could explain you exactly where you failed as well.

      For the record, whenever I went to "argue" for my grades, I would always first try to understand where I did not deliver enough. To my frustration, I would hear "your paper was excellent"; and get no negative feedback at all. I have asked professors why they have then given me such a grade, and the common answer just seem to be "I didn't like it enough". If I was the typical overachieving American, I would truly argue until I got my grade increased or call the dean otherwise in this situation.

      But well... when in Rome, do as the Romans do; so I guess I will just accept that this is the reality here.

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  • Pika-girl
    9 years ago

    I don't care much, but I at least get more than 80% (If under, it's a failing grade where I go).

    In the story you gave, it has to be about... 60%?

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  • CountessDouche
    9 years ago

    Welcome to the land of participation trophies, where you receive a prize for merely showing up. I had to google the words "try" and "effort" because they just aren't part of my culture.

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  • OrangeApples.
    9 years ago

    You're a bitch!

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    • anti-hero
      9 years ago

      You're a cunt.

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      • OrangeApples.
        9 years ago

        Takes one to know one.

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