A simple letter to grade-conscious students

As the year comes to an end, I have reflected on the grades I have given my students this semester. Over my years of teaching, I have noticed that Gen Z students often heavily prioritize grades and attaining academic honors. Many students request grade changes in hopes of maintaining a high GPA or attaining Latin honors.

As an educator, I admire when students feel empowered to request grade clarity and identify areas for improvement. This attitude demonstrates one’s willingness to exercise democratic rights, which are essential life skills. Academic freedom allows one to seek transparency and understanding regarding evaluation. However, it does not permit pressuring professors for higher marks solely to gain prestige, which resembles emotional coercion.

Simply attending class and completing assignments does not automatically warrant top grades. Real life does not work this way. Although it may be tempting to cut corners on essays or assignments, putting learning into practice is more difficult. We call this “praxis” in academia—applying theory to real world action. I encourage you to prioritize comprehending course material rather than pursuing perfect grades. Real life is not always as neat and tidy as a feel-good movie where there is a happy ending. Sometimes the most valuable learning comes from overcoming failures, not chasing superficial successes. Earning a 90 grade is easy, but processing why you may have received a 75 in your output despite hard work requires radical self-acceptance and reflection.

This makes me wonder—should learning be judged purely by a numeric grade, with 90 indicating mastery and lower than 90 indicating inadequacy? Let’s acknowledge that social media has normalized grade consciousness and showing off high marks, pressuring students to cheat or flatter professors. However, a number does not always reflect depth of knowledge. True learning is measured by one’s ability to apply lessons in practice.

As educators, we want you all to have fruitful academic careers, not to fail you without cause. We aim to uphold standards of excellence, prioritizing quality over quantity, providing feedback and answering questions. You have the responsibility to study diligently and request help when needed. By upholding academic integrity, we can achieve educational excellence, the purpose of universities.

Perhaps neoliberalism has exacerbated students’ focus on grades. However, we must also self-reflect on our own behavior. In the quest to succeed, one can forget to act rightly.

This holiday season, I encourage you to enjoy Christmas, pause on studying, focus on your mental health, and of course, eat your salad while it’s cold.

You are welcome.

Sensei M. Adorador, faculty, College of Education, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University