Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Angela Walmsley, PhD, educational consultant and founder of Interactive College Prep, to ask the uncomfortable question: what does it really mean when almost everyone gets an A? In an era where students arrive at college with sky-high GPAs and even higher expectations, Angela exposes how inflated grades muddle admissions, challenge professors, and create a ripple effect in university support systems.

Behind those “perfect” transcripts, are students actually prepared for college-level work? Tune in to find out how grade inflation impacts AP exams, college admissions, and even the way professors approach their jobs.

Ever wondered why so many students with straight A's stumble as soon as they hit campus and what’s being done about it? Listen to hear Angela Walmsley reveal what’s happening beneath the surface.

Episode Highlights:

04:15 - The average GPA in American high schools has risen from 2.6 in 1985 to 3.1 in 2020. In colleges, it’s gone from 2.8 to nearly 3.2. And today, A’s are the most common grade—even at institutions like Harvard, where 60% of grades awarded are now A’s.

10:26 - [Angela referenced the National Board. This should be the College Board.] High GPAs often don’t reflect true mastery or college readiness. We’re seeing increasing gaps between classroom grades and standardized test/exam results, fueling confusion in college admissions and creating challenges for first-year students.

27:32 - Professors face increasing pressure to give higher grades due to course evaluations and student expectations. Support services on campuses are feeling the ripple effects, with a rising need for remedial courses and tutoring, particularly in math and writing.

Sarah Holtan, PhD

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Angela Walmsley, PhD

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