<p>I like the idea in theory, but it seems like there would be no way to differentiate oneself from other students, which would discourage top applicants from going to WPI. </p>
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<p>I believe the proposed plan would allow you to “withdraw” without record as late as 5 weeks into the class. </p>
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<p>It seems to me like the effect of adding more detailed grades (like a C and D, as opposed to just a C) is that students who score at the bottom of their reported grades will lose, and those who at the top will win. So if I’m a student who gets a 90 in calculus, I gain from there not being an A- grade. But if I get a lot of 89s, I lose from there not being a B+. </p>
<p>The net effect is to encourage students to get higher grades. As you pointed out, this makes students more competitive (which is incompatible with the way the real world of engineering works) but it also allows the top students to really shine. </p>