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The prof did not mention his grading scale in this syllabus. I got A- with 94. The School usually set the A scale to be at 93. But the professors always have the right to set his own standards (e.g. curves).

I am currently writing for a better grade. Shall I attach a university's recommended grading scale as attachment? Is it a good idea to mention that some big companys are only looking at straight A average?

Could you please let me know how to ask for a better grade?

Thank you so much. You are always helpful. Any comments are welcome.

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11
  • 2
    You must not ask for a better grade.
    – Massimo Ortolano
    May 23, 2017 at 5:26
  • Of course I am merely asking for "review" the grade. Everyone know what does this mean, though.
    – High GPA
    May 23, 2017 at 5:39
  • 4
    Mentioning what big companies are looking at will not come across as a request for a review, but as a request for a grade that you didn't earn. It will not be received well.
    – Nate Eldredge
    May 23, 2017 at 5:42
  • From the professors point of view there is no difference between "asking for a better grade" and "asking for a grade review". As you said "everyone knows what this means". Hence, @MassimoOrtolano's comment applies.
    – Dirk
    May 23, 2017 at 5:43
  • Maybe politely asking about his grading scale?
    – High GPA
    May 23, 2017 at 5:43

1 Answer 1

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There is basically only one way you're likely to get your grade changed, which is if the professor made a mistake. That does happen sometimes - I once corrected a grade under circumstances similar to what you're describing - but it's unusual.

You want to write a short message pointing out that

  1. you think your average is 94
  2. you got an A-

and then ask what the cut-off was for an A in this course.

And - and this is important - that's it. Do not:

  1. Outright ask for a better grade
  2. Talk about how important the grade is to you or to your job prospects
  3. Include the university's recommended scale or otherwise try to convince the professor about what the cut-off should be
  4. Ask for extra work or another way to retroactively improve your grade.
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  • This would be the right answer if I did not know first hand of examples where doing the "do not"s has resulted in students having their grade improved.
    – ComptonScattering
    Sep 21, 2021 at 4:03

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