Peking University Scraps GPA System in Landmark Reform

According to a notice issued by the university on July 25th, 2024, course assessments can be graded on a percentage or a pass/fail basis, with pass/fail grades not being converted to GPA. There will also be no excellent rate indicator for guiding courses. To encourage interdisciplinary learning and challenging courses, students can choose one course outside of public basic courses and professional course packages to be graded on a pass/fail basis. This development is not entirely new, as earlier reports indicate that Peking University had already begun piloting the "de-GPA" reform.

The concept of a GPA system in China dates back to 1919 when it was implemented at Nankai University, with a re-emphasis in 1985 and widespread adoption in the 1990s. While Peking University is making significant changes, it is not the first. Tsinghua University replaced GPA with a 12-level grading system in 2015, refining it in 2019 to reduce the emphasis on scores. Other universities like Fudan University and Shanghai Jiaotong University have also adjusted their evaluation systems, moving towards a "grade system + comprehensive evaluation" model, aiming to break the "GPA-only" mentality and return to the essence of education.

The public reaction to Peking University's decision, as reflected on Weibo, is mixed but generally leans towards positive, with many seeing it as a step towards reducing academic pressure and promoting holistic development. However, some concerns were raised regarding potential new forms of competition and the practicalities of implementation. Key themes from Weibo discussions include relief from "GPA-rolling" and academic pressure, encouragement of diverse learning and exploration, historical context and comparison with other universities, concerns about new forms of competition, and practicalities of implementation.

Many users expressed support, viewing the abolition of GPA as a much-needed reform to alleviate the intense competition and pressure to achieve high GPA scores. There's a sentiment that this change will allow students to focus more on genuine learning, explore their interests, and engage in research rather than being solely driven by numerical scores. The introduction of the P/NP option for one course was largely seen as a positive move, enabling students to take on more challenging or interdisciplinary courses without the fear of damaging their GPA.

Despite the positive reception, some users raised valid concerns. One common apprehension is that while GPA is removed, other forms of competition might emerge. There were also questions about how early graduation would be handled without a GPA system. Some users pondered the practical implications, such as how the new grading system would impact postgraduate applications, scholarships, and international university admissions, where GPA is a commonly recognized metric.

Overall, the sentiment is cautiously optimistic. While the move is celebrated for its potential to foster a healthier academic environment, there's an underlying recognition that the educational system is complex, and new challenges or competitive dynamics might arise from this significant reform. The general public seems to embrace the spirit of the reform, hoping it will lead to a more balanced and effective higher education experience.

Associate Dean of the Peking University Life Sciences College, Song Yan, has publicly commented on the reforms, stating that the college will include an explanation of the grading system on student transcripts to ensure international understanding. This move is part of a broader trend in Chinese higher education to move away from solely GPA-based evaluations. As one of China's top universities, Peking University's reform has significant social implications and demonstration effects, pushing the discussion on the future of higher education evaluation systems in China.