The topic of grade nondisclosure has undeniably been the hot topic on the HBS and Wharton campuses this fall (the policy is also under review at Chicago and Stanford). Proponents of the existing policy, which prohibits students from sharing their grades with recruiters and prohibits recruiters from asking about them, argue that it allows students the freedom to expand their horizons and challenge themselves without worrying about the negative repercussions of less than stellar performance in a tough course. Meanwhile, the potential introduction of optional disclosure at HBS and a proposal to recognize the top quartile of each class at Wharton are motivated by concerns of academic performance and recruiting competition (Business Week published an article a few months back that provides a nice summary of the factors involved).
In last month’s edition of The Wharton Journal, several students weighed in with their thoughts on the GND issue. These range from comments on the flaws in the arguments of some disclosure proponents, subtler alternatives that would just as effectively promote academic performance, an argument that grade nondisclosure causes academic performance to take a back seat to extracurriculars, and a discussion of the merits of – and strategies for – doing as little work as possible and still “getting the P.”
The outcry is presently loudest at Harvard, where the vast majority of the student body opposes the policy. An article in the Harvard Crimson provided an overview of the situation last week, while The Harbus featured a letter sent to the administration by student body representatives outlining the reasons for their classmates’ objection to the proposed change. For an in-depth look at one student’s perspective, readers can investigate HBS blogger Mark’s detailed response to each of the arguments used in defense of disclosure.
While it’s very easy to become swept up in the application process, it’s important that candidates for admission to these schools are aware of this issue and the way it might come to bear on their respective business school experiences. As the first class that will be affected by a change in policy, applicants might want to take this factor into account when speaking with current students at these programs and finalizing their school selection.
