Round Table China Top university abandons strict GPA system
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Aug 27, 2025 Peking University has made waves by abolishing traditional GPA rankings for undergraduates, sparking debate about academic freedom versus competition. The introduction of a pass/no pass system encourages exploration without the weight of grades. As the podcast discusses, this change could redefine success, potentially easing the pressure on students but also raising concerns about equality. Perspectives on global grading practices are compared, questioning whether this shift will cultivate a more enriching educational experience.
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Peking University Ends Campuswide GPA
- Peking University will scrap the GPA system campus-wide starting fall 2025 after a multi-year pilot in one school.
- The change includes a pass/no-pass option to encourage exploration without harming official evaluation.
Try New Courses With Pass/No-Pass
- Use the pass/no-pass option to explore courses outside your major without risking academic standing.
- Try unfamiliar subjects like AI as a low-stakes introduction to possible future interests.
GPA Shapes Chinese Academic Incentives
- GPA has driven scholarships, honors, and postgraduate recommendations for decades in China.
- That system made students chase tiny GPA margins because those numbers directly affected future opportunities.