Who knew grading systems were so complicated!!??

First week of classes: COMPLETE!! I somehow managed to end up with Mondays AND Fridays off-- talk about a fantastic opportunity for more travel!
One of the most important things I learned this week was the difference in grading scales between the U.S and European countries...Here's the lowdown: As you all probably know, the U.S. has a 100 point grading scale, where 90-100 is an A, 80-89 is a B, etc.

The breakdown of grades here at Vesalius College however, is as follows (on a 20 point scale)
16-20 (81-100%) = A
14-15,5 (69- 80%) =B
11,5-13 (58-68%) = C
10-11 (50-57%) = D

Don't be deceived...this grading scale does not mean it's easier to get an "A"-- in fact it's just a reflection of grading standards across Europe. In Belgium, for example a 14 is very good--with an average of 14 you would still be distinction cum laude at graduation with a 3.4 G.P.A!! In Italy, on the other hand, a person would be absolutely offended to get lower than an 18 out of 20 on an assignment, while in Britain, someone would be honored to get a 13, which is their equivalent of probably and A-/B+.

Generally, these different grade perceptions don't make a difference since they're country dependent. Vesalius, however, has to make a distinction because it has abroad students from the U.S. as well as students from the Netherlands, Germany, Britain, and tons and tons of other countries. Result: adjusted grading scale. Who knew!!??