Rank-Based Grading

Rank-based grading is a grading system by which a student receives grades based on his/her rank within the class. Schools that use rank-based grading usually do not use a traditional GPA measure. 

Benefits of Rank-Based Grading


One of the main benefits of grading students by class rank is that it eliminates grade inflation.   There is no incentive or risk of teachers handing out too many high grades, because the students are compared only against each other.

Drawbacks of Rank-Based Grading


The chief drawback of a rank-based grading system is that it does not take into account the overall academic ability of a school.  A student who ranks at the top of a class at a mediocre school may have similar academic ability to that of another student at a very competitive school, but ranks lower within his/her class.

Common Uses of Rank-Based Grading


Rank-based grading is commonly used in high schools and some graduate schools.  It is more meaningful when used in the context of a relatively small class.  Many colleges do not used rank-based grades, because there are simply too many students within a class.
Law schools are notorious for using class rankings to place their graduates with employers.