In the series “Student Voices,” current students write about the reasons they chose Hampshire and how our educational model works from their perspective.
Most educational systems are based upon grades, on measuring a student’s academic performance in numbers and letters. While this may motivate some students to do well, for others it is a hindrance to their learning. Many students have trouble benefiting from grades and may not know exactly what to take away from them. Instead, they might find more value in constructive written feedback, explaining how they could do better.
When I was in high school, I was one of these students who didn’t feel like grades were very helpful to me. Although my grades were fine, I didn’t feel like they were the best way to evaluate my progress. While I received some written feedback from my teachers, the final grade was always considered more important than the actual work I had completed.
As a junior in high school, I began to research colleges. My mom told me about Hampshire College—which she knew about because my uncle had attended—and described its alternative system, which allows students to design their own majors. I was intrigued by the idea, and about a year later I sent in my application. After I’d been accepted, I learned that additionally, Hampshire professors give students written evaluations instead of letter grades.
At Hampshire, students are more than their grades. Instead, Hampshire focuses on the student as a unique individual—someone who has the responsibility to design their own education, and to learn from the feedback of classmates and professors.
I was already pretty sure I would choose Hampshire, but this discovery made me realize it was truly the perfect choice for me. If you’re searching for colleges that care about more than grades, Hampshire may be the right choice for you, too.
Turn your ideas into action.
Learn more about Hampshire College.
