As high school grades in Ontario continue to rise, graduating students are facing increasing pressure and anxiety about their university prospects. The latest data from the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) reveals a concerning trend: entry averages for Grade 12 students entering university have been steadily climbing for 15 years, with the latest figures from 2021 showing averages between 85.4-92.9%. This is a stark contrast to the 2017 data, which showed averages between 82.2-90.4%. The trend is causing a 'clustering' of grades, with students and teachers feeling the pressure to achieve high marks. This has led to a situation where students are feeling anxious and stressed, with some even considering retaking courses to boost their averages. The situation is so dire that some students are now contemplating attending college first to apply to university as mature students, where the admissions criteria differ. The issue of grade inflation has been ongoing for years, but it has intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ontario government is aware of the problem and is consulting with institutions, students, and stakeholders to address the issue. However, experts suggest that the admissions process needs to become more transparent, and universities should take the lead in tackling the problem. The current system is 'dysfunctional' and requires an overhaul to ensure a fair and competitive university admissions process.
