Midterms are winding down, and for many students grades now function as a wake-up call. For some students, this is the first real feedback on how they have performed in class.As the semester reaches its midway point, some are pleased, others worried. But for those who rejoice over a triangular-shaped letter on our grade report, this could be the last time we get such high marks.”A larger percentage of students now get A’s than ever before,” according to a Feb. report released by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA).ACTA calls this phenomenon “grade inflation,” underscoring the fact that these As are artificially high grades.Grade inflation cheapens the value of high grades.Traditionally, a grade of A meant “excellent” while B meant “above average.” A letter grade of C meant “average.”Regardless of what parents may tell their children, not everyone is exemplary. Most people are “average,” and even fewer are above average.The ACTA report cites many sources of inflated grades. Students who expect to get an A simply because they did the work, teachers concerned with high marks on student evaluations and a prevailing mindset that high grades equal high self-esteem are cited as reasons for the problem.Students are expected to want to get the most bang for their many, many bucks, and professors understandably want to be regarded highly by their students, if for no other reason than the fact that the administration evaluates them based on student feedback.There is an epidemic infecting the country, and grade inflation is just another symptom.It seems if a person is told they are average or not as capable as someone else, his worth as a human being is cheapened. Instead, we want everyone to be equal in ability and aptitude.But we are not all equal.To be sure, all people are equally valuable simply by virtue of their humanity. However, not all people are capable of doing the same things.Many believe the equality held dear by Americans means equality of status. They see it as unfair that some people are able to afford multi-million dollar homes while others live in apartments or trailers.They think the net worth of an individual signifies their value as a person.People are different, and their abilities reflect the diversity.It is not unfair for a doctor to make a six-figure salary while a plumber makes $38,000. Neither is it unfair for a student who doesn’t understand the material as well as a classmate to make a lower grade. There is no shame in being the best and the brightest, nor is there any shame in being average.Grade inflation lowers the bar and diminishes the possibility of doing truly exceptional work. Not only does it cheapen the work of those who actually earn the highest mark, but it doesn’t allow students who may do average or slightly above average work the opportunity to improve.Nobody is guaranteed an equality of status. Not everyone is going to make $80,000. Some will make more, some less. But everyone is guaranteed equality of opportunity to increase their abilities and status in life.If grade inflation continues to give students an undeserved sense of accomplishment, this equality of opportunity will disappear.Not everyone is an A student. In fact, most of us aren’t.A low grade doesn’t mean you did something wrong. Grades are neither punitive nor a reward. They are a reflection of achievement and an opportunity to learn.Drew Walker is a 24-year-old philosophy senior from Walker.—-Contact Drew Walker at [email protected]