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I've heard that it is best not to do so. After our first (and only so far) test everyone was asking me what I got. I was able to give a vague answer for the most part, but some people get really pushy. For the people who pushed for the exact grade, I found all of them got irritated with me or had a biting remark. Kind of infuriating. I don't feel that I should have to apologize for doing well OR have to deal with people pressing me about my grade in the first place.
It really became a downer for me in a time that I should have been pleased with myself. I managed to pull an A (a low A, but an A) after a very rocky start to the semester with my husband in ICU for four days. I resent pulling out of that mess with an A only to be brought down by my classmates.
What is your policy on this sort of thing and how do you politely refuse to be specific about your score?
I learned a long time ago to keep things like grades private. People will gossip anyway, but I don't join in. If asked I will say,"I did well, I am satisfied, and you?" That usually turns attention to what people like to talk about most, themselves. If pressed I will say,"I did well and I hope you understand that I prefer not to share exact grades". If they are reasonable that will do, if not, too bad. Mind you, I am always willing to help people if asked, but my private stuff stays private, and I know that's the best policy.
I usually only get asked by people I study with, and I don't mind telling them. I usually do pretty well and it can be awkward if they say they did really bad and then ask you, and you got a high A. If I didn't want someone to know my grade, I would lie to them. It's no one's business what grade you get and if it makes you feel uncomfortable then just lie and say you got a B. That way you are right in the middle.
If someone asks, I'll tell them my grade, but I don't offer first and I don't ask anyone other than my friends (we usually compare results right away). I don't really care what they think; if someone wants to feel superior b/c they got a better grade or they feel inferior b/c I did better than them, that's their issue, not mine.
tokyoROSE, BSN, RN
1 Article; 526 Posts
I didn't realize your fellow classmates were so cut throat. I have no problems sharing my grade, and neither do those I talk to. It isn't a big deal. At the end of the day, everyone earns their grade and if I get frustrated, its a bit reassuring I'm not the only one.