Beyond the Letter: What “Do I Deserve an A+?” Really Asks
That question. It echoes in your head after hitting submit on a major assignment, staring at a blank exam booklet, or waiting nervously for grades to post. “Do I deserve an A+?” It’s more than just wondering about a mark; it’s tangled up with validation, effort, self-worth, and our deepest anxieties about achievement. Let’s unpack what’s really going on when we ask ourselves this, and what a healthier, more productive mindset might look like.
The Trap of “Deserving”
The word “deserve” is tricky territory. It implies a transaction: I put in X amount of effort, therefore I deserve Y result. If we pour hours into studying, pull an all-nighter, or meticulously followed the rubric, we feel entitled to that top grade. It feels only fair.
But here’s the rub: academic achievement isn’t solely about effort, just like a perfect soufflé isn’t guaranteed just because you whisked the eggs really, really hard. It’s also about:
1. Understanding & Application: Did you truly grasp the concepts deeply enough to apply them creatively, solve novel problems, or articulate nuanced arguments? Or did you just memorize facts well enough to regurgitate them?
2. Mastery of the Rubric/Criteria: An A+ typically signifies exceptional work that exceeds expectations. Did your work not only meet all requirements but truly shine? Did it demonstrate originality, critical thinking, or exceptional skill?
3. The Nature of the Task: Some tasks (like complex problem-solving, sophisticated analysis, or creative synthesis) inherently have a higher ceiling than others (like basic recall or following simple instructions). An A+ in the former requires a different level of engagement than the latter.
4. External Factors: Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things outside our control affect the outcome – an unclear question, unexpected personal stress, even the subjective lens of the grader (though good rubrics minimize this).
Focusing solely on “I worked hard, I deserve it” overlooks these crucial dimensions. It risks conflating effort with outcome and mastery.
What the Question Often Hides
Beneath the surface, “Do I deserve an A+?” can mask other feelings:
Fear of Failure/Inadequacy: We might be seeking reassurance that we are “good enough,” smart enough, capable. The A+ becomes a symbol of our worth.
Comparison: We look at peers and wonder, “They got an A+, why not me?” It sparks insecurity and feelings of being left behind.
External Pressure: Pressure from parents, scholarship requirements, or competitive programs can make grades feel like life-or-death matters, intensifying the focus on the highest possible mark.
Seeking Validation: We crave external recognition – the A+ is tangible proof that someone (the professor, the system) acknowledges our work as excellent.
Shifting the Focus: From “Deserve” to “Develop”
Instead of getting stuck on whether we “deserve” a specific grade, a more empowering and ultimately more successful approach is to shift our focus:
1. Mastery Over Marks: Aim for deep understanding and genuine skill development. Ask yourself: “What did I really learn from this? What concepts am I confident in? Where are my gaps?” This intrinsic motivation leads to more durable learning and often, ironically, better results in the long run.
2. Effort is Necessary, But Not Sufficient: Recognize the incredible value of hard work and discipline – they are foundational. But also critically assess how you worked. Were your study methods effective? Did you seek help when stuck? Did you engage actively with the material beyond just completing tasks? Refine your strategies.
3. Understand the “Why” Behind the Grade: If you don’t get the A+, instead of feeling slighted, seek specific feedback. Ask: “What would have taken this work to the next level?” “Can you point me to an example of work that met the A+ standard?” This transforms the grade from a judgment into actionable guidance for growth.
4. Process Over Product: Celebrate the learning journey itself – the moments of insight, the challenges overcome, the skills practiced. The grade is a snapshot; the process is the movie.
5. Define Your Own Success: While external standards exist, also consider your personal goals. Did you push yourself beyond your comfort zone? Did you improve significantly from your last attempt? Did you conquer a topic you found intimidating? These are valid and valuable measures of success.
What an A+ Actually Represents (Ideally)
When we move past entitlement, we can appreciate what an A+ should signify:
Exceptional Understanding: Demonstrating not just knowledge, but deep comprehension and the ability to see connections others might miss.
Originality & Insight: Bringing a fresh perspective, asking novel questions, or offering a unique synthesis of ideas.
Exceeding Expectations: Going demonstrably beyond the basic requirements of the assignment.
Excellence in Execution: Work that is not only correct but exceptionally well-crafted, presented, and argued.
Consistency: Maintaining this high level throughout the work.
It’s less about what you “deserve” based on hours logged, and more about the tangible quality and depth of what you produced and understood.
The More Important Question
So, next time that nagging “Do I deserve an A+?” pops up, try replacing it with these more constructive questions:
“Did I truly master the core concepts and skills this assignment was designed to assess?”
“Where did I excel in this work, and where could I have pushed myself further?”
“What specific feedback can I get to improve next time?”
“What did I learn through this process that I can carry forward?”
“Am I focusing on learning for understanding, or just for the grade?”
Letting go of the fixation on “deserving” an A+ frees up mental energy for what truly matters: genuine learning, continuous improvement, and building real competence. The ironic truth? Students who focus relentlessly on deep understanding and mastery, who embrace feedback and refine their approach, are far more likely to consistently achieve those top grades – not because they felt entitled to them, but because they genuinely earned them through exceptional work and learning. The A+ then becomes a welcome byproduct of the journey, not the sole destination. The real prize isn’t the letter on the transcript; it’s the knowledge, skills, and resilience you carry with you long after the grade is forgotten.
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