What if an A+ could cancel out a lower grade

Depends on how it is implemented. This system would be great for people who are already on top, earning A+ in almost every class. Those top people would be able to distinguish themselves as the "elite best" apart from the "casual best". This would suck for the "casual best" because their percentiles will now be seen as the new B+/A-, giving them more pressure to fight for that top percentile.

This would also lead to more competition and less collaboration. Currently, you helping dozens of classmates probably won't affect your own grade that much. You can all potentially end up getting A's because there a range in which you fall to get that.

In a percentile system, helping even a few people can mean they knock you off your percentile.

/r/UCDavis Thread Parent