Researchers analyzed over 30 million student records and made a fascinating discovery that’s sure to raise a few eyebrows. It turns out, kids with names starting with the first few letters of the alphabet (think A, B, C, D, and E) tend to get better grades than their classmates with initials toward the end of the alphabet.
The Alphabet Advantage: Is it Real?
The study found that students whose names fall at the beginning of the alphabet often receive better grades—not because they’re inherently smarter, but because of how grading typically works. In many cases, teachers grade assignments in alphabetical order. That means if your child’s last name starts with an A or B, they’re likely to have their papers graded first. And here’s the kicker: The first few assignments in the stack tend to get more favorable scores.
“The person with the initial at the beginning of the alphabet was much more likely to be designated by teachers as an exceptional student,” reveals Jeffrey Zax, an economics professor and co-author of the study.
Why? Well, for one, teachers are less fatigued when they begin grading. We all know that after a long day, it’s hard to maintain focus and patience. So, those initial papers often get a little extra attention, while later ones may suffer from the grader’s dwindling energy. It’s an unconscious bias, but a real one.
According to the study, students whose papers are graded first typically score an average of 3.5 points higher than those whose assignments are graded much later in the pile. So, is it all about luck and alphabetical placement? Not entirely—but it’s certainly a factor.
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What Does This Mean for Your Child?
So, what can you take away from all this? If your child’s name starts with a letter near the start of the alphabet, they might be at a slight advantage when it comes to grading. But don’t start stressing over the Z names just yet—this doesn’t mean your child is doomed to low grades if their name starts with an S or a T.
The key takeaway here is that the grading process is not as objective as we’d like to think. Small factors, like the order in which assignments are graded, can influence outcomes in ways that feel totally random. This doesn’t make the system unfair per se; it’s just a reminder that there are subtle, often invisible factors at play in education that go beyond a student’s abilities.
In the grand scheme of things, the most important thing you can do as a parent is to encourage your child to work hard, ask questions when they’re confused, and develop a strong work ethic. While initials may give some students a small edge, it’s their dedication and effort that truly set them apart in the long run.
Can We Really Control This?
Unfortunately, we can’t exactly change our child’s initials, nor can we control when their papers are graded. But we can encourage them to take ownership of their learning and to actively engage in their education. Asking questions in class, seeking feedback, and practicing good study habits will always outweigh the random effects of alphabetical order.
And let’s not forget the importance of self-advocacy. Teaching your child to speak up when they’re struggling or when they feel their grades don’t reflect their efforts can make all the difference.
