New research has discovered that having a last name with a letter in the alphabet such as Williams, or Zimmers could result in lower grades. Conversely having a last name that starts with A or B like Anderson or Clark could give you better grades. According to a study published by the University of Michigan, this phenomenon is caused by teachers grading students by alphabetical order. Researchers analyzed more than 30 million grading records from the University, which uses Canvas, and found that teachers were biased when grading students with lower last names. Students who were graded first received an average of 0.3 points out of 100 possible points. However, students at the end of the alphabet receive 0.3 lower points than average. They also found that lower-alphabet students receive more negative feedback and receive lower-quality grading. This could be due to the fatigue teachers experience after grading 30 other students' essays before they come to the last student, tired and exhausted after correcting hundreds of spelling mistakes. Teacher’s grading will get more sloppy and rushed as they want to be done already. They lose attention and cognitive abilities as they reach the end of the alphabet. Teachers also start grading essays on a curve, comparing your essay to the best essays of the last 30 students. This would indefinitely result in a more harsh grading. This experience is amplified for students who are graded after a student whose work is fabulous. So the next time your parents complain about your grades, you can blame it on them for giving you a bad last name.  

The Republican Primary

By Clarence Fernando

About the Race

There is less than one year to go before the 2024 Presidential Election. Some argue that it could be the most influential election of the century. The winner will have the power to change America’s future. The two big parties, the Republicans and Democrats, have already started turning the gears of the campaigning process. Current President Joe Biden looks like the most likely Democratic Nominee. But on the right side, a fray of candidates have thrown themselves into the GOP primary race, hoping to win the hearts and minds of voters. This is important, as only 40% of Americans approve of Biden’s presidency. This gives a republican candidate a chance to take back the white house. But it is not an easy process. The Republican party has to choose one individual, to represent and lead their party into what could be the most tumultuous election ever. As voting for these candidates begins in some states, let’s look at the top candidates and where they stand. 

Donald Trump

He may easily be one of the most famous people alive in the US today. His potential involvement in the historic January 6th Riot and having 4 separate indictments, which no past president has ever had, has vaulted him to the top of American political coverage. But despite this, it hasn’t stopped republican voters from backing the former president, who promises to “Make America Great Again.” His base extends far and deep into the Republican bloc, as more than half of the Republican base supports him. His goal: is to lead our country back to Safety, Prosperity, and Peace. Trump’s extremist views on key republican issues have many Democrats worried. His loud rhetoric on “Crooked Joe Biden” has had many Republicans cheering his name. Trump’s stronghold on the republican party has never been more powerful, with even some people claiming that they’d sacrifice their lives for Trump. But not all Republicans like Trump. There’s a small group of Republicans that could manage to strip the former president of his power and glory.

Nikki Haley

Besides Trump, Nikki Haley is the only other candidate who has seen a boost in support. Nikki Haley has proven herself to be a formidable adversary and a strong leader. An Indian American and the only woman in the primary field, she has set herself apart from other candidates. But only polling around 15%, she has a long way to go to overtake Donald Trump. But her support is growing and gaining momentum. With solid debate performances under her belt, many Republicans have been expressing interest in her campaign. Her past experiences in the UN have given her a strong background in dealing with foreign affairs and her unique stance on abortion has appealed to many voters who don’t want Trump. Despite being behind the front-runner, Trump, she has refrained from directly criticizing him. Her background has appealed to many voters, especially women.

Ron Desantis

Once thought to be a potential challenger to Trump, Ron Desantis is slowly falling into the shadows. The Florida Governor has been trying to sell himself as a more modern version of Trump without the Trump drama. Unfortunately, his campaign has had a few stumbles as it tries to sway voters back to him. While his landslide win in the 2022 Florida governor’s race showed that he could get the job done, the chances of winning the nomination seem to be diminishing. Donors have been turning towards Nikki Haley. In his time as governor, he has signed controversial bills involving people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Desantis has been part of Trump’s jokes, such as Trump referring to him as “Desanctimonius”.  But Desantis could win if he can break the barrier between him and the voters. 

Vivek Ramaswamy 

And there’s Vivek, the newcomer to the political world. Like Trump in 2016, Vivek hasn’t held a political office before his candidacy. Out of the candidates, Vivek is the youngest. He claims that he is the next generation of leaders. He’s running with an anti-woke focus and has advocated for more radical measures. Other candidates have shown their disapproval of the 38-year-old, with Haley being the most vocal. His cocky attitude has drawn voters in but has also caused some to leave. His policies mirror Trump and have even praised the former president. As president, he has promised to eradicate several federal agencies, including the Department of Education, build a wall on the US borders of Mexico and Canada, and end Ukrainian support. He also claims that the climate agenda is a hoax and it is the biggest threat to our country.