A graduate student is assumed to be fairly mature academically, and self-motivated to a large extent. Unlike undergraduate studies, emphasis here should be on obtaining deeper understanding of challenging and interesting subjects, and less on obataining high grades like undergrad. Naturally not all of you can become top rankers here, nor is it necessary as long as you gain a sound understanding and mastery of the subjects. Graduate studies have other equally important or superior metrics for measuring performance. For example: how well you do in courses from a focused area of your interest and choice; how well you do in your dissertation work; may be even how well you do in academic work that you undertake beyond the classroom and project. This doesn't mean you do not strive to get the best grades. Getting superior grades is important but is only one of many aspects of the learning process .