Are my chances of getting an A bad if my final is worth 70% of my grade?

[YourCall]

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Here's the layout of the class:

Quiz's (10%)
Midterm 1 (20%)
Midterm 2 (20%)
Final (50%)


I got the full 10% on the quiz's, 18.2% on Midterm 1 (91 out of 100), and I was not able to take midterm 2 due to an illness.

The professor said that now, the final will count 70% of my grade.

All jokes aside, if you have a knowledgable opinion on what to do in my position (drop or keep the class) please let me know.

This class is on a curve and I realize this will significantly impact my grade, but in general, will having a final worth 70% of my grade while everyone else in the class having a final worth 50% of their grade put me at a disadvantage in getting an A in the class? Thanks a lot.

 

[centrigeugle]

There is absolutely nobody who can tell you this.

Having more weight on your final is good, if you do well.

Having more weight on your final is bad, if you do poorly.

If you feel like your final exam score will be higher than your hypothetical second exam would have been, it's good. If you feel like it will be lower, it's bad.

So just do well. I like having lots of weight on tests - but then I test well. Quizzes are dumb.

 

[zwitterion34]

I would stay based on your midterm 1 performance.

 

[LeoGer]

You really thought this was worth creating a thread, huh?

 

[CodeBlu]

Here's the layout of the class:

Quiz's (10%)
Midterm 1 (20%)
Midterm 2 (20%)
Final (50%)


I got the full 10% on the quiz's, 18.2% on Midterm 1 (91 out of 100), and I was not able to take midterm 2 due to an illness.

The professor said that now, the final will count 70% of my grade.

All jokes aside, if you have a knowledgable opinion on what to do in my position (drop or keep the class) please let me know.

This class is on a curve and I realize this will significantly impact my grade, but in general, will having a final worth 70% of my grade while everyone else in the class having a final worth 50% of their grade put me at a disadvantage in getting an A in the class? Thanks a lot.

I wrote an organic chemistry final worth 80% of my grade... no make-ups for the midterm I missed.

I got 79/80 on that exam.

I don't think you're at a disadvantage at all. Just study. It's another test, another scantron. No big deal. Keep up the good work!

 

[CodeBlu]

You really thought this was worth creating a thread, huh?

Leo.... let go of that electron... play nice now!

A 70% exam is sort of scary.

 

[Eric01]

Well if you felt confident on the midterm 2 material and you already did well on the first midterm material then I don't see anything too bad. It all gets averaged out.

Let's say you had the same average and the final was worth 50% of your grade. (assuming 90 percent is an A)

90 = x(.5) + 91*.2+100*.1+91*.2
x = 87.5%

Now with 70% weight
90 = x(.7) + 91*.2+100*.1
x = 88.28%

So the difference is less than one point more you have to make (assuming similar performance on midterm 2)

It actually could have worked in your favor, maybe you would have performed worse on midterm 2 and then you'd have to have made a much higher grade to get an A.

 

[Tin Man]

Like people say, you'll do fine if you study.

Just think about if you had a final that was the SOLE factor in calculating your class grade. Obviously, this would be good if you understood the material and dedicated time to studying. It would be horrifying if you did not understand the material and/or did not spend enough time studying.

I actually prefer classes that have a couple of high-value graded assignments (like tests) over classes that nickel-and-dime you to death every day.

 

[Barcu]

Like people say, you'll do fine if you study.

Just think about if you had a final that was the SOLE factor in calculating your class grade. Obviously, this would be good if you understood the material and dedicated time to studying. It would be horrifying if you did not understand the material and/or did not spend enough time studying.

I actually prefer classes that have a couple of high-value graded assignments (like tests) over classes that nickel-and-dime you to death every day.

I prefer a few high-value assignments as well. I think it takes more discipline since you aren't really being forced to go over the material is much but I cannot stand busy work assignments and quizzes. Just keep up on the work.

Based on your first test, you should probably be ok. Just make sure you prepare sufficiently and in advance. If you have trouble with something, go in to the professor well ahead of your final.

 

[Barcu]

Just think about if you had a final that was the SOLE factor in calculating your class grade.

I had one of those. It was a bit scary, but it ended up working out. I wouldn't mind having to do it again, but I would prefer a few (2 or 3) larger assignments.

 

[zamzee]

A 70% final is very intimidating, but in my pre-med experience, finals worth that much are usually easier than the midterms. Professors, if they have any heart, know that you aren't going to remember every single detail of every single lecture. Because of that, they usually repeat lots of questions in the exam, give them in an easier format like multiple choice, or just give easier questions that test a more basic knowledge. Good luck!

 

[YourCall]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for the support and advice.