Can someone confirm if my neurobio class had a reasonable curve?

[MD4Sure]

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Hello everyone. I just received my grade for my neurobio class, a B, and I'm honestly really surprised. I thought the class was difficult and I was doing allright because of the amount of time I put in, but apparently this was not the case. I wanted to see what you guys and girls think about this curve? THe class has three exams and a final. One of the regular exams can be dropped. Class size is 200.

Test 1 average: 76.2%
Test 2 average: 65.4%
Test 3 average: 66.2%
Final Exam average: 74.5%

- Each exam is equally weighted
- One of the first three exams are dropped

Grade cut-offs:
A: >90
A-: 89-90
B+: 87-89
B: 80.5-87
B-: 77.5-80.5
C+: 75-77.5
C: 50-75
D: 42-50
F: <42

I had a test average of 82% after the dropped exam
What do you think about this curve? Is it justified?

 

[willen101383]

Hello everyone. I just received my grade for my neurobio class, a B, and I'm honestly really surprised. I thought the class was difficult and I was doing allright because of the amount of time I put in, but apparently this was not the case. I wanted to see what you guys and girls think about this curve? THe class has three exams and a final. One of the regular exams can be dropped. Class size is 200.

Test 1 average: 76.2%
Test 2 average: 65.4%
Test 3 average: 66.2%
Final Exam average: 74.5%

- Each exam is equally weighted
- One of the first three exams are dropped

Grade cut-offs:
A: >90
A-: 89-90
B+: 87-89
B: 80.5-87
B-: 77.5-80.5
C+: 75-77.5
C: 50-75
D: 42-50
F: <42

I had a test average of 82% after the dropped exam
What do you think about this curve? Is it justified?

Thats what our (nonexistent) curves looked like as an undergrad. So basically you got the grade you got unless you were close to failing. This is how the curves we got during my m1/m2 years looked as well. Almost no curve up top...massive curve down low.

 

[Praefectus]

It sounds reasonable. The mean grade is a high C after the dropped test. However, the overall average of the class is probably higher because I doubt that the entire class dropped only the 2nd test (which would mean that the averages for the 2nd and 3rd tests went up).

 

[pfaction]

Wow, that curve is decently leinent. Here's our PharmD "curve":

0 tests dropped
Each test 50%: mid/final
(for 3 tests, average 33%)
90+ = A
87-89 = A-
84-86=B+
80-83=B
same trends: 70=C
60=D
<60=F

 

[VisionaryTics]

No, MY TEST had the worst curve!!11

Yeah, OP, looks a little stiff, but not ridiculous. A B isn't too bad.

 

[MD4Sure]

I guess, but what bothers me is the huge range for a B while B+ has a 2 point range while A- only has a 1 point range. It just doesn't make sense to me. Furthermore, the final exam (cumulative) is worth as much as a standard exam. I got an 88 but it still wasn't good enough.

Also btw, the average for single exams doesn't include people who decided to skip the exam knowing that a grade is dropped. For example, about 20 people skipped exam 3 which was not accounted for. However, I'm assuming the overall average of all tests after dropping one was used to determine this screwed up scale

 

[JCTWP46]

Wow, that curve is decently leinent. Here's our PharmD "curve":

0 tests dropped
Each test 50%: mid/final
(for 3 tests, average 33%)
90+ = A
87-89 = A-
84-86=B+
80-83=B
same trends: 70=C
60=D
<60=F

Wow, wish I had a curve like this. Two 88 averages got me 2 B's.

 

[smarts1]

I am the only one who thinks this curve is crazy?........ The class is curved to around a C/C+...

 

[Aerus]

I am the only one who thinks this curve is crazy?........ The class is curved to around a C/C+...

Sounds alright to me. Many science classes have harsh curves. He also drops one test. I think that's fine.

 

[Morsetlis]

Yes, if it involves dropping a test, you have no reasonable complaints.

 

[Frazier]

U guys get curves in your courses?

😎

 

[myronnie]

This is almost exactly the curve for the upper level science classes at my state university. Try getting a 92.45 in biochem and earning an a-. Yeah.

 

[sliceofbread136]

You fools need to learn what myedu.com is. Amateurs.

 

[Stumpyman]

You got a curve, and got to drop a test?



I wish I took the class.

 

[galaxyx]

I am the only one who thinks this curve is crazy?........ The class is curved to around a C/C+...

Well, traditionally C=average... It's only modern due to modern entitlements that kids think classes should be averaged to a B.

Also, as to the deep curve at the bottom, professors are forced to have those because schools frown upon kids failing. The professor is responsible for failing grades, not the kid who never opened a book, didn't do the hw, etc.

 

[sliceofbread136]

Well, traditionally C=average... It's only modern due to modern entitlements that kids think classes should be averaged to a B.

Also, as to the deep curve at the bottom, professors are forced to have those because schools frown upon kids failing. The professor is responsible for failing grades, not the kid who never opened a book, didn't do the hw, etc.

Ya ya ya, everybody our age sucks but you. What a terrible generation.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

At my school absolutely none of the professors curve. So that means we get what we earn throughout the year. I definitely wish we had a curve, it would be nice to be given a few points every once and a while.

 

[SpecterGT260]

A 3.9 for Med admissions means much less when the average is a 3.0 vs a traditional 2.0.

Some classes can suck bc of the sheer # of people and crap shoot test outcomes. But generally in higher level classes there are enough people that just need to pass to get their degree that As are not unreachable via curve.

Curve looks fine to me

 

[dmf2682]

With a dropped exam you have no excuse to complain. Without the dropped exam I'd say that curve is similar to my orgo class, which I consider to be incredibly lenient compared to my undergrad engineering coursework.

 

[galaxyx]

Ya ya ya, everybody our age sucks but you. What a terrible generation.

Ok, if you're offended, ignore the word entitlements. My jab at the whiny kids doesn't make what I said less true.
BTW...not your age...

 

[sliceofbread136]

Ok, if you're offended, ignore the word entitlements. My jab at the whiny kids doesn't make what I said less true.
BTW...not your age...

I think the whiny kid is actually you. Wah wah everyone so entitled boo hoo.

 

[Heavens Cloud]

This is almost exactly the curve for the upper level science classes at my state university. Try getting a 92.45 in biochem and earning an a-. Yeah.

I got a 93.7% in my biochem class and that was an A-. I asked the professor and he said "I hold the best to the highest standard" 😕

And the averages were ~65, no tests dropped.

Gotta love state schools.

 

[MDschoolorbust]

I got a 93.7% in my biochem class and that was an A-. I asked the professor and he said "I hold the best to the highest standard" 😕

And the averages were ~65, no tests dropped.

Gotta love state schools.

Same exact thing happened to me with Orgo 1. Ridiculous. The test average was below 70, no curve, and a 94 was an A. I had only a 92, but still. Orgo is the bane of my existence.

 

[JoshuaGuit]

Sounds pretty fair to me. If the average was a 75, a competitive student in the class should be aiming for something around an 85 or above. that puts you close to an A- or B. Seems hard to get an A, but isn't that how it should be?

 

[flodhi1]

There shouldn't be any complains since your class is actually curved. Also it looks about right the class average was a C you were a bit over it and got a B.

 

[youmed]

Honestly, this curve looks pretty damn good to me.

 

[kpcrew]

looks fine although he seems stingy with the C+s

 

[Godric]

Looks like a normal grading scheme to me, most of my undergrad career has been like that. Only a few classes have done the "drop lowest exam", most dont. I once had a class where an A was 91.5+. And your classes averages seem high at my school we're told 60% average is amazing.

 

[V5RED]

You fools need to learn what myedu.com is. Amateurs.

Myedu is not exactly universal. Most colleges I have tried to check out on that site had no data.

Fortunately mine had data.

 

[TheWeeIceMan]

I hate to be the guy that says this, but as an engineering major, I would kill for that curve/drop policy.

 

[MD4Sure]

Yeah that curve is great for people on the bottom of the class who can guarantee themselves C's without much effort. I find it hard to believe so many people did well at this course considering the amount of effort I put into this vs. other classes. I thought the tests were relatively challenging and required a great deal of studying. W/e i'll deal with. Thanks for the input btw

 

[deleted393595]

Hello everyone. I just received my grade for my neurobio class, a B, and I'm honestly really surprised. I thought the class was difficult and I was doing allright because of the amount of time I put in, but apparently this was not the case. I wanted to see what you guys and girls think about this curve? THe class has three exams and a final. One of the regular exams can be dropped. Class size is 200.

Test 1 average: 76.2%
Test 2 average: 65.4%
Test 3 average: 66.2%
Final Exam average: 74.5%

- Each exam is equally weighted
- One of the first three exams are dropped

Grade cut-offs:
A: >90
A-: 89-90
B+: 87-89
B: 80.5-87
B-: 77.5-80.5
C+: 75-77.5
C: 50-75
D: 42-50
F: <42

I had a test average of 82% after the dropped exam
What do you think about this curve? Is it justified?

Sounds more than fair

 

[lobo.solo]

I am always wonder about curving, my state school doesn't curve the classes. Is it easier or harder? The curve seems fine to me an A is 90%, which is good in comparison to >92% for an A.

 

[Koosalagoosagoo]

That curve is quite generous! I have had a professor adjust the curve since grades were higher after half the class dropped, I didn't like that...

 

[911 Turbo]

You fools need to learn what myedu.com is. Amateurs.

Lol myedu... not always the best indicator. People come on there to cry about their grades and complain about the professor so everything is skewed.

 

[ACE Rx]

Wow, that curve is decently leinent. Here's our PharmD "curve":

0 tests dropped
Each test 50%: mid/final
(for 3 tests, average 33%)
90+ = A
87-89 = A-
84-86=B+
80-83=B
same trends: 70=C
60=D
<60=F

There's a curve for pharmacy school?

There's one class I had that the grading scheme went something like this...
95+ = A
90-94 = B
85-89 = C
80-84 = D
0 - 79 = F

No curve.

Reasoning: If you mess up, you just killed someone's life. Therefore, don't mess up. -_-

 

[Koosalagoosagoo]

There's a curve for pharmacy school?

There's one class I had that the grading scheme went something like this...
95+ = A
90-94 = B
85-89 = C
80-84 = D
0 - 79 = F

No curve.

Reasoning: If you mess up, you just killed someone's life. Therefore, don't mess up. -_-

What the hell

 

[sliceofbread136]

Lol myedu... not always the best indicator. People come on there to cry about their grades and complain about the professor so everything is skewed.

Hint: Grade distribution data is what matters.

 

[MedPR]

Seems fine to me. 80-82.9 was a B- at my school.

 

[V5RED]

Lol myedu... not always the best indicator. People come on there to cry about their grades and complain about the professor so everything is skewed.

You are thinking of rate my professors.

Myedu posts the number of people who got any particular grade in a given class with a given professor each year. Based on the classes I have taken and how the teachers have curved, Myedu is pretty reliable for that.

 

[911 Turbo]

You are thinking of rate my professors.

Myedu posts the number of people who got any particular grade in a given class with a given professor each year. Based on the classes I have taken and how the teachers have curved, Myedu is pretty reliable for that.

Hmm yeah I've seen that I've always assumed those stats are user generated. Are those numbers taken from university reporting?

 

[V5RED]

Hmm yeah I've seen that I've always assumed those stats are user generated. Are those numbers taken from university reporting?

The numbers come from the schools according to MyEdu's own discussion board. One of their employees was posting about it.

 

[mgg]

At my school, a solid A is 93 or higher. And there are no curves

 

[sliceofbread136]

This thread makes me lol. Everyone wants to act like their classes are really hard.

 

[Iso4ane]

Well, traditionally C=average... It's only modern due to modern entitlements that kids think classes should be averaged to a B.

Also, as to the deep curve at the bottom, professors are forced to have those because schools frown upon kids failing. The professor is responsible for failing grades, not the kid who never opened a book, didn't do the hw, etc.

+1

I agree with this, cause statistically 66% if the class should be "average" or within a std dev of the mean. And if the prof, was able to get a test were the average is 75%, props to that guy, cause you have no idea how hard that can be.

And like one of my professors used to say, if you do the work, like everyone else, you get and C. You have to go above and beyond to get an A. And realistically, I think this should be the case. We have become to accustomed to getting good grades...and thats the one extra point of "weeder" classes, not only be hard to make people drop, but to see who can rise to the occasion and still work there way through.

 

[sliceofbread136]

+1

I agree with this, cause statistically 66% if the class should be "average" or within a std dev of the mean. And if the prof, was able to get a test were the average is 75%, props to that guy, cause you have no idea how hard that can be.

And like one of my professors used to say, if you do the work, like everyone else, you get and C. You have to go above and beyond to get an A. And realistically, I think this should be the case. We have become to accustomed to getting good grades...and thats the one extra point of "weeder" classes, not only be hard to make people drop, but to see who can rise to the occasion and still work there way through.

Ya this applied when the average was expected to be a 75%. Now it seems most people expect the average to be a B, so if a professor grades more traditionally he's actually hurting students because it looks like they are doing worse than average.

 

[Iso4ane]

Ya this applied when the average was expected to be a 75%. Now it seems most people expect the average to be a B, so if a professor grades more traditionally he's actually hurting students because it looks like they are doing worse than average.

I guess, but one B or C will not kill you GPA. You can get about one B a smester and still end up with a 3.75-3.8 which is still competitive.

If you think about most med students are the cream of the crop, so people do it, and someone has to be on the top.

I guess I in the end if there is no curve (assuming people in the class still get A's and B's), the student isn't complaining as much about the curve, as their lack of ability to to stay on top with the best of students.

 

[sliceofbread136]

I guess, but one B or C will not kill you GPA. You can get about one B a smester and still end up with a 3.75-3.8 which is still competitive.

If you think about most med students are the cream of the crop, so people do it, and someone has to be on the top.

I guess I in the end if there is no curve (assuming people in the class still get A's and B's), the student isn't complaining as much about the curve, as their lack of ability to to stay on top with the best of students.[/QUOTE]

I think you have it backwards. My engineering classes have averages routinely lower than 40s, so my grade entirely depends on what percentile of the class I'm in. When there is no curve my relationship to the rest of the classes performance is irrelevant.

 

[Iso4ane]

I guess, but one B or C will not kill you GPA. You can get about one B a smester and still end up with a 3.75-3.8 which is still competitive.

If you think about most med students are the cream of the crop, so people do it, and someone has to be on the top.

I guess I in the end if there is no curve (assuming people in the class still get A's and B's), the student isn't complaining as much about the curve, as their lack of ability to to stay on top with the best of students.[/QUOTE]

I think you have it backwards. My engineering classes have averages routinely lower than 40s, so my grade entirely depends on what percentile of the class I'm in. When there is no curve my relationship to the rest of the classes performance is irrelevant.

I mean if there was a curve and it isn't to the person's liking. and I did say as long some people still get A's and B's. (Cause if this is true, then getting an A is possible, regardless of the presence of a curve.)

If no one got an A because of a lack of curve that would be screwed up, but that isn't the case here.

Foe example in one of my classes, 18 out of 40 kids literally failed, but there was a curve and 4 people out of 40 still got A's (which IIRC was >73%). Now the average among the A's was like 75%, and among the F's probably closer to 25% or lower. So there really is no comparison.

It was really unfortunate for the rest of the class that these four people existed, cause if they weren't in the class, the average would have been much lower and curve more lenient.

 

[TriagePreMed]

People say community colleges are a joke, but my chemistry class had a harder curve than this with about a 60% drop rate by the W date. Your school is sweet.