The general consensus is that the curve is already determined before they even grade our tests. I don't even understand how you can call that a curve but I haven't seen any actual proof that shows they predetermine it. It's just a rumor so far on CC but if it's true that's not fair at all.
curve- A graphic representation showing the relative performance of individuals as measured against each other, used especially as a method of grading students in which the assignment of grades is based on predetermined proportions of students.
They HAVE to have a bell curve for each section. They'll add points to everyones test to make a bell curve. As of right now, the science test graph would be TOTALLY skewed.
this is what I found on one of the ACT Sept forums. A link to this link lol. I don't consider anything in there proof so I was just wondering how they could possibly curve it. And yeah I mean I think we're all at least somewhat intelligent or at least motivated. We actually put in the effort to try on these kinds of tests and I'm pretty sure half the country didn't even look at a practice test before taking it. If the ones who study are reporting things like "I wanted to pull my hair out on the science section" I can only imagine how bad it is for the kids who didn't...
It occurs to me that they would not have to base the curve on the entire number of test takers; they could use a percentage of the first scored results to represent the whole.
yeah ndl i understand now but still that seems unfair i've never seen this many kids on CC ****ed at a test lol they're usually like "oh yeah that science section? 37 guaranteed, lightwork"
I think that for the tests that they reuse, the curve is the same as the time before. However, I think that yesterday's test was a new one, so they will do the curve after they get the results.
I agree with wcclirl444, and they'll probably use a sample to do so. After a certain number of testers, a sample can accurately represent the whole population accurately. They've used the same system for years; I'm confident the curve will be fair.
