How hard is the curve for gen sciences?

Vadoff · 10-16-2009, 09:53 PM

I'm premed, but majoring in non-science (economics).

First of all, is there a curve at UCSD? If so, how hard's the curve for general science courses (phys 1/2, chem 1/2, ochem 1/2, bio 1/2)?

I know UCSD is known for it's sciences, so I thought it might be a good idea to go to another school like UCI or UCSB if it means less competition for the curve.

subtle_overlord · 10-16-2009, 10:17 PM

If you're going to choose a school for the sciences/academics, do it because you love it, not because one is easier than the other. When you start getting into upper division classes and research, you're going to regret going to the "easier" school if they do not have a good program in what you want to study. I can guarantee that UCSD is good for its science and economics program if that's what you want to study

That being said, curves do exist. However that shouldn't matter whether you're going to SD, Irvine, or SB since many of the science classes are full of ambitious premeds anyways.

astrina · 10-16-2009, 10:31 PM

and while you're at it, keep in mind that every UC (minus cal) is on the quarter system, so there are THREE terms per year.

and going to a school because you think you're automatically going to get better grades at one institution over another? then why not go to a CSU or JC to do all those classes?

med school is supposed to be a challenge. skirting around the prereq courses isn't going to do you any favors down the road.

Radiance · 10-17-2009, 03:49 AM

I'll tell you about the curves ;O

In lower div gen science classes (Chem 6ABC, BILD 123, PHYS 1/2ABC) you need to be within the top > 15% of your class to get an A- or higher. A's are usually awarded to top > 10% and A+'s are given to the top 1% of the class. General Science classes are all curved to a C/C+ depending on your professor, and so a significant portion of the class will have B- -- C's.

My BILD 1 class's distribution is posted here:
Home Page

It seems that the lower div bio classes are a bit more lenient than chem, but you still have to be in the top of your class.

Class Grade, total of 600 points (+40 EC); class average = 411 (high 595!)
A 502 - 571 (640) 21.3% of class
B 432 - 501 32.7% of class
C 362 - 431 20.0% of class
D 292 - 361 12.7% of class
F ≤ 291 13.3% of class

i_lose · 10-18-2009, 05:32 PM

That's pretty harsh. I just remember all my classes being curved to a B-/C+ but that was a couple years ago. (ex. exam average is 70/100, a B- or higher is a 70. 69 is a C+)

A general rule to follow is +1 standard deviation above = A-, +1.5 stdev = A. The only time this rule doesn't apply is if the professor flat out says that 90% = A, 80% = B no matter how the class does.