<p>I earned a decent grade (B+) in this class, but here is the problem. If I had receive a zero, or a little better than a zero, as opposed to a passing grade on the first exam, I would have earned an A. This is because extra points are added to exams 2, 3, and 4 by taking half the difference between each exam grade and the lowest previous grade. Because of this my passing grade ended up hurting my final grade, while failing it would have helped! A student with identical grades as me except for a zero on a test I passed would have earned an A, a higher grade than me. </p>
<p>I discussed this with my professor who refused to change my grade but offered to write a letter to professional schools (if I apply) explaining that I would have had an A had I earned the zero. Though I appreciate this, I feel I deserve the same grade as the student who had earned the zero would have received. </p>
<p>Are you referring to Prof. Deyrup’s Organic Chemistry 2 class? If so, I also took it this past spring and got a high B+ and probably would’ve had an A if I did worse on the first test so I could’ve received more improvement points on the other exams. Please let me know what you end up doing about this situation.</p>
<p>If that is the orgo class, do all the orgo teachers do this? Seems insane to penalize for doing better inititally. Seems to reward those who intentionally do crappy on first exam to get more improvement points.</p>
<p>I know, zebes. I would be sitting with an A in organic 2 had I totally failed the first test. The fact that she still will not change my grade makes me furious. And furthermore, she had the gall to say the grade was my fault b/c of a low grade on exam 2 without noting that my decent grade on exam 1 also hurt my grade! </p>
<p>I will probably be taking this to the CLAS dean’s office.</p>