<p>It really depends on the discipline, I think. I can give you an idea for the sciences, though.</p>
<p>Non-honors classes usually curve to a B (sometimes B+, sometimes B-, depends a bit on the teacher). Honors usually will curve to a B+. In the early sequences they’ll tell you the average and standard deviation of the exam and if you consistently score above 1 standard deviation above the average, you’re in A- territory and if you rock the final you’ll probably get an A. </p>
<p>In the early sequences you can expect consistent curving as mentioned above, but when you get into higher level classes the grading really depends on the teachers. Sometimes the teachers are straightforward about the grades you should expect and other times you just take the class and get a grade and you have no idea how the rest of the class did.</p>
<p>It might seem a bit intimidating, but if you ever find yourself struggling, the University is great in that now it offers a lot of resources. There are Harper Chem/Math/Writing/etc. tutors, the Chem department has created a whole program that is there to supplement the Chem/OChem class and help anyone who wants extra tutoring. Your TAs and teacher hold office hours where you can go and ask questions or just chat and whatnot. I’ve seen that those who end up struggling the most don’t often take advantage of the resources available to them early on, and end up suffering as concepts continue to build on each other.</p>