What makes organic chem so hard in college?

[sakky]

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The 15% was from Sakky’s example. He uses the example of his friend receiving a C for scoring 15% below the mean as an example of how harsh curves can be and how harsh curves are therefore the reason orgo is hard. I was simply pointing out that a) receiving a C for scoring 15% below the mean is NOT harsh nor unfair and b) if an orgo class is curved this way, then the curve is very appropriate.

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<p>Uh, no, norcalguy, you misread my example. Read my example again. He didn’t get a C for scoring 15% below the mean. He got at best a D, and probably an F for scoring 15% below the mean. That’s because the class was curved to a C+, not a B. </p>

<p>So you say that getting a C is appropriate for somebody scoring 15% below the mean. So then do you agree with me that getting a D or an F is then too harsh? And then you would have to agree with me that if an Ochem class was curved to a C+ (and not to a B as you have said), then it is NOT appropriate, right? I think you have to agree. </p>

<p>Again, I reiterate my main point. The REAL problem is with the variability in the grading. Sometimes you can do very poorly and STILL get a top grade anyway. Scoring a standard deviation below the mean might translate to a grade anywhere from an A- to an F. That’s the problem. There is no set standard. Hence, a guy who does poorly in one class may still end up with a better grade than a guy who does extremely well in another class. Or even the same class, but taught by different profs.</p>