Chem 1A Midterms!!!!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

So I just received my midterm score… and I did horrible :frowning:
I got a 21/53; 40% (yes I know that’s really bad! Let’s just say that my test anxiety got to me that I could not concentrate in the exam at all…) but this score is uncurved and the professor did say they will be a curve.

What I want to know is that is it still possible for me to get an A/B average in this class? I really don’t understand how the Berkeley curve system works and I’ve heard some bad stories. I will definitely be going to tutoring/ mock exams to help with my anxiety ( and no my grade wasn’t because I didn’t study. A couple hours after my exam I could remember all the mistakes I made and what calculations I did wrong, it was just my anxiety that inhibited my concentration). I will list my grading scale below and I hope someone responds to my question and gives me an insight into how the Cal grading system works.

Grading Scale:
10% Homework (So far I have over 100% because of extra credit)
5% Discussion WS (I have a 100% as well)
45% Three Midterms (15% each)
40% Final

Thank You! Hopefully one of your comments helps me.

2

Do not worry! :slight_smile: I know it is so easy to say this,but hard to do. I was in Chem 1A and have just completed Chem 3B over the summer. The midterms will be hard and will get harder along the way,but I would say study and ask questions no matter how much you feel that someone will laugh at you or judge you. Just study and practice all problems you need :slight_smile: I did not do so well on my midterms and I have somehow made it so far.Lol. As much as I know,all the series for chemistry I have taken so far set a C at at least 50%.However, I am not sure in this case since you have new professors,but usually for the complete Chem series I have taken, the 50%=C. From now on study and do not let yourself down. Believe me,you are probably not the only one and others will be struggling as well.During my entire freshman year, I was really sad concerning Chem,but now I have learned that just be determined and stay determined,no matter what. I am assuming you’re pre-med and I know the pressure of getting good grades for medical school,but do not worry! You have plenty more science classes to take and to improve. A lot of medical schools seek high grade trends and if you improved over the years, and the most recent years have had good grades, then you’re chances will be good,not great,but good,so stay on track,be focused.