<p>What's the usual percent of people (low, high, medium) who take Bio core (biophysics of viruses) class as pass/fail? I believe that the average after the midterm was 71% (is there any curve and if so is it at all generous?) and a fair number have decided to take it pass/fail. Is this common for this class in the past? Does it <em>really</em> get easier after core? Does your GPA get better after core? In other words, for most people is the core the toughest part of getting a decent GPA or is it all downhill from here?</p>
<p>Last year's frosh class was the first that got the option to p/f Bi 1, I believe, and we got it retroactively, which was sort of nice. I'd guess a significant portion of the class that got C/Ds (~1/3) p/f'd it. Most people are going to want to p/f classes that they're going to get a C or D in, so if you're in the bottom third, it'd be worth it. I believe Bi 1 was curved last year (at the very least, the grades will have some wiggle room.) If it's like last year, the median grade will be ~B-, with ~A- one standard deviation above and ~C one standard deviation below. </p>
<p>Whether or not your GPA gets better or classes get easier after core depends on your major and you. I have found my in-major classes (in physics -- Ph 12, Ph 5-7) much harder than core classes or ACM 95, and a physics major's junior year is almost always the toughest (but toughest != lowest grades necessarily.) I believe most people will have their GPAs go up due to their in-major classes and in most majors, sophomore year (partially due to Ma 2 and Ph 2) is the most difficult one.</p>
<p>Isn't it too late for you to p/f Bi 1 anyway? I think Drop Day was only extended one day because of Ditch Day. Either way, it doesn't matter too much since Bi 1 is not in your major and it's only one term. For the average Techer who graduates with a 3.2 and takes on average 4 classes on grades a term starting third term frosh year, even a D in Bi 1 (which very very few people get) will only drop their GPA ~1% out of the total 4.3. Your grade in Bi 1 will almost certainly be inconsequential to anything, so I'd recommend not worrying about it.</p>
<p>Antiquark, are you Ben Golub's appointed successor or something? Just wondering.</p>
<p>No, I'm just procrastinating on my problem sets. I really should block this site in my hosts file and change my root password to something long enough that I'll be too lazy to type it for non-essential things. And probably soon too, since I'm incredibly behind on my work.</p>