<p>I know there is a grading curve at UW. My question is, how does that work? What is the best way to be above that curve in addition to studying? And what classes, if any, don't have that curve?</p>
<p>The way the bell curve works is pretty straight-forward. Each exam you take and assignment you complete will have a mean score; score above that and you’ll be fine. Most likely, your professor will score your classes out of a standard amount of points, and then weight your grade or “curve” it depending on how well the entire class scored for the mean. If you are one standard deviation above the curve, which is usually 15+% above the average grade, then you’re looking at something around a 3.7 gpa (more or less). If you’re one standard deviation below the curve, then you’re looking at a 1.7 gpa. Obviously, the latter is enough evidence as to why the curve can be a major problem for some students. This is all because UW’s grading policy is based on a numerical system that, in my opinion, is far too specific for describing a student’s performance on paper.
The best way to stay above the curve is to be aware of your class, and to make sure you’re doing far better than everyone else. That said, it can be difficult to do better. I know an intro general chemistry course in which the average grade was almost 90%, and so my friend got a 96%, which is normally an amazing grade, but received barely a 3.5 gpa as a result. With that said, courses that have curves are basically all your major intro classes that we call “weed out” courses, such as Math 124, 125, 126 (intro calc series); Chem 142, 152, 162 (intro gen chem series); Bio 180, 200, 220 (intro bio series); and the like. Economics is the one exception, as my intro prof gave grades based on personal performance, which also has its pros and cons, but I was fine with it. When you get into higher-level science/math based courses, the curves will be set higher. I believe some neurobiology courses are set around ~3.6 gpa because of their difficulty. The intro math courses are curved around a 2.7-2.9 mean (math department policy), while chem classes are set around a 2.6-2.8 through organic chem. After that, courses in other areas of study may be curved depending on the professor’s choice, but that policy is more enforced for the science classes. Your English, History, Sociology, Economics, and the like will probably not have a curve; check with your professors first though, so don’t quote me on that. This will help you more than I will: <a href=“http://www.washington.edu/students/gencat/front/Grading_Sys.html[/url]”>http://www.washington.edu/students/gencat/front/Grading_Sys.html</a></p>
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<p>So, if I’m aiming for a ~3.5 gpa for admission in to engineering, am I’m going to have a really hard time? (Think math 124-126, physics 122, chem 142)</p>
<p>If you’re on top of your work, attend lecture, talk to TAs/teachers whenever you’re stuck, utilize the Math study center or any of the help workshops, and actually understand the concepts, you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>You’ll be surprised how many people stop going to lecture after week two or blow off homework until a few hours before it’s due.</p>
<p>Ah that’s a relief. I suppose I should be fine then. I absolutely can’t procrastinate, and am really proactive about my school work (then again, that’s probably why I’m accepted to the uw…)</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>One thing is - don’t beat yourself up if you can’t understand something. Everyone learns things in different ways, and sometimes you just have to find that right person to teach you. For one of my courses (huge lecture, lots of TAs), I think I went through 4 TAs before one was able to explain a concept to me that I just couldn’t grasp from the other explanations.</p>
<p>Aim for the 3.5 if you want to get into Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical engineering. For some reason, people say that a “solid 3.3” is the lucky number, although I don’t see how that’s solid. Anyway, aim for 3.7+ if you plan on pursuing Bioengineering or Computer Science/Engineering. And yes, there are many so-called “Pre-Med/Pre-Engineering” students that procrastinate, don’t show up to lecture, and think they’re the big person on campus, until they fail their intro classes and find themselves denying the reality that they won’t get into their major. For your first quarter, I HIGHLY recommend that you don’t take calculus/physics/chemistry all at once. The intro physics class has A LOT of preparatory work and what not, so take either chem or physics, and then math. Remember, easing into college is an important thing to do. You can always take more prereq courses later on once you’re sure you can handle them; however, if you fail all those courses during your first quarter (like many I’ve seen), then it’s extremely stressful and difficult to make up for a crappy gpa. Just ease into it.</p>
<p>Yeah. I’ll definitely let myself ease in to college. So, Chem 142 and Calc 124 at once would probably be too much?</p>
<p>I don’t want to go crazy, but I’d also like to try for early admission into MSE</p>
<p>Technically, Chem 142 and Math 124 aren’t “difficult” courses, but they are the two weed-outs that EVERYONE takes first quarter. Math 124 has such a difficult curve that many students label it and Math 125 as the two toughest math courses you’ll ever take at UW…even if you’re a math major. They may be right. By the way, when I say everyone takes Chem 142 and Math 124, I mean EVERYONE YOU MEET will probably be taking those courses this autumn in the hopes of majoring in a physical science/engineering major. If you take them, make sure you’re ready to do well and put in A LOT of time for the Math 124 homework (WebAssign), which takes up so much of your time. Early admission into Materials Science and Engineering is fine; it gives you an extra cycle to apply for your major. The good news for you is that it’s not one of the more competitive engineering majors to the extent of my knowledge, even though it’s still labeled as a “competitive” major. I have a good friend that’s applying for it soon, and she told me the department is really cool and chill about applicants compared to the other engineering majors. However, if you apply early, that means you need to have an even greater gpa (3.6+) because of how many less courses you’re required to take before you apply. Also, the personal essay for your application is SOOOO important at UW when applying to be an engineering major. I know people with 3.8+ gpa’s being rejected from the CSE department because of their lack of originality and compassion for the field. Show them you actually care about your major.</p>
<p>i’m thinking I might take the Intro to Writing course fall quarter that’s required for all students, and some electives, and wait until Winter quarter to start taking more core classes. Good idea?</p>
<p>You’re probably referring to English 111/121/131 (English Composition). Sounds like you’re really trying to ease into college, which is fine! I recommend taking English 111/131, a core class for your major, and then an easy VLPA elective if you can. FYI, you’ll learn a lot about graduation requirements over the next few months; furthermore, multiple VLPA (Visual, Learning, and Performing Arts) credits are required to graduate. I suggest taking an easy VLPA, as during autumn quarter is the time when you’ll arguably have the largest class selection opportunity out of the entire year. Most people try to knock that English Comp. credit out during the first quarter, which is fine because I didn’t think it was difficult at all. I 4.0’d it without doing much more than writing a few essays and showing up to class to talk. Also, there are many 111/121/131 classes offered during autumn and spring, so you decide if you want to get it done early or later in the year. Then again, if you plan to vamp up your schedule over the year, then I suggest sticking to it during autumn. Outside of that, one core class is important to take to get an early feel for your major. Then, the easy VLPA or I&S (Individuals and Societies) course will allow you to relax a bit, and focus on maximizing your performance in the core class and competency credit.</p>
<p>What does english comp entail? I’m not a huge fan of english as a whole, and would love to just get it out of the way.</p>
<p>In short, it’s just about how to write a solid essay, if you took any AP English class in high school and did relatively well in it you should be fine… although I will say this, a lot of that English course depends on who you get. I had good/somewhat easy teacher and 4.0’d it, while my friend from high school, who is a far better writer than I am, had a much tougher time (GPA suffered as well).</p>
<p>Raamzic, who did you have, and who did your friend have?</p>
<p>Alexandra Burgin, and I’m not sure who he had.</p>