<p>How hard is it to come by good grades in a science major (bio/biochem) at Duke compared to a solid state school like UVA, UMich, etc? Obviously the latter have lower average grades, but on the other hand Duke has a stronger average student body and I would be around the average student. Seeing as I am going to be premed, the number is more of a concern than where I go to school, so would it be easier to pull a, say, 3.8 at Duke or UVA? </p>
<p>Of course, that's assuming I actually get into Duke next year, but I just felt like asking :P</p>
<p>I'm not a student yet so I can't really comment on how difficult it is, but their grading scale sure is harsh. An A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, ... so you can wind up w/ strait-A's for all 4 years and only have a 3.7 if they are low A's, which in the sciences, is considered a high grade.</p>
<p>I took classes at UVA for the summer semester, and according to students there getting a 3.7 and above is rare, as many of the classes are curved rather harshly. From what I know, that is typical for the publics. </p>
<p>And I don't consider Duke's grading scale harsh but that's because an A- doesn't even exist at my school. 93 and below automatically bumps you to B+.</p>
<p>vigdor, but that was also when 55D wasn't required for other core courses...hence you'd have pub pol majors who were juniors or seniors taking the class (gotta love loopholes). Now EVERYONE has to take before they can take other core courses, it's really hard to get into....but it could potentially be easier with everyone a true beginner. also, be careful of ta's....avoid those ta'ing for the first time.</p>
<p>Basically a weeder class aims to "weed" or eliminate people from pursuing a certain major. It is usually accomplished through harsh curves in a difficult intro course.</p>
<p>Weeder classes exist at every university, and they accomplish their task very well. If it wasn't for organic chem, there'd be twice as many med school applicants. I personally think that there are more than enough premeds.</p>
<p>The average grade in Chem 21 was curved to a B- in my class. However, that still was curving up since the average would have been a C otherwise.
I got an A.</p>
<p>A 3.8 science major would be tough at both schools but i'd give a slight edge in difficulty to duke. its b/c there are only so many A's given out, so all you need is some geniuses in your class who screw up the curve and you're left hoping for a b+ b/c they've taken up the A's, a possibility more likely at duke IMO.</p>
<p>I was on a websit that listed every Harvard professor and the median grade given for the course they taught. Does Duke provide this type of information?</p>