<p>Median grades don’t mean all THAT much. Every class still gives out A’s. You put in the effort… you’ll get an A. </p>
<p>That being said, consider that a 3.24 median in chemistry isn’t all that bad. It’s slightly lower than a B+… which is a very high median. </p>
<p>Very few arts majors will have the guts to take chem. You’re stuck with either chem 5 or 10… and very few people will get into chem 10 (honors gen chem). Chem 5’s a notorious weeder and will kill your GPA. </p>
<p>Econ’s always been a tougher group of classes. However, the department curves all of its classes (possibly excepting the honors 80, 81, 82 classes…) to a B. </p>
<p>I’m surprised math’s average is so low. They’re tough classes, but the average has been pretty high in my experience. Guess it really depends on the prof… A point to note: take an HONORS versions of the math classes if you can. The median’s usually an A-/A. However, you’re in a class with much smarter people that will probably major. You’ll put in much more effort into the class normally. However, the exams will be slighty easier, and the curves will be much better. </p>
<p>You also really have to wonder how much these medians mean. Consider econ for example. Something like 25% of Dartmouth students are econ majors, and it’s one of the most popular. A ton of athletes are in it. Not to knock athletes or anything, but the amount of time you spend on the field/court and in the gym puts you at a distinct disadvantage. Study hard, and the econ classes really aren’t that bad. I’m in econometrics which is reputed to be the second hardest econ class after Kohn/Zinman’s Econ 26 (Intermediaries and Finance?). It’s really not a bad class. It’s interesting, it’s engaging, and it’s pretty cool. I haven’t put too much work into it, and I’m doing fine. Have a midterm tomorrow though… so I better get off CC!!!</p>