<p>At NU do they grade on a curve? like a normal distribution curve?</p>
<p>this is a huge question imo for people entering and those considering NU. Anyone willing to offer insight?</p>
<p>many of the science and math courses do grade on a bell curve. virtually none of my social science classes were graded on a strict curve, although many professors will read over papers/exams once before assigning any grades to get an idea of the general caliber of the work.</p>
<p>One of my social science professors was one called in by the head of his department for giving out too many As/A-s despite the high quality of work he received, so he’s now more reluctant to give them out. I get the impression that other social science professors also feel similarly restricted in the number of As/A-s they give.</p>
<p>Completely not true.</p>
<p>Northwestern does curve (on the most part), and professors will let you know at the beginning of their classes whether or not they do so. Most professors who feel that their classes are sufficiently easy enough and/or want to encourage classmate interaction, believe that there does not need to be a curve (Instead, hypothetically out of 200 points, 180+ = A, 170 = A-, etc,. Your grade does not depend on the average for the class).</p>
<p>For classes that do curve (primarily larger math and science classes), there is a general distribution that is NOT the bell curve. There is SLIGHT GRADE INFLATION at Northwestern, but not as bad as other places so will not ruin your chances at jobs/grad school. What this means is, for example in a general chemistry class, the average will be approximately a B- (as set to a bell curve); however, the number of A’s given out is disproportionally greater than the number of D and Fs given. Most colleges will use this system (If not the same number of kids who ace a class must also fail the class, in equal ratios). Other people can argue this if they want; however, this was the explanation that I received from my Orgo Professor (Dr. C) and Bio Professor (Dr. M), and in Human Sexuality (Dr. B).</p>
<p>What’s not completely not true? I was merely passing on on what a professor told me. The one I talked about really was called in for giving too many As/A-s. I also didn’t say other professors must restrict the number of As/A-s they give, just that they feel that way because their teachings methods might be questioned (are they challenging the students enough? etc).</p>
<p>Sorry, not to you Lion. I was referring to Lily’s statement of a “bell curve,” which if taken literally makes NU have a much harsher academic landscape.</p>