<p>Any Marshall students, past or present care to comment on their experience with the Marshall curve? I've heard horror stories about screwing up people's chances to attend grad school. I know there's a similar thread like this but it doesn't specifically address the grad school issue. Please keep in mind that I do not want to be locked into attending grad school or seeking a job in california, so I cannot bank on the assumption that a potential school/employer will be familiar with the tough curve.</p>
<p>I think the overarching point you are missing is that:</p>
<p>1) It isn't that tough - 3.0 average for lower division and 3.3 for upper division really isn't that bad. That puts is roughly in line with the school average and higher than some other majors such as engineering.</p>
<p>2) Many other business schools also institute a curve (Michagan does, off the top of my head, I'm certain there are others).</p>
<p>3) The curve helps keep standards high.</p>
<p>Large employers will be familiar with the curve, smaller employers probably less so. Many employers have a 3.0 GPA requirement, which isn't overly challenging.</p>
<p>The biggest problem with the curve, in my opinion, isn't grad school/employer problems, but rather morale problems. If you happen to get stuck in a class with a bunch of smart, hard-working individuals, you are at a disadvantage. </p>
<p>On a last note, the horror stories are likely from people who perhaps didn't earn the chance to go to grad school on their own merit, so they look for something to blame. If it wasn't the curve it'd be something else.</p>
<p>Agreed w/ sfgiants.</p>
<p>The Marshall curve simply isn't that overbearing on students. The only people who complain about it are the weakest students, who generally wouldn't do any better in any other pre-professional major (engineering, film, etc...).</p>
<p>I believe the Marshall curve is the administration's alternative to shrinking the school. Marshall is considerably larger (3,500 undergrads) than any of its peer UG business schools, and this can make it harder for the brightest students to stand out. Thus, the forced curve helps to prevent grade compression at the higher end of the grading spectrum. I've spoken with Professors regarding the issue, and they believe that the curve is necessary given the school's relatively lax admissions standards. Marshall would have to (1) shrink considerably in size and thus (2) become more selective (like the film school) in order to justify removing the curve.</p>