Updated Scores

I have updated scores and a current distribution of grades on the I-drive. The list is sorted but the last four digits of your banner ID. The grade distribution is in terms of points accumulated out of the "maximum", which is at the bottom of the list. There are also a few descriptive statistics available.

The scores do not contain any extra credits assignments.

Each homework counts as one or two points (depending on the assignment) and approximately two "participation credit" points in each class section I teach.

In calculating points out of 20 percentage points for your test, you take your raw score of the test, divide by the maximum possible points on the test (typically 35, although I think the first test was out of 40 points). Then multiply by 20.

for example, if you got a 26 out of 35 on the third test, your points out of 20 is:

(26 / 35) X 20 = 14.86

If you have any questions about your grade or your standing, please stop by the office. (I don't like having specific chats about grades over email or AIM.) But you can use the scale wisely, to determine if you feel you are close enough to a higher letter grade. Someone with, say, a score falling into the low B range, although it may not be mathematically impossible, it might be heroic to think you are able to move into the A range, given your past performance on tests. But someone near a higher grade bracket may benefit from extra effort and extra credit.

To be realistic, those with C grades, you're really not likely at this point to be able to get an A. Too many "bad" things would have to happen (you ace the final and everyone else does horrible). I'm not wanting to build up any bubbles here. But I feel I am going over the top to explain the scaling, how it works, and how much you might have to work to secure the grade you're wanting or salvaging.

If this sounds harsh, well, it is just not easy to sugar coat. I do my best to allocate grades in a difficulty-adjusted manner. I think you can tell that the curve is generally quite generous.

Good luck finishing up the semester.

Look at an earlier blog entry for information on the extra credit assignment.