Hey guys, finals are approaching and I'm trying to figure out the minimum scores I need to maintain (or boost) my grades. Is there any calculator or method you'd recommend to find out what I need on my final exams? Thanks!
Hey there! To calculate the minimum scores needed on your final exams, I recommend using the following method:
1. Determine the weight of your final exam. For example, if your final exam is worth 25% of your grade, then the remaining assignments (quizzes, homework, midterms, etc.) are worth 75%.
2. Calculate how many points you've earned so far from the graded work (that 75% portion). Let's say you've earned 560 points out of a possible 600.
3. Calculate the total points possible for the entire course (including the final exam), and find out how many points you need on the final exam to maintain (or raise) your desired grade. For example, if the entire course is worth 800 points, and you have 560 points so far, you'll need 800-x points to meet your target.
To maintain a specific target grade, use this approach:
Total course points target grade percentage = target points needed
Target points needed - points earned so far = points needed on the final exam
Example: If you want to maintain a 90% average:
800 (total course points) 0.90 (target grade %) = 720 (target points needed)
720 (target points needed) - 560 (points already earned) = 160 (points needed on final exam)
To find out the minimum grade you need on the final exam to meet or exceed your target, divide the points needed on the final exam by the total points the final exam is worth:
(points needed on final exam) / (final exam total points) = minimum exam grade
Example: If the final exam is worth 200 points and you need 160 points:
160 (points needed) / 200 (points possible) = 0.8
This means you need to score an 80% on your final exam to maintain a 90% overall grade in the course.
You can follow this same method to determine the scores needed to boost your grade to a higher target. Good luck with your finals!
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