Curving Exam Scores?

I've heard some schools use a curve for grading tests. How does this work? Is there a standard method schools use to curve scores?

Curving exam scores refers to a method where a teacher or professor adjusts student test scores, typically to account for a difficult test or uneven distribution of scores. The purpose of curving is to normalize a set of scores to better represent the class's overall understanding of the subject matter. There isn't a universal, standard method for curving, as different teachers and institutions may have their own approach. However, some common methods used to curve exam scores include:

1. Linear Scaling: In this method, the instructor decides upon a value which is added to each student's original test score. For example, if the highest score in the class is an 85, the instructor might add 15 points to everyone's score, to make the maximum score 100.

2. Scaling based on the highest score: In this approach, all scores are scaled relative to the highest score. For instance, if the highest score were 90, all other scores would be multiplied by a factor of (100/90) to scale them accordingly.

3. Bell-curve adjustment: This method involves fitting the test scores to a normal distribution or bell curve. The instructor might adjust the scores so that they have a predefined mean (average) and standard deviation, to make it easier to compare test scores from different exams or classes.

4. Percentage-based scaling: The instructor might decide to scale the scores by a certain percentage, either adding or subtracting, based on class performance. This is similar to the linear scaling method, but the addition or subtraction is calculated as a percentage of each student's original score.

Keep in mind that the method of curving scores varies depending on the institution and the teacher, and not all exams will be curved. Additionally, classes at some colleges and universities may be graded on a strict curve (a preset distribution of grades) or adhere to a specific grading policy that impacts the way grades are distributed among students, such as a defined quota for each letter grade or GPA cutoffs.

It's a good idea to ask your professor or teacher about their grading approach and any curve policies in place for your course to be sure you understand exactly how you're being evaluated. But hopefully, this explanation gives you an initial sense of how curving exams can work. Best of luck with your academic pursuits!