Bell curve grading in high schools?

Hey everyone, I was just wondering how common it is for high schools to use a bell curve when grading? Do colleges take this into consideration during the admissions process? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Bell curve grading, also known as grading on a curve, is not very common in high schools, especially in recent years. Most high schools in the United States use a standard grading system with fixed percentages assigned to letter grades (e.g., 90-100% for an 'A,' and 80-89% for a 'B,' etc.). That said, some schools and teachers may still employ bell curve grading, and it can vary depending on the school or individual teacher's preference.

When it comes to college admissions, admissions officers are aware of different grading systems in various schools, and they usually receive information about the grading scales used by applicants' high schools through school profiles that counselors submit along with applicants' transcripts. They use this information to contextualize students' grades within their high school's academic culture. This process enables them to make fair assessments of applicants' academic performance.

If you're concerned that your high school's grading system may put you at a disadvantage in the college admissions process, it's crucial to focus on other elements of your application to showcase your strengths.

For example, having a rigorous course load with AP or IB classes can demonstrate your academic capabilities, and strong standardized test scores can further attest to your aptitude. In addition, high-quality extracurricular involvement and a well-crafted personal essay can help you stand out to colleges and demonstrate your unique attributes.

In summary, while bell curve grading isn't very common in high schools, colleges do take various grading systems into account during the admissions process. It's essential to focus on the aspects of your application that you can control and excel in to present the best version of yourself to potential colleges.