Curve Comparison Sheet
Write down the class statistics as they are announced, then compare what each method would give you before assuming any of them.
BFCBrilliance · bfcbrilliance.com/tools/exam-curve-calculator
The exam
- Course
- Exam
- My raw score
- Class average
- Highest score
- Target average (if stated)
- Flat points (if stated)
- Method announced?
What each method gives
| Method | My adjusted score | Change | Helps me? |
|---|---|---|---|
The four methods
- Flat adjustment
- raw + points added
- Top-score scaling
- raw × 100 ÷ top score
- Square-root curve
- √raw × 10
- Mean shift
- raw + (target − class mean)
- √36 × 10
- 60 — a 24-point lift
- √81 × 10
- 90 — a 9-point lift
- ⚠ All capped at
- 100
- ⚠ True norming
- needs the whole distribution
Before you count on a curve
- Checked whether the syllabus promises a curve at all
- Checked whether it applies to the exam or the course grade
- Class statistics taken from what was published, not rumour
- Noted whether the method was actually announced
- Compared all four rather than the most favourable
- Remembered a mean shift can move scores DOWN
- Checked whether bonus questions can push you above 100
- Not made a study decision on an assumed curve
A curve is not owed to you
Most instructors are under no obligation to curve, and many decide only after marking. Planning around one is planning around a decision that has not been made — the useful output here is the RANGE, not any single number.