But the vast majority of the messages are from students who want to be considered for a higher
grade. Before you ask please review the following criteria. Be aware that I try to give due
consideration to anyone on the borderline before assigning the grade. Be aware too that neither
your desire or need for a better grade, nor your personal situation, nor the program you intend to
enter can play any role in the grade assigned.
What is a borderline case?
I consider anyone within one point (without rounding either up or down) of the next grade as a
borderline case. For example an 87.0 to 87.9 is within one percent of a B+, which cuts off
normally at 88.0. An 88.0 to 88.9 is within one percent of an A- which cuts off at 89.0, etc. I
always consider the next grade of anyone in this situation.
What are the criteria for receiving the next grade up?
There are three things I look for:
1) The average must be within one percentage point without rounding of the higher grade
being considered.
2) Grades must show improvement over the course of the semester. A person with test grades of
C, B and A might be on the borderline between a B+ and an A-. With improving grades like these
they are much more likely to get the A- than one who has the same average but with test grades
of A, B, and C in that order.
3) The final exam and at least one other test must be in the range of the higher grade being considered. Preferably the majority of tests must be in the higher range. I consider ALL tests, even those which are dropped, to evaluate your grade. For example two people might have the same overall average, say 68, but one person might have a 65 on his or her final exam, the other a 75. Even though they both have the same average I would be likely to assign a C- to the one with the 75 on the final, while the person with 65 would get a D+. Why? Because I consider the final exam a very important indicator of your overall knowledge and that, after all, is what grades represent - to make sure you have the knowledge and techniques necessary to be successful in the programs you enter.
If you meet the above three criteria feel free to send me a message. E-mail is best. But if you don't
meet these criteria I will be unable to give you the higher grade.