Testing Is it possible to get 90% average in your final year exams?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Achieving a 90% average in final year university exams is challenging but possible, particularly for students with a strong academic foundation. The discussion highlights that while some students have reached 89% averages in previous years, the difficulty of subjects such as optics, solid state physics, and advanced quantum physics can make this goal more elusive. Factors such as grading policies of professors and the overall academic environment play a significant role in determining the feasibility of achieving such high marks. In the UK, grades above 70% are rare, with professors often grading stringently to maintain academic standards.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of advanced physics concepts, including optics and quantum physics.
  • Familiarity with grading systems in UK universities, particularly the significance of achieving 70% or above.
  • Experience with academic writing and problem-solving in a university setting.
  • Knowledge of study techniques and time management strategies for high-stakes exams.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective study techniques for mastering complex subjects like statistical mechanics and biophysics.
  • Explore time management strategies specifically tailored for final year university students.
  • Investigate grading policies at various UK universities to understand how they impact final grades.
  • Connect with high-achieving peers or alumni to gain insights into their study habits and exam preparation methods.
USEFUL FOR

Final year university students, particularly those studying physics or related fields, as well as academic advisors and educators seeking to understand grading challenges in higher education.

aNewBeginning
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi guys, new member here.

I am entering my final year of university and really want to give it my best shot. Have people on here or anywhere else ever got 90% or above average in their module marks for final year? My final year involves optics, solid state physics, statistical mechanics, advanced quantum physics, fundamentals of biophysics and nanotechnology and medical imaging.

In the first year someone in my year got an average of 89% but I was wondering if this can be replicated in the final year too, despite it being much harder, and if anyone has done it before?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why would it not be possible?

A lot has to do with the detail of your school and your professors. Usually such grades aren't handed out easily, but unless your professors all have policies of never assigning a grade above 89% then sure it's possible.

I suspect the greater question you're really interested in is what you have to do to achieve such a GPA. And the answer to that lies in taking a lard look at what you've had success with up until this point. If you've been pulling down marks in the 80s then pulling yourself up over the 90 line is likely possible with more effort on the stuff that's worked before. If you're down in the 60s, you've got a much larger chasm to cross and holes in your foundation to fill, which make such a goal less realistic.
 
It sounds like you are in the UK. I did an MSc there and from what I could tell, 70% is considered the highest grade level that you can achieve (70-100 is grouped into the same category). What I experienced was that the professors would try to find small errors in your work to bring the grade significantly down so that there weren't lots of people with 80+%. I think the top one or two students in my class may have gotten 90+% only on two or three assignments throughout the entire MSc, and never on the exams. I am not even sure if it is possible to get a 100% in a UK module.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
23K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 56 ·
2
Replies
56
Views
10K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
Replies
3
Views
2K