People like to talk about their grades a lot, and especially in science courses. I found that talking about grades and comparing to another person is just stressful and can create an “I can do better than this person!” mentality when studying. It is distracting and frustrating.
To combat this I began never revealing my grades, and never asking anyone else’s grade. If someone asks how I did I just say “Alright.” Nice and neutral.
An A is an A, a C is a C. What does it matter what the other person got? If you earned a C on an exam, and a friend earned a C as well, the only result is assurance that it is okay because the other person got that grade too. Be your own judge of if your grade is okay. If a B is fine, then great. What does it matter if 70% of the class has an A and you have a B, if all you want is a B?
Some classes end up having curves, and trying to ‘feel out’ the curve by asking other people will just cause frustration and demotivation (or motivation caused by fear). In Organic Chemistry the average on the exams is low, usually around 60%. If you get an 82% and want an A , treat it like a B-. Work that much harder. That may end up being a B at the end of the semester. Someone is earning the A, it is possible. Note: I am aware of ridiculously difficult engineering courses. I feel for you guys. I still encourage never discussing grades though.
Yes, I do share some of the grades I have received on this site. This is to show the method works. Normally I never discuss any grades with anyone related to my major. Friends outside the major and removed from the classes, great. The idea is just to pump the brakes and pull off of the competition loop. Simple and effective.
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