How do you use Grade Distributions?

[Snow Leopard]

Hey AN,

I've looked at the grade distribution for 2018 for my Lote 3/4 but have no clue how to use it to guide me as to what kind of marks would equal what study score etc.

[undefined]

Hey AN,

I've looked at the grade distribution for 2018 for my Lote 3/4 but have no clue how to use it to guide me as to what kind of marks would equal what study score etc.

Essentially, if you want to get above 40 you need to generally get above the A+ cutoff for each GA. Usually exams are doubled marked. If it’s out of 400 that’s your oral (out of 100) and written exam (out of 75 marked twice then doubled (out of 300)). If you want more of the specifics, I believe an A+ is the top ~11% of the state and the amount of people who get above 40 is around the top 6% of the state for LOTEs but it depends on the standard deviation of the subject (which can be found in the scaling report). If you’re still confused I can answer any questions.

As to how to actually use the grade distributions, look at the cut off brackets for each letter grade in GA1, 2 and 3. Then, find around where you think you would sit and predict from there. LOTEs are known to be very tough so I’d say don’t worry about predicting them since they fluctuate a lot or go to the SS prediction thread.

[Snow Leopard]

As to how to actually use the grade distributions, look at the cut off brackets for each letter grade in GA1, 2 and 3. Then, find around where you think you would sit and predict from there. LOTEs are known to be very tough so I’d say don’t worry about predicting them since they fluctuate a lot or go to the SS prediction thread.

Wait so: do I aim for an A+ on all Sacs which would translate to GA1 for Unit 3 and GA2 for Unit 4. Also, what's considered an A+ by VCAA?
Then for GA3 = Oral and Written Exam, should I aim for the score ranges for an A+?

Also, I noticed that you did Japanese this year, while this isn't the LOTE that I'm doing, what do you think would be the difference between someone scoring a 40 and a 45 in a LOTE?

[PhoenixxFire]

Wait so: do I aim for an A+ on all Sacs which would translate to GA1 for Unit 3 and GA2 for Unit 4. Also, what's considered an A+ by VCAA?
Then for GA3 = Oral and Written Exam, should I aim for the score ranges for an A+?

Also, I noticed that you did Japanese this year, while this isn't the LOTE that I'm doing, what do you think would be the difference between someone scoring a 40 and a 45 in a LOTE?

Sacs are moderated by VCAA so getting an A+ as your mark doesn't necessarily mean that your GA mark will be A+. You can read about how rankings and SAC moderation works here.
What is considered an A+ varies between years and subjects - it will be on each grade distribution (where it says what % got that mark range).

[Snow Leopard]

Sacs are moderated by VCAA so getting an A+ as your mark doesn't necessarily mean that your GA mark will be A+. You can read about how rankings and SAC moderation works here.
What is considered an A+ varies between years and subjects - it will be on each grade distribution (where it says what % got that mark range).

Seeing as I don't know how my cohorts SACs will be moderated, should I aim for the highest possible marks on SACs and the score range for an A+ (I think it's 275-400) to give myself the best chance to get the highest possible SS?

[caffinatedloz]

Seeing as I don't know how my cohorts SACs will be moderated, should I aim for the highest possible marks on SACs and the score range for an A+ (I think it's 275-400) to give myself the best chance to get the highest possible SS?

You should always aim to get to the highest possible mark you can. Spending the time you would be researching into grade distributions and stuff is great if you find it interesting, but you can always use that time to study and practice instead. In the end, the mark you get affects you SS, while how much you know about grade distribution doesn't.

[Snow Leopard]

You should always aim to get to the highest possible mark you can. Spending the time you would be researching into grade distributions and stuff is great if you find it interesting, but you can always use that time to study and practice instead. In the end, the mark you get affects you SS, while how much you know about grade distribution doesn't.

I know that I shouldn't be spending much time thinking about the technical side of things, but I do want to get the facts right. In saying that, you're right in that I shouldn't spend too much time in regards to stuff like this.