Understanding the Curve
The Global History Regents Exam is standardized by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), and the curve is designed to ensure fairness and consistency in grading across different administrations of the exam. The curve is a statistical adjustment that takes into account the overall difficulty of the exam and the performance of students statewide.

The raw score obtained by students is converted into a scaled score on a scale of 0-100. The curve is then applied to this scaled score to determine the final grade. The curve is typically adjusted based on the performance of students on a given exam, and the exact curve varies from year to year.
Factors Influencing the Curve
The following factors can influence the curve:
- Overall Difficulty of the Exam: The curve is adjusted to account for the difficulty level of the exam. A more difficult exam will typically have a higher curve, while an easier exam will have a lower curve.
- Student Performance: The curve is also adjusted based on the performance of students statewide. If a large number of students perform well on the exam, the curve may be adjusted downward, while if a large number of students perform poorly, the curve may be adjusted upward.
Percentile Ranks
The NYSED publishes percentile ranks for each score on the Global History Regents Exam. Percentile ranks indicate the percentage of students who scored at or below a given score. For example, a student who scores in the 90th percentile has scored higher than 90% of all students who took the exam.
Score Range | Percentile Rank |
---|---|
85-100 | 90-100 |
75-84 | 70-89 |
65-74 | 50-69 |
55-64 | 30-49 |
45-54 | 10-29 |
0-44 | 0-9 |
Strategies for Success
There are several strategies that students can employ to increase their chances of success on the Global History Regents Exam:
- Prepare Thoroughly: Study the course material thoroughly and focus on understanding key concepts.
- Practice with Sample Questions: Practice answering sample questions to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions that may appear on the exam.
- Manage Time Effectively: Allocate your time wisely during the exam and prioritize answering questions that you are confident in.
- Use Outside Resources: Utilize resources such as textbooks, notes, and online materials to supplement your understanding of the material.
- Seek Help from Teachers or Tutors: If you encounter difficulties, seek help from your teachers or a qualified tutor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Students should avoid the following common mistakes on the Global History Regents Exam:
- Not Reading Questions Carefully: Take the time to read questions thoroughly before answering them.
- Misinterpreting Questions: Ensure that you understand the question before attempting to answer it.
- Not Budgeting Time Wisely: Allocate your time wisely and prioritize answering questions that you are confident in.
- Answering All Questions: It is not necessary to answer all questions on the exam. Focus on answering questions that you know well.
- Not Reviewing Your Work: After completing the exam, take some time to review your answers for any errors or omissions.
Pros and Cons of the Curve
The curve can have both positive and negative effects:
Pros:
- Ensures fairness and consistency in grading.
- Helps to differentiate between high-performing students.
- Motivates students to strive for excellence.
Cons:
- Can be unpredictable, making it difficult for students to gauge their performance.
- Can be discouraging for students who perform below the curve.
- Can lead to grade inflation.
Conclusion
The Global History Regents Curve is an important factor to consider when preparing for and taking the exam. By understanding the curve and employing effective strategies, students can increase their chances of success. It is essential to remember that the curve is just one aspect of the exam, and that thorough preparation and hard work are ultimately the keys to achieving a high score.