It's a term that many Singaporean students are familiar with. And many students fear falling on the wrong side of it. Yet, what is it about the Bell Curve that makes it so foreboding?
What exactly is the bell curve?
The Bell Curve is a bell shaped function showing how data is distributed. It could be population size, ticket sales, even exam scores. With a sufficiently large cohort size, O Level exam scores are likely to follow a similar distribution as shown in the graph. Students with average performance make up the majority of the cohort. Exceptional and less-able students take the smaller end tail portions.
The bell curve is also sometimes called a “necessary evil”, since many schools rely on it to differentiate students’ performance vis à vis each other. Without the curve, they could wind up with a system where a vast majority of students could score 9 A1s for the O Levels just based on nominal marks. This in turn reduces the value of the O Level results; something known as grade inflation.
How do you beat the curve?
A bell curve means absolute scores matter less than relative performance. You don't just have to do well for your exam, but also outperform peers who sat for that same paper as you. This could increase the time and effort spent on your studies to achieve that coveted A1. Still, the bell curve is not unbeatable, and it is possible to stand out amongst your peers with appropriate and smart studying tips.
1. Make a study plan
Rather than procrastinate and having to cram for your O Levels in the later months, consistent effort throughout helps you internalize concepts more naturally. This translates to an easier time applying what was learnt to answer exam questions. In fact, studies have shown that last minute cramming for tests is counterproductive. Instead, make it an imperative to create a study plan and maximize study efficiency. Take 15 mins of your time to set some studying goals for the week (e.g. reviewing the Math topic that was taught this week), and write down your plans to achieve these goals. The planning process may sound like a pain, but once you actually take a step to do so, you will realise how much more productive your week can be. Such periodic review actually saves you studying time as compared to cramming before your O Levels!
2. Track your performance against the cohort
This is important. Have a rough estimation of where you stand amongst the cohort. By doing so, you would be better able to form reasonable expectations of your results after moderation by the curve. Healthy competition inspires students to do their best, and tracking your result relative to the cohort will give you a better idea of the effectiveness of your studying plans. This allows you to adjust and modify your studying plans accordingly for better returns. Doing better than your peers? Keep up the good work, but don't slide into complacency. If grades are not up to expectations, find out why is that so; both from your friends or teachers. Don’t be shy about consulting your teachers for a more thorough review of your performance! Making an effort to find out where you have gone wrong will reduce your chances of making similar mistakes in future.
3. Practice makes perfect
Nothing beats good old practice. Try to complete as many ten-year-series paper as you possibly can; you can even try the papers repeatedly. Make sure to review each paper thoroughly, as this is what differentiates the quality of practice. Only by understanding where your mistakes are and rectifying them accordingly can your results improve. Practice also gives you experience handling a wide variety of questions; and makes you more comfortable identifying what the O Level exam questions are asking for. If you are lucky, you may even see a similar question you had gone through during your practice pop up!
4. Commit to your plans
You can make the most detailed and elaborate studying plan in the world, but a lack of discipline to follow it, and all will be for naught. One way to ensure you commit to these changes is to start small. Rather than setting ambitious goals straightaway, start with small and reasonably attainable goals. Two hours over the weekend to review your math; an hour for English; 45 minutes for Chemistry - it will add up. Taking baby steps is always better than no steps at all. If you really have trouble following your studying plans, you can always seek your folks for help. Again, don’t be shy about asking for help. By putting in effort to commit to your plans, you set yourself on the path toward beating the bell curve, and scoring your well-deserved A1.
Conclusion
In the end, the bell curve is something not within your control. However, with appropriate studying habits, you can secure a favourable position on the bell curve for yourself. Most importantly, stick to your study plan; put in consistent effort; and do your utmost. There is no replacement for hard work and practice, not even praying to the ‘bell curve gods’. So long as you put your best foot forward, the curve's always beatable, your desired results reachable.
