When you calculate what you need on your final exam and discover the answer is 110%, something is fundamentally wrong with your inputs or approach.
Why the 110% Problem Happens
The problem typically arises from: incorrect current grade, incorrect final exam weight, misunderstanding of calculation, or an actual reality that you can't reach your target.
Many students have an incorrect current grade because they don't understand their grading system or haven't checked in weeks. Your displayed grade might be outdated or based on incomplete information.
The final exam weight causes problems when students assume the wrong percentage. Checking your syllabus immediately clarifies this crucial number.
The Calculation Error Check
Walk through your calculation step by step. First, verify your current grade by logging into your learning management system and checking it.
Second, verify your final exam weight from your syllabus. Some professors use percentages in non-obvious ways. Third, verify your target grade makes sense. Fourth, verify how your professor calculates incomplete grades.
When 110% Actually Means Something
If your calculation is correct and you genuinely need an impossible grade, it means your target is unreachable. This is important information. If reaching an A (90%) is impossible, focus on securing a B instead.
This doesn't mean giving up; it means being strategic. If you need 87% on the final, that's challenging but realistic. You can study to achieve that.
Adjusting Your Approach
If your target is impossible, what lower target can you reach? If 90% is impossible but 85% is possible with 94%, is 85% acceptable?
Many professors offer extra credit or retake opportunities. If you understand you're in trouble mathematically, asking before the final exam shows responsibility and might open options.
Preventing This Problem
Go forward tracking your grade weekly. Understand your grading system completely before midterm. Know the exact weight of each category and final exam.
Calculate what you need regularly so you never get a shocking surprise close to finals.