Is the Qual graded on a curve?
No. When the Qual is written, the authors assess what score on each problem would represent a satisfactory performance and qualify for a pass score. Each candidate’s score is compared with a priori measure of performance. The overall prior estimate of a pass grade is obtained by summing these priori passing scores. Finally, the pass line is determined generously by seeking a gap in the spectrum of scores close to the prior estimate of the pass score.
