On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are frequently science and engineering tests where the expected average is around 30-50%! I'd argue those tests are m

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are frequently science and engineering tests where the expected average is around 30-50%! I'd argue those tests are more poorly designed, as they're either the wrong format or the professor isn't communicating information effectively at all. Just because something is hard doesn't make it any easier on you, as a student, to have to remember and reconcile that a failing grade on an exam is expected and is more likely to cause serious panic about a curve. EDIT: To be clear, the fact that below a 70% generally means "forced to retake" due to how GPA is handled in the US really isn't helping matters.