Marking is inconsistent I think WWYD ?

[mamatomany]

Might post this else where if the response is low because I feel I need to act on this quite quickly.
I'm attending a college course for which the criteria is a little wishy washy to say the least.
On our first day at college our lecturer basically told us there was no point in applying for certain uni courses as we didn't have a chance.
It was as if he'd made his mind up about all of us from day one.
Now I might be trying to punch above my weight, it's entirely possible but I still want to try but feel as if this tutor is purposefully trying to prove himself right with my marks.
The first assignment we were told to compare and contrast, with large drawings. I had more detail than anyone else and yet was given a merit because I had put three large drawings on one A4 sheet rather than draw each on an A4 sheet, how do you quantify "large"
Next example, this week we had an essay assignment, half the class had not even reached the pass mark and were given their assignments back to resubmit.
However mine was deemed to have passed but at a low grade, merit, pass, pass. So I would have actually been better off if he'd failed me. I am so pissed off because the people who've been given back their assignments have been given feedback as to how to improve and can still achieve merits and distinctions.
I want to talk to him about this because he knows I need distinctions, I'm not saying give me one if I haven't deserved it but if other people are getting a second chance to improve I'm so upset that I am not.
Am just worried I'm wasting my time on this course because he seems to have decided I will not get the grades :(
Has anybody else experienced this and what did you do ?

Well I would ask could I resubmit the assignment since obviously more than one attempt is allowed. The lecturer sounds very negative and the fact that a lot of the class aren't doing particularly well yet so in his mind that is proving him right. Perhaps you need to be a bit of a pain as well - if he gives a vague instruction like "large" make sure he quantifies it.

Is there anyone else in the department that you could talk to?

I would certainly bring it up sooner rather than later, as it shows you're serious if you try and get something fixed at the time rather than waiting till afterwards.

I agree it's unfair that others are getting a second chance when you're not (unless the maximum they can achieve is a bare pass, which I know happens on some courses when you have to resubmit).

For the next assignment, I would make sure you're very clear about what you need to do, and question anything that's unclear; that way if you don't get a good mark for something that wasn't explained in advance, you're on firm ground for challenging it.

I would focus less on 'needing' distinctions when discussing things with him, because that could sound a bit like you want to get a high mark regardless of what your work's like. You could just say that you're keen to do as well as you possibly can, so would appreciate as much clarity as he can give about the requirements so you can do your best to meet them.

Good luck!