Hi everyone!
This week was my last exam- my semester is officially over! Now to wait for results and travel a bit before heading back to America. Exams at PolyU are very different than those at FIT- I was surprised how the process works and thought I would compare and contrast the two.
At FIT, professors sometimes give a final project instead of a final exam, or do the final online, but generally the final takes place in the last week of the class meeting. You might get a handout with what to study, or the relevant chapters, but generally it is a cumulative review. Each professor is different however!
At PolyU, the system is a bit different. After 13 weeks of classes, there is one week for “revision,” when you can finish final projects, study for exams and generally take a breather before launching back into school. After that is an exam period in which each class is assigned a time, each block 2 or 3 hours long. For example, my exams were May 2nd 8:45-11:45 and May 6th 3:15-6:15. Multiple tests were administered in the same gym/classroom, which was set up in a similar manner to how the SATs and other standardized tests in America are given. Each desk had a bag underneath in which you stash your bag, and no food or drink is allowed. It is a very strict environment with lots of proctors checking to make sure you are following the guidelines. However, I did enjoy the serious tone and it helped me keep focused.
The past year’s exams are usually posted on the library website, which gives you a chance to practice the style of test to be administered. I found this really helpful, as otherwise I would have had no idea what to expect. Since the final exams count for a large portion of your grade- up to 70% for some classes- having any and all help is great.
It feels good to be all done with exams and ready to travel, but I will miss PolyU. It is strange to think I will never take another class there. It’s almost like having the feeling of graduating twice- once from PolyU now and again next year when I leave FIT.
What kind of tests do you prefer? Let me know!
Best,
Sam