exams advice

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I've been told I need 30% in each of the exams I'm taking to pass the modules and move onto 2nd year. Anyone any idea what I need to do to get 30%? Strange question I know, but to be honest I wasn't even looking at doing the exams, I was thinking about withdrawing from the course. I only decided to try the exams due to my senior tutor contacting me telling me that I only needed 30% in each exam.

The_One_Who

I think you need to decide whether you want to carry on with your course or not. If you want to stay on and just achieve a passing grade, then you need to put in some work and answer the questions at a semi-competent level.

BruceyBonus

At my uni, you are awarded credit points for the unit if you get 30%. You only pass the exam with 40%.

This is how they describe 25-30%: Clear fail: some correct facts but substantially incomplete, as much wrong as right
35%: Borderline fail: some correct information but clearly confused, lacks depth, poorly presented
40%: Bare pass: basic material covered but not in adequate depth, no serious errors but does not show real understanding of the material

Obviously for any multiple choice questions, 30% equals 30% correct after you've allowed for any negative marking.

Money_Grabber13579

At mine, it's 40%, and then 50% for any further exemptions! Sometimes you wonder how little you'd have to do to get 40% - then you do the exam, and find it's a lot harder to get above 40 than you first thought!

asbokid

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

I've been told I need 30% in each of the exams I'm taking to pass the modules and move onto 2nd year. Anyone any idea what I need to do to get 30%? Strange question I know, but to be honest I wasn't even looking at doing the exams, I was thinking about withdrawing from the course. I only decided to try the exams due to my senior tutor contacting me telling me that I only needed 30% in each exam.

You're right! It is a strange question..

You could always get the syllabus, some past papers, and the exam grades from previous years, and make a study of how little you would have to do for a 30% pass. And then you should feel ashamed of yourself for not trying harder..

atypical

Don't forget to take into account any coursework marks for the module. That decreases the percentage you require in the exam to pass the module.

bitsandpieces

Your university will - most likely - let students see the exam mark scheme. By and large, I suspect that you will find 'basic' knowledge and answers will allow a pass in essay questions; this will differ with exam format, though. Do you have lecture notes, textbook etc. to read?

Hopefully, assuming you are planning on staying on, you will be able to aim for more than 30% in subsequent years?

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I have been out of uni for the past yr due to personal issues and illness. I am taking the 1st yr exams at the moment, in fact tomorrow is the 4th & last one.

I had decided not to go back & emailed the uni to ask how I withdraw from the programme. It was the senior tutor who telephoned me regarding my withdrawl, she suggested that I give the exams a go, that i would have nothing to loose. So, I decided to go for it. Obviously, I have been cramming in last minute revision and I'm trying to gauge whether I've done enough or whether I'll be looking at resists. I'm also trying to decide what direction to take it I pass or fail.

McKneff

Just take it one day at a time, do the exam/course, like yu say you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Decide what direction to take afterwards, its a big gulf between the two. Go for it and good luck

asbokid

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

I have been out of uni for the past yr due to personal issues and illness.

Sorry to hear that..

I am taking the 1st yr exams at the moment, in fact tomorrow is the 4th & last one. I had decided not to go back & emailed the uni to ask how I withdraw from the programme. It was the senior tutor who telephoned me regarding my withdrawl, she suggested that I give the exams a go, that i would have nothing to loose. So, I decided to go for it. Obviously, I have been cramming in last minute revision and I'm trying to gauge whether I've done enough or whether I'll be looking at resists. I'm also trying to decide what direction to take it I pass or fail.

Usually the first year exam grades have no bearing on your degree classification... So your effort will be worth it. Good luck!

The_One_Who

asbokid wrote: »

Usually the first year exam grades have no bearing on your degree classification... So your effort will be worth it. Good luck!

They still appear on your transcript though, and if looking for work experience scraping passes doesn't look good for you.