What is Exams: Definition and 187 Discussions

A test or examination (informally, exam or evaluation) is an educational assessment intended to measure a test-taker's knowledge, skill, aptitude, physical fitness, or classification in many other topics (e.g., beliefs). A test may be administered verbally, on paper, on a computer, or in a predetermined area that requires a test taker to demonstrate or perform a set of skills.
Tests vary in style, rigor and requirements. There is no general consensus or invariable standard for test formats and difficulty. Often, the format and difficulty of the test is dependent upon the educational philosophy of the instructor, subject matter, class size, policy of the educational institution, and requirements of accreditation or governing bodies.
A test may be administered formally or informally. An example of an informal test is a reading test administered by a parent to a child. A formal test might be a final examination administered by a teacher in a classroom or an IQ test administered by a psychologist in a clinic. Formal testing often results in a grade or a test score. A test score may be interpreted with regards to a norm or criterion, or occasionally both. The norm may be established independently, or by statistical analysis of a large number of participants.
A test may be developed and administered by an instructor, a clinician, a governing body, or a test provider. In some instances, the developer of the test may not be directly responsible for its administration. For example, Educational Testing Service (ETS), a nonprofit educational testing and assessment organization, develops standardized tests such as the SAT but may not directly be involved in the administration or proctoring of these tests.

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  1. K

    Admissions Independent Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Math exams

    My daughter (14 years old) is considering to be an independent learner for her high school so that she can pursue her other (serious) interest in sports. Whereas she is focused on her sport, she also wants to study in a flexible environment, the basic sciences and math in both of which she is...
  2. Vanadium 50

    PhD Qualifying Exams -- Are they being phased out?

    [Mentor Note -- this thread is split off the previous thread: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/are-physicists-good-in-every-branch-of-physics.1049445/ ] To get a PhD, you need to pass something called a qualifying exam, which covers all of physics. I do high energy, but there were...
  3. D

    Advice for learning enough Solidworks to pass the CSWA and CSWP exams

    Has anybody here learned SolidWorks by themselves to the degree of being certified? If so what would be the best way to do that? I have free access to SolidWorks through my university but I have not yet taken any courses on it. I used a little bit of Abaqus software for FEA for applied strength...
  4. shivajikobardan

    Comp Sci Network design -- numerical problem asked in our exams

    Provide IT infrastructure details for a government school with 4 departments including ISP department which are around 500 meters apart from each other. Three departments have 5 labs each with around 24 computers in each room. ISP contains server farm with server like DNS, DHCP, E-mail, FTP and...
  5. warhammer

    Cracking Exams: Overcoming Knowledge Gaps for Intro QM

    Summary:: I understand the consensus on PF about studying for knowledge and not merely for "cracking Semester Exams" but I urge you all to go through below thread before attaching to that feeling in my case. Hi. So I have my Exams on Intro QM approaching very soon, which will be a combination...
  6. shivajikobardan

    MHB Which 2 exams should I skip for best optimization for learning?

    https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/aEaRfwwvnXOSUT8p390UKsIjrbVi2ERlBaKjwUDR3JoQOEw8bCLhQIek9wPo83GrJ8wqG7WTC1p1eQRgPdap9cPx9gt8zCQnibrb6BQjyvYVS91m2c79diOIVqHeKG0uSIo6phoT So I messed up in a tactical move. I was studying artificial intelligence for my backlog exam(exam that I failed also called...
  7. shivajikobardan

    Testing Which 2 exams should I skip for best optimization of learning?

    So I messed up in a tactical move. I was studying artificial intelligence for my backlog exam(exam that I failed also called supplementary exam, re-exam, retaking exam). That was so huge and due to lots of other reasons (I don't want to sound whining so not mentioning them), I am here. I have...
  8. H

    In search of a non-linear way to prepare students for this unique exam

    Suppose there is an exam of maths, for a particular service, whose syllabus is of Bachelor of Science: Maths level, i.e. the syllabus includes (exhaustively) Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, Calculus, Vector Calculus, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial...
  9. shivajikobardan

    MHB Calculating Total Marks Weightage for Exams, Sports and Activities

    The solution code is like this-: ACTIVITIES_WEIGHTAGE=30.0 SPORTS_WEIGHTAGE=20.0 EXAMS_WEIGHTAGE=50.0 EXAMS_TOTAL=200.0 ACTIVITIES_TOTAL=60.0 SPORTS_TOTAL=50.0 exam_score1=int(input("Enter marks in first examinations out of 100"))...
  10. bagasme

    Art I suck at practical art tests, but am excellent at theoretical art exams

    Hi everyone, I was quite excellent at STEM subjects at school, but struggled (bad) at art classes. Here's why: At grade 9 of middle school, one of the job (assignment) that I had to perform in weeks was singing Amayadori by Mayumi Itsuwa. I and other students were given photocopies of music...
  11. Gjmdp

    Would Math professors ace PhD qualifying exams?

    I have seen that most PhD Math students struggle a lot with these examinations. It is fair to assume that any PhD student is already very talented and commited to the field of maths, so I am wondering whether professors (including those who write the exam) could actually ace the exam (get a...
  12. R

    Engineering Want to study mechanical engineering.... but failing physics exams?

    Hi, I'm feeling pretty disheartened after failing my second college physics exam in a row (I have about a low C in the class with homework and labs). I'm a freshman in physics 1, my first college physics class, where we are learning mechanics. I took physics in high school but my teacher was...
  13. Saptarshi Sarkar

    How to prepare for Physics entrance exams?

    I am an undergrad student who will soon give entrance exams for many institutions for grad. The total syllabus of undergrad physics is needed for the tests and it is quite large. The advice I need is whether I should spend more time learning and revising the concepts and related formulas until...
  14. Anonymous_

    Students Cheating from Past Exams

    Hello, I just recently found out that my classmates cheated throughout the semester by passing around old exams and quizzes. This semester is over but it turns out that the professor recycles old exams and quizzes year after year. He’s too lazy to change them. What I was wondering is if this is...
  15. Aniruddha_Abir

    Other Where can I take online Physics exams (Bachelor's level) without class

    I self study Physics for a long time. But I have no academic certification. I want to take remote online exams for the following subjects and get my certified marksheet- 1. Atomic & Molecular Physics. 2. Quantum Mechanics-I. 3. Computer Fundamentals and Numerical Analysis. 4. Electronics-I. 5...
  16. S

    Passed my exams. Thank you all

    Dear all, I officially passed all of my exams yesterday. It seemed very unlikely but now I get to study physics and hopefully pursue my childhood dreams. I want to really thank you. I quit my job and was on a budget so that I couldn't afford tutoring, but I don't think I would have been able to...
  17. P

    Testing Recent PGRE Exams: Practice After 2014

    Are there any recent (after 2014) PGRE exams available online for practice?
  18. A

    Other My teacher gave out pratice exams?

    Hello, I am taking pre-calculus in college. However, I am worried that my class has grade inflation in it. My teacher gave out practice exam which is the same as the exams except with the numbers switched. How worried should I be if he did this?
  19. ImTrashAtPhysics

    How to use extra information in physics exams

    Hi all, I don’t know if posts like this are allowed and if not mods please remove but I am currently enrolled in Gen Physics 1 w/Calc(I don't know why I challenged myself with this class when normal Physics 1 would’ve worked for me as a biochem major) and am struggling to do understand the...
  20. GhostLoveScore

    Requirements for passing exams

    I'm not sure if this question belongs to this forum, but here it goes. When you were studying physics or mathematics, specifically mathematical theorems, what was required for passing the exam? We had a course called Mathematical Methods of physics and we had about 20 larger theorems that had...
  21. opus

    Testing Tips for computer science exams?

    Well I just took my midterm for Intro Computer Science and got a 59%. This is very frustrating because I've received 100% on all assignments and I feel like I am starting to get an understanding of the subject. However, this isn’t like mathematics or science where you can grind problems. It...
  22. J

    AP Physics Exams: College Apps & Self-Studying Tips

    Hey guys. I'm currently a rising senior just starting my college applications. My junior year I took 6 AP exams: Calc BC (5&5), Physics C: Mechanics (5), English Langauge (5), US History (5), Physics 1 (4), and Biology (4). I only took 5 classes, however, all except c mechanics. Using my calc...
  23. S

    Other Where Can I Find MIT Physics General Exams from 2002 and After 2012?

    Hello! I solved the MIT physics graduate general exams (the Part 2 from http://web.mit.edu/physics/current/graduate/sampleexams.html) and they are super useful to consolidate your knowledge in the areas they cover. Does anyone know where (and if) I can find the exams between 2002 and 2012 and...
  24. G

    Studying How to improve in engineering exams

    I don't know if this is the right place to put this, but here it goes... I'm here to ask you what advice can you give me to achieve better results in engineering. I'm currently on my 5th semester and I'm still not managing to get good results. I really put effort on things, prepare myself...
  25. jamalkoiyess

    Testing Overcoming Exam Anxiety: Tips for Staying Focused and Calm

    Hello there, I am having a problem to solve in exams. I think it's because am freezing but that's just a speculation. I am a physics-math junior and I study really well, solve without looking at solutions and focus and understand the material. Yet whenever I enter an exam I can always solve the...
  26. Arman777

    Increasing the number of Questions on the exams and the effects of it

    One of our classes in the Uni, we have only 3 questions in the exam and we have a curve-grade system. I wonder increasing the question number would have any affects on the curve or etc. Is there any study on this topic ?
  27. M

    Studying Self teaching Gcse and A-Level maths

    Hi, I have recently embarked on the journey to do a mathematics degree. I am 16 and homeschooled, although, I self teach myself as I find it easier to read from textbooks and teach myself the material from resources online and the likes. I have taken a math Gcse a few months ago and was going...
  28. fresh_42

    Insights 10 Math Tips to Save Time and Avoid Mistakes - Comments

    Greg Bernhardt submitted a new PF Insights post 10 Math Tips to Save Time and Avoid Mistakes Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  29. neosoul

    Testing Preparing for Physics Preliminary Exams & Retaking PGRE

    PF: So here is the situation. I scored really really low on my Physics GRE. Honestly, I didn't prepare for it as much as I should have. I feel that I have legitimate reasons (one being that around that time, I was being stalked and kept going to security at my school but they said they really...
  30. sukalp

    What is online test series for exams?

    i wanted to ask you that i am having financial problem for preparing for exams for getting admission into international universities. are there online test series for physics,chemistry,maths in free
  31. A

    Testing Is it possible to get 90% average in your final year exams?

    Hi guys, new member here. I am entering my final year of university and really want to give it my best shot. Have people on here or anywhere else ever got 90% or above average in their module marks for final year? My final year involves optics, solid state physics, statistical mechanics...
  32. A

    Getting an A in A2 Exams: Tips for Success

    Hello, I got "b,b and U" in 3 modules of As which was written as overall of "b" grade . Now I have got 2 modules for A2 examination. how much should I score to get an A?
  33. B

    Testing Not sure where I am going wrong with exams

    There was a course that I have taken before and passed. Like a good pass. I just don't feel like sharing the grade, but it was good. I learned a lot from the class and understood the material well and demonstrated that several ways. A year later I am re-taking the course because it's been a...
  34. J

    Testing Keep making silly mistakes in exams

    I keep making stupid mistakes on exams, despite knowing the material very well and being very good at these subjects. For example, on a math midterm I had a couple of months ago, I accidentally wrote 4 times 2 is 12, then used that 12 throughout the rest of the calculation. That cost me major...
  35. M

    Testing AP Physics 1 & 2 Exam Prep: Focus Areas for Grade 3+

    Hi, When I am using Principles of Physics by Walker, Halliday, and Resnick to study for AP physics 1 and 2 exams, what chapters/subject areas should I focus on to get at least grade 3? Due to a lack of time to study I will need to study what's most important. Alternatively, recommendations for...
  36. H

    How are exams in your country?

    I currently study physics in Belgium and I'd like to do a Master somewhere else in Europe. But even if you aren't from Europe, I'd like to read your experience on that matter. My problem is that I'm literally sick with the way the exams go in my country. We finish the semester's courses, then 2...
  37. Lagraaaange

    Do exams really reflect knowledge?

    Do you guys think exams and problems in physics really reflect your knowledge of the subject? I find myself having superior knowledge of theory in my courses relative to classmates (I often explain it to them), but then I can't reproduce this on exams which are all computation. What do you think?
  38. S

    School internal exams and performance

    I am currently studying a-levels in physics, maths and chemistry, after a below par performance in my AS levels I am working hard to try and boost up my grades, in lessons I am all okay but once i get to an exam i seem to lose all ability and end up losing lots of marks through silly errors or...
  39. M

    What does GCE (UK) involve (A-levels)?

    Hi! What does the General Certificate of Education (?) in the UK involve? Is it the same as A-levels? Edit: It says I need the GCE with two A-levels, what does this mean?
  40. V

    Why can't I think during exams?

    I'm just finishing first round of midterms now, and I have a huge problem. I just can't think straight while I write my exams. I can do my problem sets (which are much harder than exam questions) easily and quickly and I know how I get the answers. But for some reason as soon as I sit down to...
  41. N

    Why do I keep messing up on my math exams?

    I don't understand how I am doing so badly right now. I am at University studying Calculus one and I just got my first exam back and I did not do well. I went over the practice exams with a tutor and studied the day before the exam extensively. Maybe I should have started earlier. Could someone...
  42. T

    Are the Physics exams in Uni long or short?

    I'm asking because I'm slow when it comes to mathematics in Physics exams , and I was wondering if Universities cater for people who are slow thinkers by making Physics exams longer than high school exams?
  43. S

    Engineering Economics - Practice Problems

    Sorry if this is not in the correct section. I have an engineering economics exam this week. I'd like to know if anybody (particularly professors and/or tutors) know of a website or have a document they could share with me with a few practice problems. I have attached a PDF document with the...
  44. M

    How do two springs act as a simple harmonic oscillator in a spring-mass system?

    Hello forum. Panhellenic exams begin in less than 10 days and stress is slowly but steadily been overtaking me these last few months. I've been solving problems out of a physics book, and i got stuck in one which involves mechanical oscillations (spring-mass system). 1. Homework Statement A...
  45. M

    Mike's Path to University: Struggling with National Exams at 18

    Hello everyone, my name is Mike, and i am 18 years old. In a month from now, i am going to be giving the national exams my country does to qualify for a university. Unfortunately, there is no idea to know in which university i'll pass, if i pass at all. These exams are known to be difficult...
  46. I

    Suffering from panic attacks during test

    Dear all, this may seem like attention-seeking of some sort but recently I competed in my country's Physics Olympiad and vastly under-performed. It may sound like I'm making excuses but I largely attribute this to a panic attack I had at the start of the test that led me to be unable to perform...
  47. Ignis Radiis

    Struggling with AP Exams? Learn how to study like a college student!

    Okay..SO I am senior in High School and I have so far taken 11 AP Classes and with this year I will have 18 AP Classes. My method obviously doesn't work because I have only passed 6 of the 11 and have NEVER gotten a 5. This year should be different. Please let me know an Awesome way to 5. Thanks!
  48. icecubebeast

    AP Calculus AB vs AP Calculus BC Exams?

    Hello, I was wondering if I should take the AP Calculus AB exam first or just take the AP Calculus BC exam. I am currently learning AP Calculus BC and my friends say that you have to take both in order to get college credit for both (I'm skeptical of this). Since AP Calculus BC covers the same...
  49. W

    Qualifying Exams: How to Interpret This?

    I recently spoke with a Math professor of many years. He said that qualifying exams are a young person's game and that he believed that neither himself nor most professors could pass these exams without serious preparation. Is he right? If so, what does this say about both the worth of these...
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