Preparing for a Difficult Midterm: The 'Time Trial' Exam

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by students preparing for a midterm exam in a controls course, characterized by a large volume of material to memorize without a formula sheet. Participants express concerns about the exam format, which is described as a 'time trial,' and the implications of the workload on their performance.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the extensive material (514 pages) that must be memorized, including derivations and Matlab code, raising concerns about the feasibility of this requirement.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about their performance due to the challenging nature of recent homework assignments, despite being a strong student overall.
  • Several participants anticipate a significant grading curve due to the perceived difficulty of the exam.
  • One participant humorously references their alarm clock playing a song related to the stress of the situation, indicating a light-hearted approach to the pressure of the exam.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the overwhelming nature of the exam preparation and the expectation of a grading curve, but individual confidence levels and perceptions of preparedness vary.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the lack of homework for one chapter and the timing of homework due on the same day as the exam, which may affect their preparation and performance.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in similar courses or those facing high-stakes exams with extensive material may find the shared experiences and concerns relevant.

Cyrus
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I have a mid term tomorrow for my controls course. We have 514 pages of material with no formula sheet. We have to memorize everything, including some derivations and Matlab code.

After this mid term were only doing 2 other chapters. This isn't a mid term, its a damn final exam!

At this point, he could give a simple answer and I might get it wrong just because there is so much crap to remember.

He told us his exam is going to be a 'time trial'...:rolleyes:

One chapter we didnt even have homework from yet, and another chapter the homework is due the same day as the exam.

This is crazy. I have a feeling the curve will be HUGE.
 
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cyrusabdollahi said:
This is crazy. I have a feeling the curve will be HUGE.

Let me know what it is when you find out!

Good luck too!
 
I can do all the material. I just can't remeber this MUCH material. Good god.

Quite appropriately, when I woke up my alarm clock was playing Glenn Frey - The Heat Is On 85'

The soundtrack to Beverly Hills Cop. :smile:
 
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I have an exam tomorrow morning and we are covering about 2 weeks of material. Sadly I don't expect to do well on the exam, as the homework has been tough for me, and so having such a small amount will probably hurt me. Luckily I am one of the best students in the class, so I should be near the top if it comes down to a curve. Still kind of weird.

Good luck to you! (and me)
 

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