Week 6

Most of my unique efforts this week were centered around my test in International Relations & Governance. This was test posed a big hypothetical concern for me, and I am sure for everyone else within the program. First, this test will be our introduction to the testing style of this professor, Dr. Collins, which is good reason for any serious student to be concerned. In retrospect, he did an excellent job setting expectations for it. He told us it would have several "answer by phrase" questions, a few short answer (a paragraph) questions, and two essay questions. The test was given during a 25 hour window, in which we would have exactly 2 hours from pressing "begin exam" to complete all questions. This was spot on. Still, my awareness was exacerbated by the fact that this would be the first test of this program, period. What was I to expect from a masters level test. I knew that my expectations for readings and amount of material were low, and the amount of time that I dedicate to each class is large. Would my knowledge be challenged in a way previously not fathomed by me?

To prepare, I first studied all of my notes from power-point, which essentially are provided to us as on outline of key and secondary concepts by our teacher. This went over well, as I eluded to last entry, because the content of this course fits into a tight knit diagram. After this point, I looked over my notes that I took on assigned readings. Where these were unavailable, I supplemented by skimming the writings, trying to fit in whether each was more liberalist or realist, and if the scope of the writings were on the individual, state, or international level of analysis. After finishing studying, I let my mind wonder for a couple of hours. And then it was time. The two hours flew by, as I was fully involved in what I was doing. I knew all of the answers, at worst after a few moments of contemplating. So how did I do?

Like I mentioned, two of the responses were essay style, each worth 30 points (out of 100 possible points). I like essay format tests because you can prove your intimate knowledge of the material. At the same time, this could translate into a detriment, as you may write about one small but crucial facet of  the question, while the professor wishes for a more broad explanation. The inverse can apply as well, where you write about the topic in general, when your prof would really prefer a more direct application. You can never really tell until it is too late. Regardless, I was happy with how the first test went, from the moment I hit submit. When asked by friends/family how I did, my response was, "I definitely did not do bad. In did good, it is now a question of how good."




I got a 93 :)