"Shared" Exams

[racerx]

---

Members don't see this ad.

In my Chemistry II class, the professor announced that besides quizzes, labs, etc. for credit; we would take three exams during the semester. OK, no problem. However, the catch is that his exams are too large for one person do do. So, he divides the class up into groups of three and each group completes one exam, by dividing the questions up amongst themselves. Then, one answer sheet is handed in and the three people receive the same grade.

I don't want to sound like a gunner, but science grades do have some importance in gaining acceptance into medical school. As such, I don't really feel comfortable with trusting a large portion of my total grade to two other individuals who's knowledge and dedication to learning chemistry is an unknown. (at least until the grades from the first exam come back) 🙁

I don't mind working labs with others, as we still hand in our own lab reports; tutoring, or getting together in study groups. However, my feeling is that medical schools will evaluate my grades as mine alone. Being that this may be the case, I'd like those grades to actually be 100% mine, not 33%.

Sorry, I just had to vent. It really makes me feel uncomfortable.

Has anyone else ever experienced this? If so, how was it for you?

Thanks,

Racerx

 

[Jamier2]

Originally posted by racerx:
•Has anyone else ever experienced this? If so, how was it for you?•••

I haven't, and I don't believe I'd like it much if I did. Somehow in group deals, I end up with the people who don't care at all.

 

[jaeida8]

Are you in the same group of 3 the entire semester or does the professor randomly assign you on test day?

 

[racerx]

Originally posted by jaeida8:
•Are you in the same group of 3 the entire semester or does the professor randomly assign you on test day?•••

Same group of three.

BTW, just for the record, I dropped that class. I've decided to take it where my grade is MY grade.

It seems like this is would help those who are the weaker members of the groups, but would hurt the stronger members as well. Not entirely fair IMHO.

Racerx

 

[Trek]

How do you think they feel about you? Probably the same way. You should've at least gotten to know your group before you bailed- you may have been able to get out with a good grade studying only 1/3rd as much. --Trek

 

[megkudos]

I think I would have done the same thing racerx. It's not worth the gamble. What a weird way to go about it? I've never heard of anything like it!

 

[brandonite]

I agree. I wouldn't want to chance it... That seems like such a strange way to go about the grading...

 

[imtiaz]

That's crazy! We have group quizzes in our Gen Chem II, but even then the students do their own quiz and then do the same quiz in groups of 3, their final grade is the average of the two. But exams?! Come on! That's totally wack.

 

[racerx]

Originally posted by Trek_OCLV:
•How do you think they feel about you? Probably the same way. You should've at least gotten to know your group before you bailed- you may have been able to get out with a good grade studying only 1/3rd as much. --Trek•••

True enough. However, as I am responsible for ensuring my grades are good enough to gain admission to medical school, it isn't a chance I was willing to take. I am casting no aspersions <sp?> on the abilities and dedication of the other students, but they are an unknown quantity. To myself, I am not.

The school I was taking this at is basically a two-year Ag-Tech college. I was doing this in order to transfer those credits across town to the 4 year University I am attending next fall. With this being the case, how many of the students (vs. a group of those attempting to get to either graduate, or medical school) are just trying to 'get by'. After the comments heard post-class, I can guarantee you there are a number of those willing to get the C just to finish a chem requirement.

There are a couple of other issues that weighed into this decision.

1. I am "older", and as such, don't have the luxury of retaking classes that might have their grades screwed up by others. It's not worth the gamble. Also, retakes can be questioned on medical school applications.

2. I am paying for this out of my own pocket; No aid, no loans, and no grants. I would like to make efficient use of my money. Again, no re-takes.

In closing, I have to say that indeed, other students may have felt the same way about me. However, how they feel about me has little to no bearing on me, as I would also expect my feelings have little or no bearing on them.

racerx