Hello everyone,
Before I begin I would like to take this opportunity to thank the folks working on this website, great job guys!
Well as a first year student I am having my share of excitement and anxiety. Also I did my “asking around” for any advises that could be useful to a freshman. What people have told me so far is not too far from what I expected to hear. You basically have to work harder than you did in high school, time management is crucial and such. Now here comes my question; is it true that you get to write an in-class essay for an exam or a test? And how often does it happen?
I would like to think that my writing skills are somewhat in the fair level, not too good-not too bad considering English is my second language after all…only if I am given enough time to edit and use extra help ( spelling check, dictionary…etcetera) . Basically what I am saying is writing an essay for a test without the use of any help would be a HUGE challenge for me. I can see a million and one spelling errors on my first test alreadyL . I would very much appreciate any feedback regarding this matter.
Keep up the good work!!
Best regards
P.s I am a humanities student

In humanities the vast majority of your tests will be short answer/essay based. I'm going into my third year of a mostly humanities program and I think I've only written 2 tests that were multiple choice in my entire time at Mac.

There are lots of resources at Mac for you to use to improve your test taking skills. Check out CSD and the Peer Helper Program.

Yeah, I would definitely recommend the Centre for Student Development (CSD). Perhaps you will be given more time for your tests so that you are able to proofread and the sorts. Also, keep in mind that as long as you make arguments and have a proper format for an essay, they won't be grading you too harshly. Actually, I usually do pretty well on the essay portion of my tests and it's never in essay format. It's usually more of a long answer format. Most of the time they look for content and your ability to express the ideas. If they know what you're saying then you're fine.

In first year, there is usually more than enough time to write an essay on a test or exam, and you'll still have plenty of time to re-read it and make corrections. I don't think you will be rushed.

I second what ferreinm said about writing really long answers rather than true essays for exams...I find that I tend to ramble on and on and on trying to get everything that I know about the topic into that tiny booklet. I almost always write to the end and look back and am like: and what was my point?! But I always do well! So as long as you write as much as you know about the topic then you'll be fine! They don't really check for spelling or grammar unless you're in a language class I find, so just get the main idea across.
I've also found that most exams (I'm in classics and linguistics) have more than just an essay section - almost all of my exams have multiple choice first, then short answer/fill in the blank, and then an essay or two (or three!). Most often the essays are two short and one long.

It really depends on the class you take, so it varies. I took social science and humanities courses last year. In my Political Science class, the exams consisted of essays. The last exam we had, was three essays and each were worth 10% of my grade. But it wasn't excruciatingly hard if you just went to class, did your assignments and prepared for it. You have to give yourself enough time, and I can't tell you how much because it depends on you.

Other classes don't have essays at all, like a Linguistics class, or even an Anthro class (but that's more rare). Expect to see a lot of short/long answer questions, multiple choice especially (Mac loooves multiple choice, as do a lot of universities I'm told). The test structures are not much different from what you see in highschool, the only difference is how you prepare for it. Just make sure to take great notes. I hate to plug my own article, but here http://www.macinsiders.com/showthread.php?t=2238 2. :]

In-class essays/exams in essay format are always marked easier than one you would take home. Profs understand that you're in more of a time crunch, and that it can be stressful.

Somethings to remember

• Always have an articulate format
• follow essay format (intro, body paragraphs, conclusion)
• be as specific as possible
• and try your best with spelling and grammar. Although they aren't going to mark as difficultly as if your essay was one you wrote at home, if your sentences are terrible it will be harder to get your point across.

After you write your first in-class or in-exam essay talk to the professor/TA once it's been marked and get feedback. Bring a notepad, and jot down some notes. Profs will spend time to help you, but you need to take the extra initiative to ask for their help.

If you get a nice TA, you will receive full benefits. First time TAs are the best, they don't want to get a lot of complains about marks but also not to arise suspicion among other TA.

Thanks a lot guys.