posted 2006/10/17 at 21:54
The MA exam is now just four days away, and of course I'm feeling that there is absolutely no way I can get this thing passed. Even with as light of a load as I've had this semester, and even with as much attention as I've paid to all the books on the list for the exam, I am just not feeling anywhere near the level of competence that will be necessary to pass this exam and give myself a shot at actually being able to get my degree at the end of the year.
My feelings towards this exam have moved through several stages already, and right now I'm at what could best be called the resentment stage. I resent the fact that I'm being forced to take this test when I've already got all the credit-hours I need in order to graduate. I resent the fact that the English Department thinks that a test like this -- something I've never had to take in any of my literature-based courses through my undergraduate and graduate careers (except for take-home exams where we could do things like consult the texts, use the Internet, and not have a significant time limit imposed) -- is necessary for me to prove my mettle as an English scholar. I especially resent the fact that even though the English Department on the one hand tries to cater to the fact that English grad students tend to be night owls by offering a plethora of late-afternoon and evening classes, the exam is scheduled to start at nine in the morning. On a Saturday. *headdesk*
The greatest part is that I then get to turn around the next week and take my big Japanese exam, and not only am I pretty much unable to study for that exam while I'm hip-deep in lit land, I still have no idea what day or what time the Japanese exam will take place. Guh. Oh, and then there's the 20-30 page paper that I haven't even been able to start pulling references for yet.
In short, if I write even less than usual here in the next couple of weeks, that's why. I've just got a little something called a career I could enjoy and make decent money at on the line here, and that's just a wee bit more important than blogging about weather or sports. At least for the time being.
Former grad student here...
even with as much attention as I've paid to all the books on the list for the exam, I am just not feeling anywhere near the level of competence that will be necessary to pass this exam
Relax! If you're prepared, you'll do well! Exams like these are about the process. Relax and think. Take this as an opportunity to show off what you know.
But, btw, I bet the reason why the exam is on a Saturday morning, while classes are in the afternoons and evenings, is probably so that part-time students with full-time jobs -- especially the high school English teachers -- can make the classes and the exam. (And so you then have the rest of your weekend without it looming over you!) Plus, I imagine a lot of the fulltime students are comp TAs and classes and exams have to be scheduled so they don't conflict with comp classes.
copyright © 2008 Sean Shannon