testing

a couple of hours ago i would have sworn that i knew and understood the algorithmic approach to changing the base in a difference equation. it's unfortunate that tests, while great for establishing application of a memorized algorithm, do so little to show understanding and internalization of the concepts which that regurgitated problem solving strategy actually represents.

a.k.a. no matter how much i fiddle with the terms, it appears that i have forgotten the formula :-(

just finished a test that i only knew half the answers to. i guess the bonus to that is that i only took fifteen minutes to finish it. stopped to check out my score on the monitors on the way out of the testing center, and it turns out that fifteen minutes of my time (plus about ten minutes of review) was worth 80 percent. i am such a slacker.

funny thing was, there was another kid that had just spent a few hours on a chem 105 exam. and he pretty much wanted to kill himself over his score. 'specially since he spent twelve hours studying for it...

moral of the story? i'm just glad that life's not fair.

there's a point when studying for a test that you reach the maximum level of preparedness. further study is trivial, as it will not increase the odds of getting a good grade. at this point, all that's left is to wait.

i reached that point at about 9: last night. and i cant take the test until 3: this afternoon.

so i wait.

and wait.

wish me luck.

free!

free as in freedom.

not free as in without cost.

i'm done. no more school this year. and i think i even passed all my finals.

farewell, cruel world.