When we have exams, we all experience stress at some point. Taking exams can be difficult, especially when useful resources like notes are taken away. This can make a complex exam even trickier and requires us to study harder. 

I began at Iowa State University as a meteorology major before switching to journalism, and I have past experience with exams that are particularly stressful. Meteorology requires math courses like Calculus 1 through 3, in addition to differential equations. They also require Physics 1 and 2. During exam week, depending on the level of the course, some students have to take a calculus and physics exam right after each other on the same night. For example, a Calculus 2 exam would occur from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a Physics 1 exam would occur from 8:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. one night apart.  

Taking hard exams back-to-back was stressful, since I had to vigorously go over my lecture notes and memorize formulas. The physics department allows students to use the formula sheet on the exam, but that is it.

As for Calculus, it is even harder. Students can’t use calculators or notes on exams. Taking calculus exams was the most stressful, trying to memorize several formulas as well as practicing solving complex equations. I’m not sure why the math department wants to make it as hard as possible when taking exams. Not everyone is good at taking exams, and not allowing calculators or notes just adds to the stress students have when taking these exams. 

I believe that stress surrounding exams can be a problem, since it has an impact on students’ motivation to get the best possible score. Having major exams either on the same night or one day apart increases stress levels and trying to memorize key formulas. This leads to increased anxiety thinking if you are going to get a good score or, unfortunately, fail.