• Notes. You may bring one notebook (8.5 by 11 inches) sized sheet of handwritten notes. The main reason for allowing notes is to encourage "top down" studying (organizing your thinking about the material, identifying common themes, etc.) and, conversely, discourage "bottom up" studying (merely memorizing formulas). Handwritten notes are required so that you have to think about the material to produce the notes, which is also a good study technique. It's OK to write on both sides of the paper, but it is in your interest to summarize thoughtfully, so you are not spending precious exam time reading through detailed notes.
• No calculators. Turn off and put away all electronic devices before the test begins. Also put away all books and notes (except your one allowed sheet, see above).
• There will be room on the midterm to work the problems. If you need extra space, use the back of the test (if blank), or raise your hand to ask me for more paper. Turn in all scratch paper with your test. (Sometimes I look at it to figure out your reasoning.)
• Seating at exams. If you arrive early, please help arrange the chairs so that there is room between rows for me to get to students to answer questions. Also, leave the seats in the front row and near the door empty for the people who arrive at the last minute from classes on the other side of campus. During the test, a seating chart may be passed along your row. When you get the chart, on the next blank line, print your name (so I can read it) and sign with your usual signature, also, then pass to the next person. I will collect the chart at the end of the row.
• Show your work and/or reasoning (unless the question says you don't have to.) An answer with no justification for how you found it may be worth little or no partial credit. Don't be afraid to use some English as well as symbols.
• A few more test-taking tips: Read instructions carefully, so you don't do more work than you have to. Don't simplify a complicated algebraic expression unless required to (or if it's easier because you need it for the next step). If you do change your answer, cross out rather than erasing. It's quicker, and sometimes your new reasoning is easier to follow if I can glance at what you tried first. (Raise your hand if you need more paper.)
• If you (will) miss an exam: As soon as you know you will miss (or have missed) an exam, email me. (If you don't have access to email, call me: my office phone is (206)543-9458, messages may be left at the Math Department office, (206)543-1150.) If you know ahead of time that you will miss an exam, suggest times you can take it before the rest of the class does.

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Most recently updated on May 2, 2013