Why Finals Suck

Luck is mostly why finals suck.

If you know ninety-nine things about a topic and somebody else knows one, it is a given that you will wipe the floor with them on a final.

If you know fifty things about a topic and somebody else knows fifty as well, though, who will get the better grade? It’s really the luck of the draw. If you have a multiple choice test, especially, you could find yourself making a 25 while the other person makes a 100.

This sucks. You know how it feels to have this happen, too. You study your ass off only to get a mediocre grade. (Which is to say, since its the 21st century, anything below an A.) What is worse is most of the subjects are meaningless.

Then, you question yourself. Did people who studied more than me get a better grade? Did I not do as well because I’m not as smart, or because I didn’t study enough? Should I have wished my professor happy anniversary for her husband?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to these questions. There is no certain way to be absolutely assured that you can make a perfect score on a final. For most finals at the collegiate level, a lot of luck is involved. Consider the following:

• Where your paper was in relation to the other students.
• The level where your professor thinks you should be based on prior knowledge of your ability.
• Your professor’s mood.
• The professor’s preference over one area of subject matter in relation to others.

There are other reasons, but these are just a few which come to mind.

The law of diminishing returns applies here, too. In order to guarantee a B on most finals, I need expend only 20% of my total effort. I can start studying approximately 48 hours before a final and do just fine. 80% for 20% is not a bad deal. If I want to be guaranteed an A, though, it’s a whole different ballgame. I have to take copious notes and spend hours studying weeks in advance.

It’s not like elementary school. Back then, just showing up would keep you more than prepared for anything a teacher would throw your way. Being smart was more than enough. In college, there is so much more material that you have to study no matter how smart you are.

First, combine luck with a lack of interest in a subject. Then, smother in an innate proclivity to avoid studying due to diminishing returns. Voila – finals suck.