First things first:
- The biggest difference lies in writing comprehensive term papers, which require literature research.
- Use office hours to discuss questions and uncertainties.
In the winter semester of 2021/22, approximately 395,000 students in Germany enrolled at a university or college. Many of them came straight from school, all facing their first university exam period. How can you best navigate your first exams? Are they comparable to school exams? What types of exams are common at universities?
Exams at School
Since first grade, students are accustomed to taking tests and completing assignments. Fundamentally, the nature of these assessments doesn’t change much, though they become progressively more complex and time-intensive over time. In primary school, students take short vocabulary quizzes, complete writing exercises, and solve simple math problems. In secondary school, tests are administered regularly in every subject, often as straightforward checks of knowledge. Later on, tasks become more challenging, requiring independent thinking and the expression of personal opinions.
The most well-known framework for such tasks is the set of “task categories” that teachers use when designing their assessments:
Task area 1: Reproduction Tasks – reproduction of knowledge and application of learned methods
Task area 2: Reorganization and Transfer Tasks – Applying methods and knowledge to new contexts
Task Area 3: Reflection and Problem Solving Tasks – Addressing and solving novel problems
If you have completed the A Levels or AP courses, in which the areas of responsibility and the associated operators are highly relevant, you have already become familiar with various forms of examination at school: presentations, exams and papers, vocabulary tests, protocols, project tasks, oral exams or interrogations, essays. Nowadays, schools usually also often let students write a pre-scientific paper that is intended to introduce scientific work at universities and thus prepare students for writing term papers. The forms of examination vary from school to school, but have a common inner core.
But how do university exams differ? The following sections explore common exam formats at universities and how they compare to school exams.
Exams at University
Written Exams
Especially in lectures, it is common to write an exam. They check your knowledge of the lecture material. They can be aimed at testing pure knowledge or solving new problems with the methods learned. There are Several possible variants. To make marking easier, it is common in courses of study such as business administration to write single or multiple-choice exams . The main focus here is then on the application of the learning material. Exams with free answers are also possible. Here, the aim is to reproduce facts and contexts in one’s own words and often apply them to an example.
Presentations
Presentations are also a popular format in seminars, often in combination with a term paper or a so-called thesis paper, which we will briefly discuss in a moment. In presentations at universities, the focus is usually not only on a rough topic, but the topic should be approached with a concrete question or thesis. In most cases, a transition to a subsequent discussion in the course is also required. The trick is therefore not just to rattle off data and figures, but to narrow down the topic with a concrete scientific interest and present it to your fellow students in a structured way.
Project Tasks
Project tasks are particularly common in subjects with a more practical focus. These involve long-term engagement with a specific problem, such as calculations for engineering projects or scientific experiments. These assignments often involve group work and have a descriptive nature, with references to current research.
Research Papers/Term Papers
At universities, several examination formats are used, but the most well-known one is the classic term paper or seminar paper. In these assignments, students address a specific question using thoroughly researched materials. The length depends on the subject and course but generally ranges between 15 and 20 pages. Before starting, students typically receive detailed guidelines regarding length, format, and layout.
The question and topic don’t have to be developed entirely independently, as professors offer support during office hours. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about your research or request literature recommendations. Make use of this resource to align your work as closely as possible with your professors’ expectations.
Seminar papers are usually written during semester breaks, allowing for a significantly extended preparation period. For more tips and information on writing term papers, check out our related magazine articles on the subject.
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Thesis Papers
A thesis paper is a concise exam format, typically spanning two to three pages, where one or more theses are briefly discussed with references to relevant literature. It is often combined with other formats, such as a term paper or presentation, as it usually does not suffice as a standalone form of assessment due to program-specific examination regulations, which outline detailed requirements for modules and exams.
Nevertheless, the thesis paper is an excellent tool for practicing the articulation and discussion of a thesis. In many cases, students are encouraged to critically present their own positions as well. However, it is important to note that professors often have slightly different expectations of what a thesis paper should look like. Therefore, students should pay close attention to any specific guidelines provided.
Essays
The essay is another popular format. Expectations regarding what an essay should include and its length can vary, so it’s essential to follow the specific guidelines provided by your professor. A key characteristic of the essay is its greater flexibility in style compared to term papers or thesis papers.
While term papers and thesis papers require a neutral and strictly academic tone, essays allow for a more provocative and creative use of language. Despite this flexibility, essays still maintain an academic standard, with critical analysis and personal perspectives forming their core. Of course, proper citation and accurate referencing of sources are still mandatory.
Portfolios
Another form of examination that is characteristic of lectures is the portfolio. In this case, lecturers usually require the notes to be formulated during the lecture. In some cases, it can also be handed in in bullet points, which again depends on the specific lecturers. Due to the long duration of lectures over the entire semester, portfolios often have a large scope. With the exception of one or two lecture hours, the portfolio should usually be complete. By regularly taking notes in the lectures themselves, the later writing of the portfolio is limited to writing it down in a continuous text or correcting and revising the key points.
Oral Exams
Oral examinations are much rarer than written examinations. When they are due, they usually last half an hour and deal with the exam material in the same way as written exams. The only difference is that you don’t formulate your thoughts in writing, but present them orally. This often gives you more room for flexible answers and explanations. This makes it much easier to describe questions to which you don’t know the answer one hundred percent. Excelling in oral exams: Here’s how it works
Comparison of Formats
As the overview has shown, exam formats in school and university are comparable in many ways. The primary difference lies in the complexity of the tasks. A university term paper is essentially an advanced version of the preliminary scientific paper written in school. Term papers at university require more in-depth research in libraries and more precise formulations—skills that are developed during university studies.
Writing exams is also comparable. Typically, university exams are shorter and less extensive than high school finals, making them manageable. Similarly, the foundational skills for creating presentations are already familiar from school, which makes the first university presentation relatively easy to handle.
New formats, such as thesis papers and essays, may present a challenge but can still be tackled successfully in the first semester. The key to mastering any writing task is strong literature research and the appropriate academic tools. By building on the skills developed in school and expanding them at university, students can overcome these new hurdles with confidence.
Tips for Getting Through It
It’s completely natural to feel anxious or at least uncertain before your first exam period. There isn’t a universal solution for handling this, mainly because each university has a different exam schedule, and every degree program comes with its own unique exam formats. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind that can make your first exam period easier to manage.
- You’re not alone: At least 70% of first-semester students are coming directly from school and starting their first university program. All of them face the same challenges and have the same questions. That’s why it helps to connect with others and tackle problems together. In a group, strengths and weaknesses balance each other out, so you can help others and receive help in return.
- Professors are there to help: While it may take some courage the first time, it’s always worth asking your professors if you’re uncertain about something. You’re not the first generation transitioning to university, nor the first to feel unsure about exams. Professors regularly offer office hours and discuss exams during class sessions. Take advantage of every opportunity to ask questions and clarify your doubts.
- Student councils and peers: Universities are full of helpful people willing to assist. Students in higher semesters are often happy to answer questions from first-years. Student councils frequently organize special events where first-year students can ask questions and receive guidance.
- It gets better and better: Just like in school, you gain new experiences every semester, becoming increasingly confident in managing exam periods. Even if it feels overwhelming in your first semester, you’ll get through it, and the next exam period will seem much less daunting.
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