{"id":43390,"date":"2024-11-21T15:57:19","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T14:57:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/magazin\/school-vs-uni-exams\/"},"modified":"2024-12-02T15:13:33","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T14:13:33","slug":"school-vs-uni-exams","status":"publish","type":"magazin-studierende","link":"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/magazin\/starting-your-studies\/school-vs-uni-exams\/","title":{"rendered":"Exams at School vs. University: The Key Differences"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"43390\" class=\"elementor elementor-43390 elementor-24704\" data-elementor-post-type=\"magazin-studierende\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-47e914d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"47e914d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-229b56c\" data-id=\"229b56c\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3384c9d elementor-toc--minimized-on-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"3384c9d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;],&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tWhat to expect:\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__3384c9d\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__3384c9d\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__3384c9d\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a641075 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a641075\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d4b5fb3\" data-id=\"d4b5fb3\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9410de1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9410de1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>First things first:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The biggest difference lies in writing comprehensive term papers, which require literature research.<\/li>\n<li>Use office hours to discuss questions and uncertainties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-50bd1d4 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"50bd1d4\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7be6b45\" data-id=\"7be6b45\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58e5701 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"58e5701\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>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.    <b>How can you best navigate your first exams? Are they comparable to school exams? What types of exams are common at universities?  <\/b><\/p>\n<h2>Exams at School<\/h2>\n<p>Since first grade, students are accustomed to taking tests and completing assignments. Fundamentally, the nature of these assessments doesn\u2019t 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.<br \/>The most well-known framework for such tasks is the set of &#8220;task categories&#8221; that teachers use when designing their assessments:      <\/p>\n<p>Task area 1: <b>Reproduction Tasks<\/b> \u2013 reproduction of knowledge and application of learned methods<\/p>\n<p>Task area 2: <b>Reorganization and Transfer Tasks<\/b> \u2013 Applying methods and knowledge to new contexts<\/p>\n<p>Task Area 3: <b>Reflection and Problem Solving Tasks<\/b> \u2013 Addressing and solving novel problems<\/p>\n<p>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.  <\/p>\n<p>But how do university exams differ? The following sections explore common exam formats at universities and how they compare to school exams. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9a3641d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9a3641d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-017f9f8\" data-id=\"017f9f8\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-574b08e elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-13182 elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"574b08e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!--Banner Tag \/\/ Website: GRIN.COM \/\/ Adslot: gri_outstream (6695068) -->\r\n<div id='npm_6695068'><\/div>\r\n<script>ADNPM.cmd.push(function(){ADNPM.loadAd(6695068)});<\/script>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4aafb07 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4aafb07\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ebda27e\" data-id=\"ebda27e\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b79169 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7b79169\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Exams at University<\/h2>\n<h3>Written Exams<\/h3>\n<p>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<b> single or multiple-choice exams<\/b> . The main focus here is then on the <b>application <\/b>of the learning material. Exams with<b> free answers<\/b> are also possible. Here, the aim is to reproduce facts and contexts in one&#8217;s own words and often apply them to an example.       <\/p>\n<h3>Presentations<\/h3>\n<p>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 <b>discussion<\/b> 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.   <\/p>\n<h3>Project Tasks<\/h3>\n<p>Project tasks are particularly common in subjects with a more practical focus. These involve long-term engagement with a specific problem, such as <b>calculations <\/b>for engineering projects or scientific <b>experiments<\/b>. These assignments often involve <b>group work<\/b> and have a descriptive nature, with references to current research.     <\/p>\n<h3>Research Papers\/Term Papers<\/h3>\n<p>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.<br \/>The question and topic don\u2019t have to be developed entirely independently, as professors offer <b>support <\/b>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&#8217; expectations.<br \/>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/de\/magazin\/fuer-studierende\/?tags=hausarbeit\">related magazine articles<\/a> on the subject.         <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-115a77b2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"115a77b2\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3d8a6fc1\" data-id=\"3d8a6fc1\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-66473c84 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"66473c84\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-49cff9a4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"49cff9a4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>You might also be interested in these articles:<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b192dab elementor-grid-3 elementor-grid-tablet-2 elementor-grid-mobile-1 elementor-posts--thumbnail-top elementor-card-shadow-yes elementor-posts__hover-gradient elementor-widget elementor-widget-posts\" data-id=\"3b192dab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;cards_columns&quot;:&quot;3&quot;,&quot;cards_columns_tablet&quot;:&quot;2&quot;,&quot;cards_columns_mobile&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;cards_row_gap&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:35,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;cards_row_gap_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;cards_row_gap_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"posts.cards\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-posts-container elementor-posts elementor-posts--skin-cards elementor-grid\" role=\"list\">\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-41120 magazin-studierende type-magazin-studierende status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry collections-organization-while-studying\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__card\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/magazin\/organization-while-studying\/stress-free-exams\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" ><div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"135\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Magazon_GRIN_Klausurenphase-300x135.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-14812\" alt=\"Bild von einem\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Magazon_GRIN_Klausurenphase-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Magazon_GRIN_Klausurenphase-1024x461.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Magazon_GRIN_Klausurenphase-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Magazon_GRIN_Klausurenphase-555x250.jpg 555w, https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Magazon_GRIN_Klausurenphase-60x27.jpg 60w, https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Magazon_GRIN_Klausurenphase-738x332.jpg 738w, https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Magazon_GRIN_Klausurenphase-120x54.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Magazon_GRIN_Klausurenphase-690x311.jpg 690w, https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Magazon_GRIN_Klausurenphase.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/magazin\/organization-while-studying\/stress-free-exams\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tTips for a stress-free exam phase\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/magazin\/organization-while-studying\/stress-free-exams\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Tips for a stress-free exam phase\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<article class=\"elementor-post elementor-grid-item post-40401 magazin-studierende type-magazin-studierende status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry collections-studying-made-easy\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__card\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/magazin\/studying-made-easy\/how-to-best-prepare-for-oral-exams\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" ><div class=\"elementor-post__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"135\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muendliche-Pruefungen_Blog-300x135.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-39067\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muendliche-Pruefungen_Blog-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muendliche-Pruefungen_Blog-1024x461.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muendliche-Pruefungen_Blog-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.grin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/muendliche-Pruefungen_Blog.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post__text\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-post__title\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/magazin\/studying-made-easy\/how-to-best-prepare-for-oral-exams\/\" >\n\t\t\t\tHow to best prepare for oral exams\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t\t<a class=\"elementor-post__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/magazin\/studying-made-easy\/how-to-best-prepare-for-oral-exams\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to best prepare for oral exams\" tabindex=\"-1\" >\n\t\t\tRead More \u00bb\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-378c818c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"378c818c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7f7721b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7f7721b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a532134\" data-id=\"a532134\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dad292b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dad292b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Thesis Papers<\/h3>\n<p>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.<br \/>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 <b>present their own positions<\/b> 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.    <\/p>\n<h3>Essays<\/h3>\n<p>The essay is another popular format. Expectations regarding what an essay should include and its length can vary, so it\u2019s 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.<br \/>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 <b>critical analysis and personal perspectives<\/b> forming their core. Of course, proper citation and accurate referencing of sources are still mandatory.     <\/p>\n<h3>Portfolios<\/h3>\n<p>Another form of examination that is characteristic of lectures is the portfolio. In this case, lecturers usually require the <b>notes<\/b> 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.     <\/p>\n<h3>Oral Exams<\/h3>\n<p>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&#8217;t formulate your thoughts in writing, but present them orally. This often gives you more<b> room for flexible answers and explanations<\/b>. This makes it much easier to describe questions to which you don&#8217;t know the answer one hundred percent.     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/de\/magazin-studierende\/in-muendlichen-pruefungen-brillieren-so-klappts\/\">Excelling in oral exams: Here&#8217;s how it works<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Comparison of Formats<\/h2>\n<p>As the overview has shown, exam formats in school and university are comparable in many ways. The primary difference lies in the <b>complexity of the tasks<\/b>. 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\u2014skills that are developed during university studies.<br \/>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.<br \/>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 <b>literature research<\/b> 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.           <\/p>\n<h2>Tips for Getting Through It<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s completely natural to feel anxious or at least uncertain before your first exam period. There isn\u2019t 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.   <\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b>You&#8217;re not alone<\/b>: 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\u2019s 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.   <\/li>\n<li><b>Professors are there to help<\/b>: While it may take some courage the first time, it\u2019s always worth asking your professors if you\u2019re uncertain about something. You\u2019re 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.   <\/li>\n<li><b>Student councils and peers<\/b>: 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.  <\/li>\n<li><b>It gets better and better<\/b>: 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\u2019ll get through it, and the next exam period will seem much less daunting. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ae825ea elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ae825ea\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-12bbcac\" data-id=\"12bbcac\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f77f62b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f77f62b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/de.statista.com\/statistik\/daten\/studie\/3540\/umfrage\/anzahl-studienanfaenger-seit-1998\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/de.statista.com\/statistik\/daten\/studie\/3540\/umfrage\/anzahl-studienanfaenger-seit-1998\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www2.klett.de\/sixcms\/media.php\/229\/09_T4_Operatoren.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www2.klett.de\/sixcms\/media.php\/229\/09_T4_Operatoren.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4bc49087 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4bc49087\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-38533cad\" data-id=\"38533cad\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56bb8e5d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"56bb8e5d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Do you like our magazine? Then sign up for our GRIN newsletter now! <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15bcf0ad elementor-button-align-center elementor-mobile-button-align-stretch registr_form_grin elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-34452 elementor-widget-form\" data-id=\"15bcf0ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;step_next_label&quot;:&quot;N\\u00e4chster&quot;,&quot;step_previous_label&quot;:&quot;Voriger&quot;,&quot;button_width&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;step_type&quot;:&quot;number_text&quot;,&quot;step_icon_shape&quot;:&quot;circle&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"form.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<form class=\"elementor-form\" method=\"post\" id=\"newsletter_subscription\" name=\"Formular\" aria-label=\"Formular\">\n\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"post_id\" value=\"43390\"\/>\n\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"form_id\" value=\"15bcf0ad\"\/>\n\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"referer_title\" value=\"\" \/>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-form-fields-wrapper elementor-labels-above\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-field-type-text elementor-field-group elementor-column elementor-field-group-name elementor-col-100 elementor-field-required\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"form-field-name\" class=\"elementor-field-label\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVorname \/ First name\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<input size=\"1\" type=\"text\" name=\"form_fields[name]\" id=\"form-field-name\" class=\"elementor-field elementor-size-sm  elementor-field-textual\" placeholder=\"Dein Vorname \/ Your first name\" required=\"required\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-field-type-text elementor-field-group elementor-column elementor-field-group-field_ac13577 elementor-col-100 elementor-field-required\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"form-field-field_ac13577\" class=\"elementor-field-label\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNachname \/ Surname\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<input size=\"1\" type=\"text\" name=\"form_fields[field_ac13577]\" id=\"form-field-field_ac13577\" class=\"elementor-field elementor-size-sm  elementor-field-textual\" placeholder=\"Dein Nachmane \/ Your surname\" required=\"required\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-field-type-email elementor-field-group elementor-column elementor-field-group-email elementor-col-100 elementor-field-required\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"form-field-email\" class=\"elementor-field-label\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tE-Mail\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<input size=\"1\" type=\"email\" name=\"form_fields[email]\" id=\"form-field-email\" class=\"elementor-field elementor-size-sm  elementor-field-textual\" placeholder=\"email@example.com\" required=\"required\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-field-group elementor-column elementor-field-type-submit elementor-col-100 e-form__buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"elementor-button elementor-size-sm\" type=\"submit\" id=\"subscription\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Jetzt anmelden \/ Sign up now<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The exam season in the first semester presents a significant challenge for &#8220;freshmen.&#8221; But how do university exams differ from school exams?  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":24707,"menu_order":0,"template":"area-article.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"collections":[340],"magazin_studierende_tag":[],"class_list":["post-43390","magazin-studierende","type-magazin-studierende","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","collections-starting-your-studies"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/magazin-studierende\/43390","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/magazin-studierende"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/magazin-studierende"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/magazin-studierende\/43390\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43390"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"collections","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/collections?post=43390"},{"taxonomy":"magazin_studierende_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.grin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/magazin_studierende_tag?post=43390"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}