Final Exams- Not Once But Twice

Last Friday I experienced another Israeli right of passage- taking an exam. Exams are very common in Israel; in fact, most university classes are graded solely on final exams. I had an exam in Kinesiology that was formatted as a half multiple choice, half short answer test. (Multiple choice tests in Israel are called ‘American tests.’ That can’t be a compliment).

While I felt very prepared going into the test, I did not share that same feeling coming back out. The questions were difficult and some groups of questions worked off of each other, so if you got the first one wrong, it is likely that the following 2 or 3 would not be correct either. On one hand it was frustrating because I studied hard and thought that I was ready. On the other hand it doesn’t truly matter because if I fail, I can always take it again.

In Israel there are always 2 dates that are listed for every exam: the first date- מועד א and the second one- מועד ב. The theory behind the second date is two-fold: If you cannot get to the exam for any reason, be it reserve duty, sickness, being abroad, etc, then you can simply show up to the second date and take the test. In addition, if you fail the first test then you can retake it (different questions of course) at the second one. The dates are far enough apart that you have time to view your score and study before taking it again. If you passed the first time but would like to improve your score then you can also take the test again, but be aware that only your second score counts.

This idea of a second test is something that is completely foreign to Americans. It is understood in America that if you fail the final…then you fail the final. There are no second chances, appeals or other exceptions. Having always had מועד ב, Israelis have a hard time comprehending a world without this crutch. “What happens if you fail a test in America?” they ask with wide eyes and inquisitive looks. “You just fail.” They simply cannot understand this answer.

Think about what would happen in American universities if they instituted a second exam for each exam that was given? Pure havoc.

To sum up: While I am happy to have joined the world of final exams in Israel, I hope that I will not have to also experience the second round.