I’m taking Calc 1 at a university and the prof gives us practice tests that looks a lot similar to the actual tests. Would it be acceptable to ask him for the answer key? He doesn’t collect the practice tests. I’m not sure if he even has an answer key but it wouldn’t hurt to ask right?
I’m scared to ask because he might be doing it on purpose. The last test was basically like the practice test but with different numbers.
Does the class have office hours? If so you could go by those and check the practice test answers there.
If you word the email right I can’t imagine it would hurt to ask. An alternative (or additional thing to include) would be asking if there is a time you can meet with him or a TA to confirm/review some questions on the practice test.
It’s not uncommon for profs to not give answer keys. They often expect that you (and your study groups) come up with them so don’t be surprised if he says no.
I’m taking the course online. I don’t think I would be able to form a study group since I have never seen my classmates lol. When we take tests, they are proctored by the testing services.
Can I email him anonymously?
Sometimes courses use sites like Piazza where students can ask questions anonymously. If this isn’t the case for your course then I would email non-anonymously. They’ll be more likely to be helpful if they have a person to put with the request. Of course be polite and professional in any emails.
No we don’t have something like that. It is all independent.
So how does this email sound?
Dear Prof XXX,
I was wondering if you had an answer key to the practice test that you would be willing to upload or if there a way to check to see if my answers to the practice test are correct. If that is too much to ask then I understand.
Thank You
-XXX
Though if he asks me to come meet him during office hours to go over the answers then I won’t be able to since I am still a high school student.
That sound fine…make sure you include what class/section you are in.
^what they said.
Don’t capitalize “You” in “Thank you” and add a comma afterwards as well (before your name).
Good luck!
Well I emailed him and got a response. Turns out he does not have an answer key…
At least you can’t say you didn’t try (and it’ll be good practice for emailing future profs). If you need to check some answers you could try asking a math teacher from your high school (if you’re in high school?). Even if they don’t teach a calc class they could probably help you. If you’ve had them in the past it could even help with future letters of rec since they’ll see you working hard at advanced coursework.