<p>I would like to echo the point that for most courses you take after the first year or two, cheating becomes very difficult. First off, my self estimation may be off, but I would say, I was average to slightly above average in my qualitative understanding of concepts taught here, but my algebra is significantly slower and more error prone than the average at tech. Most exams give plenty of time, and it is rarely an issue for me. A recent exam did surprise me in that I wrote nonstop and finished with about 10 minutes of the four hours to spare. Most of the time I will go through the portions I know well quickly then slug through the remainder as best I can. Checking answers after the exam has been turned in, but before results have been returned quickly shows how difficult it would be to cheat. I realise people pull it off, but from what I have experienced it must take a fair amount of foreplanning. Whats more, I have had a small number of questions that concern ongoing research (some to my knowledge as yet unpublished). </p>
<p>There is an odd culture in my house at least regarding the quality of a test objectively. Small amounts of algebra are fine, but it is often wondered why classes outside ACM (possible Math as well) have so much algebra and calculus, especially when they disallow computation tools. It occurs to me now that this may in part be to prevent teaching. It also occurs to me, however, that clever use of Mathematica could get around this to some degree. Regardless, cheating on the conceptual side would still be a time consuming process. The only way I see it working is if you already know the material and sought out reminders, otherwise you would go over time to an obvious and noticeable degree. </p>
<p>I’d also like to note that while honor code statements are usually clear, they sometimes leave ambiguity, in which case a written note in the exam is a good way to communicate to the grader how you interpreted it in case it was incorrect.</p>
<p>This was much longer than I originally intended. Also, I don’t recall ever signing anything regarding the honor code, its perhaps even more organic than you know. Does anyone know anything about the lifetime or strength of BoC precedents?</p>