<p>My son took his fourth preliminary examination Monday. He has a good shot at a distinction (requires a First in two of the three primary subjects). He won't know for about a month what his score was. The grading system is tough - points are given for each essay, a total score over a 70 is a First. </p>
<p>He's worked hard this year (more than 40 essays, labs, experiments, and problem sets), and has had to learn to study for exams - flash cards as memorization aids, significant re-reading, things he didn't have to do in high school. However, since he's only in tutorials or lectures about 15 hours a week, he has 20 extra hours compared to the HS schedule - allows for reading, essays, and rehearsals, with time left over for socializing and laundry.</p>
<p>We parents always knew college was Shangri-La. How many would sign up to go back if money were no object? You can count me in - "how does the light shine in the halls of Shambala?"</p>