<p>I'm an undergrad in a small department. I've taken this professor for a couple of classes, he knows I'm an A student, and we get along really well. I'm working on publishing a couple of papers with him now. Basically, he's letting me skip the midterm in our class in exchange for me finishing one of the papers a bit sooner than expected. He and I both know I would have aced it and we've spoken about the material to make sure, but I still feel like it's an unethical situation since I don't have to do all the same work as the other students in class do. Opinions? Should I tell him I want to take the test anyway or should I just accept it and be thankful? I brought it up once kind of lightly and he said, "Naw, the midterm would be a waste of time, finish up the paper."</p>
<p>Well, this is now a matter of your own personal character. Obviously, since the professor isn’t making you take the midterm, you won’t be violating any external rules or incur punishment by complying. But if you think that by not taking the midterm you would be breaking the moral law of fairness in your conscience, then you should take the midterm. If you don’t sense that will happen, then don’t sweat not taking it.</p>
<p>Just do the paper. It’s more valuable than a silly midterm. I would’ve jumped on this immediately. If you know your stuff, why are you sweating it? You would’ve gotten an A anyway and no one would’ve really cared.</p>
<p>How is this unethical?</p>
<p>I think you’re fine. He gave you permission, knowing your ability. It’s not like you tricked him.
Just do your paper.</p>
<p>its fine he told you</p>
<p>aww come on, just do the paper!</p>
<p>I agree with asianamericanson: if it’s going to bother you, then take the midterm. If you know you’ll get an A then it’s not a big deal and it will make your conscience rest easier. If it doesn’t bother you, skip it. I can objectively agree with the others and say it’s okay to not take it, but I know that I would feel a little unethical about as well.</p>
<p>Profs reserve the right to evaluate you in any way they see fit. For most, this is a test. However, they can change that depending on your situation. Some of my classes offered the option of a test or a paper. </p>
<p>If it’s really going to bother you, do the test. There is nothing unethical though.</p>
<p>I would be the first to say a professor if acting unethical if it in fact were the case. I really don’t see a problem here. He’s letting you substitute early work on the paper instead of studying and taking the midterm.</p>