Final Exams-Oxford

I only got a Second on the finals exams...is that like a "B"? Also, what do the ranking numbers mean? I guess I can ask when I get back to Oxford but I thought someone might help me now. Thank you.

Reply 1

Sweeney Agonistes

The system is, in descending order:-

First
2:1
2:2
Third

Most people get a 2:1, but a first is obviously better, while a third is a gentleman's degree.

Reply 2

WokSz

but is 2:1 equivalent to a B?

Reply 3

mikeyT

You can't really give grades like A, B, C etc to the degree system. But here are the percentages that most unis work off when marking:

First 70%
2i 60%
2ii 50%
Third 40%
Pass 30%

Reply 4

xedx

i don't think all that many universities give anything for below 40% anymore. i'm pretty sure none of the london ones do, anyway.

but how can you have been at oxford until finals and still be unaware how they're marked...?

...and second isn't a grade...upper second or lower second?

Reply 5

Cirsium

Agreed xedx - Bearing in mind that there are usually 3 sets of end-of-year exams plus collections every term I think it must be physically impossible to finish Oxford without knowing what these things mean... :rolleyes:

Reply 6

trying41

Is it just me, or does the Thread Starter seem very suspect. My guess would be a US journalist trying to get to grips with UK uni grading system.

Reply 7

sjuthani

trying41

Is it just me, or does the Thread Starter seem very suspect.

That was my first impression.

Reply 8

Ella_belle

A little snooping reveals that the Thread Starter only started Oxford last year. (Yes, I'm bored). Therefore...

Reply 9

J'en ai marre

Surely everbody knows what a second is. You can find rhyming slang for the grades on Wikipedia. It's rather amusing.

Reply 10

thomasjtl

* A First is known as a Geoff Hurst/Damien Hirst (as 'First' rhymes with 'Hurst' or 'Hirst')
* A 2:1 is known as an Attila the Hun (as '2:1' rhymes with 'the Hun')
* A 2:2 is known as Desmond Tutu (as '2:2' sounds very like 'Tutu')[2][3]
* A Third is known as a Douglas Hurd/Thora Hird (as 'Third' rhymes with 'Hurd' or 'Hird')

i love the way they try to explain how first rhymes with hurst etc.

Reply 11

thomasjtl

Actually, don't americans call all end of year exams finals? In which case the OP could be refering to mods/prelims.

Reply 12

Boshi

Sorry that I seemed illegitimate to everyone. I was very vague in my question. Yes, I was only referring to first year finals. I was wondering, though, the approximate percentage of students scoring a First. In the US it is important to not only finish with a degree but to finish at the top of your class. Of course, all test (collections) & assignments (essays) are marked and these grades calculate to a GPA (grade point average). If you have a bad mark on one test during your degree work, it could drop your GPA below superior and that is that. When asked what GPA you graduated with, you would like to say 4.0, or, all A’s. So, the percentage of students that finish with a First? Or, where I could find that information, please?

Reply 13

LatinMachine

http://www.ox.ac.uk/aboutoxford/facts/collegefigs.shtml

Edit: and I don't think it's so important to graduate at the top of your class over here. At Oxford if you get a First in your first year exams you get to be called a Scholar and you can wear a gown with sleeves, and sometimes you get some money. Although I suppose if you get a really top First there might be some kind of recognition in it for you[?]

Reply 14

Huw Davies

The highest two marks in the year in Medicine prelims are recognised in the examiners' reports and may get some additional cash prize too. The percentage of firsts in prelims varies quite a lot from subject to subject. Generally they're more unusual in Arts subjects, so I've heard.