Exam Period Blues

Once again, exams are upon us. Yesterday the first set of victims marched bravely into Memorial Hall and emerged three hours later--more tired, more depressed, perhaps, but certainly just a little relieved to be done.

Many people have tried to put into words the anxiety and fear we all feel at this time of year, particularly those of us who are just now experiencing the humble realization of how little we really know, and how seldom we have ventured to class.

But Donald Carswell '50 went farther. Inspired by the most noble spirit of giving, he tried to outline a few ways to make this time easier for all of us. His advice piece, "Beating the System," won the Dana Reed Prize in 1951 for excellence in undergraduate writing. The Crimson proudly ran this piece at the beginning of every exam period until 1962, when one grader felt obliged to respond.

Since then we have reprinted in entirety both the original piece and the grader's response as a public service to all of our readers. And we wish you all luck as you prepare to open your blue books in the coming weeks.