We’re here to support you! Here’s what you need to know before, during and after exams
Are you feeling ready for exams? It’s okay if you’re not quite there yet. Exams can be stressful, but it helps to make a study and self-care plan. We’ve got resources to help. Get ready for exams with our workshops, study sessions, resources and more — all in one place.
Before exam day
Review exam guidelines
Exams can be extra overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Whether it’s an online or in-person exam, you need to follow the university’s examination protocols. Check out the Registrar’s website to learn about these things and more.
- Places to take online exams on campus
- Important information about exam conflicts, illness and accommodations
- Guidelines for using calculators during exams
- Identification
- What to do when leaving an exam
- Punctuality
- Deferred exams
- External exams
Get Faculty support as needed
Do you have questions about your program or course requirements? Or, do you want to talk with someone about your academics? It’s time to contact your Faculty’s academic advising office.
Here are some examples of topics that an academic advisor can help with:
- What to do if you miss an exam
- The McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF) process
- Questions about future courses, majors, course selection, program selection
- Switching Faculties (contact the Faculty you’re thinking about switching to)
- Last-minute accommodation needs
Find your exam locations
On exam day
Before entering the exam room
- McMaster student cards or government issued photo ID are required at all examinations.
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- If you don’t have any photo ID, you won’t be allowed in the exam room. To purchase a replacement MacCard go to the MacCard counter in the Campus Store.
- Remember to use the washroom before entering the exam room.
- You will be able to enter an exam room up to 30 minutes after the start of an exam.
After you enter the exam room
- If you bring a backpack, you’ll be asked to leave it against the wall of the room.
- When entering the exam room, you should find a seat and make sure that you’re writing the correct exam written by your instructor. (Some courses have different exams for each class section. I.e., Econ 1B03 C01, Econ 1B03 C02.)
- Place your student card or government issued photo ID on the upper right-hand corner of the desk. Leave it there until the invigilator has collected your completed exam.
- Other personal belongings and food:
- Small personal belongings (e.g., purse, cell phone) may be placed under the chair or desk.
- All electronic devices or cell phones must be turned off.
- Drinks are only allowed in spill-proof containers. No food is allowed.
- Hats with brims must be removed or the brim must be turned to the back.
Once the exam's started
- Make sure that all exam papers, booklets, scan sheets and scrap paper have your name, student number, subject and course code.
- Ensure that scan sheets are filled in — no extra time is given to complete the scan sheet.
- If you need anything (e.g., pencil, scrap paper, washroom break), raise your hand and an invigilator will come to you.
- If you need a McMaster-approved calculator (Casio fx-991 and Casio fx-991MS), you can ask an invigilator to borrow one.
- In the event of a fire alarm or any emergency, you should remain seated; exam staff will provide instructions.
- If you arrive late, no extra time will be allowed to complete your exam.
- You aren’t allowed to leave an exam room until 45 minutes has elapsed from the start of the exam (even if you complete the exam before that time).
Writing and Academic Skills Support
- Academic peer mentoring: Upper-year students are trained to support your development in areas such as time management, studying and test-taking, note-taking and more. Available until November 29.
- Academic coaching: Academic coaches are staff members with extensive educational backgrounds who can help co-create action plans to meet your academic goals! Availability continues throughout the spring and summer.
- Writing advising: The Writing Centre supports students in all disciplines and throughout all stages of the writing process to help you become a stronger writer. Available until December 20.
Visit OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Appointments > Academic Skills to book.
Course-Specific Peer Tutoring
The Undergrad Peer Tutoring Network makes it easy for you to find a tutor who can help with specific course content. Our peer tutors are McMaster undergraduate students who have completed and earned at least an A- or a 10 grade in the course(s) they are tutoring, Engineering tutors have earned at least a B+ or a 9 grade in the course(s) they are tutoring. Our academic skills team verifies each tutor’s grade before they can tutor that course. Tutors can become “McMaster certified” by completing our academic skills team’s training workshop. Tutoring rates start at $15 per hour.
Exam Prep Video
Check out these mini videos on important approaches to studying for final exams.
Written Exam Support
November 20, 27 and December 4, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Mills 215)Are you prepping for short answer or essay style exams? Drop by for writing support on writing final exams.
Fuel for Finals
November 26, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Mills 215)Take a break and refuel with a free snack at the Writing and Academic Skills Hub in Mills Library L215. We’ll provide exam prep resources and can book you an individual appointment to get support in developing your academic skills in areas like studying effectively and avoiding procrastination.
MSU Exam Care and Wellness Day
December 2 (the Hub)Join us for Exam Care and Wellness Day —a full day dedicated to relaxation and support during exam season. Enjoy therapy dogs, creative de-stress activities, yoga, free MSU swag, study zones, chocolate treats from SWHAT, an FCC cook-along and even massages from DBAC. Take a break, recharge and ace your exams!
'Tis the (Exam) Season: SAS Study Hall
December 3, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Mills Library, L212)Are you a Student Accessibility Services (SAS) registered student? Are you looking for a quiet spot to study during this busy season? The SAS Study Hall is the place for you! Join us in the Campus Accessible Tech Space (CATS) in Mills Library for an evening of independent study, in a quiet and accessible space that is exclusive for SAS-registered students.
'Tis the (Exam) Season: Films & Frosting
December 3, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Mills Library, L215)The Academic Skills and Writing Hub in Mills Library is opening after hours to spread some holiday cheer! Join us to frost some holiday cookies, watch festive movies, sip on hot chocolate, and snag a goody bag with resources and treats!
Access and Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Study Hall
December 4, 2024 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Mills Library, L215)Join Access and SAS for an independent study hall with free food and de-stressors in a dedicated quiet and accessible space in Mills Library.
Academic Advisor Advising Table
December 5, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (DSB A102)DeGroote School of Business will be providing a check-in table. Drop by and pick up some exam care such as earplugs, goodies and more. Also, take a note of encouragement from students and leave one for someone else.
Fa-La-La Finals Prep
December 10, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Mills Library, L215)Join Access for an independent Study Hall with free food and de-stressors in a dedicated quiet and accessible space in Mills L215 (2nd floor)!
Student Wellness Centre
Drop-in counselling
Drop-in clinic appointments are available daily on a first-come, first-served basis. These appointments are available for students with urgent needs and/or for students who are not currently connected with a counsellor.
Exam Wellness Reminders
Sign up for friendly reminders during the weekdays of the exam period (Dec 6 – 19). Sign up won’t be available until next week. We will email you when our programs page is ready with the link.
Wellness Cafe at The Wellness Lounge
December 6 to 19, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (PGCLL 201)Is exam studying stressing you out? Check out the Student Wellness Centre’s Wellness Cafe! Free hot beverages will be available. No registration is required. PGCLL 201 will be open for students to study and access healthy study-break materials like colouring pages, origami, bracelet-making kits and more!
Lo-Fi music will be played at a low volume, and staff will also have a supervised and secured “phone box” available for students who wish to get help in preventing distractions.
For more information, contact (BYUNJ8@mcmaster.ca)
Exam snacks
December 6, 9-13, 16-19 (PGCLL 201)Enjoy exam snacks in the Wellness Lounge, starting at 9:30am, while supplies last. Items usually include granola bars, yogurt (gelatin free) and a piece of fruit.
Same Day Single Session Appointments
The Student Wellness Centre (SWC) offers Same-Day Single Session Appointments to provide quick access to counselling. These appointments are available daily on a first-come, first-served basis, and are designed for students with urgent needs and/or for students who are not currently connected with our mental health team.
Call 905-525-9140 x27700 or visit reception in PGCLL 210 to ask about the next available appointment.
McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF): Self-Report
In this video, we go over the important information and changes to the MSAF: Self-Report.
Black Student Success Centre
Black Student Success Centre Lounge
The Black Student Success Centre’s communal lounge remains open for students to drop in and relax, unwind and take a break during exams.
Access to check-ins remain available (in person and online). This is great for sharing concerns, needs or clarity for campus-wide referrals if and when needed. If you’re confused about the support you need, then ask us at the Black Student Success Centre. We’ll help you get to the right service.
Mental health peer support
Do you need a safe space with fellow Black students to talk about wellness as it relates to the Black student experience during exams?
The student-led Black X-Scape offers space for Black students to have safe and liberating discussions about mental health and healing. Black students can freely express themselves, and have conversations on the nuances of mental health, wellness, stigma and more. Together, we can share resources, support, coping skills and collective healing, and explore and expand on meaningful Blackness.
McMaster Engineering
TalkSpot
TalkSpot is a mental health service exclusively for McMaster Engineering students. TalkSpot offers informal, confidential consultations with a counsellor through same-day appointments every weekday. You can share what’s on your mind to get perspective, problem-solve and hear suggestions for resources or supports.
Athletics and Recreation
The Pulse
The Pulse is McMaster University’s fitness centre and we have just what you need to lead a healthy, and active lifestyle. Our certified staff members have the skills and enthusiasm to put you on the road to a healthier you, no matter what your current fitness level, what your individual interests are, what your personal goals are or your limited availability. We offer numerous educational workshops and fitness programs that guarantee fun, friendship and fitness. The Pulse’s offers a state-of-the-art, three-story climbing wall, and three brand new fitness studios on the third floor.
Before exams begin you can join a ‘Stress-Less’ Cycling day with snacks. You can find more information on the group Fitness/Cycling classes website. You can also attend an Exam Stress Relief Yoga session in December. For more information, visit the Programs website.
Spiritual Care and Learning Centre
Relieve exam stress with The Chaplaincy Centre
December 6 to 19The Chaplaincy Centre is offering free cookies, coffee and a relaxing environment to help relieve exam stress.
- December 6, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- December 7, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 9 to 13, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- December 14, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- December 16 to 19, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Closed on Sundays
Spiritual Care and Prayer Spaces
- Muslim Student Association Prayer Space: T13, Rooms 109 and 112 (Subject to T13 hours)
- Multi-Faith Prayer Spaces in The Hub: Third floor (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
- Spiritual Care and Learning Centre: MUSC 212 (Daily, including weekends, mid-morning to early evening)
- Mills Memorial Library Prayer Space: Mills, Third Floor (Library hours)
- Thode Library Multicultural Prayer Space: B117 (Library hours)
- McMaster Children’s Hospital Chapel: Health Science Centre, Second floor (24/7)
Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
If you’re registered with SAS, remember to activate your accommodations by November 21, 2024. If you miss this date, we cannot guarantee that you will receive accommodations for this term, including final exams.
For specific questions about your accommodations, book an appointment with your SAS program coordinator.
Locations for exams with accommodations
- Tim Nolan Testing Centre, McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) Room B101 and MUSC B107
- Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL)
Visit the Registrar’s Office website for more information on exam locations.
McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF)
We understand that there may be instances where you need to miss an academic deadline or assessment. For these situations, we have the McMaster Student Absence Form, or MSAF for short.
There are two types of MSAFs:
- MSAF (Self-Report): You can report absences for academic work (valued for less than 25% of your final grade) online in Mosaic via the Student Centre. Absences can be self-reported for up to 3 days.
- MSAF (Administrative Report): Faculty/Program staff may record approved longer-term absences that result in missed academic work, or absences that result in a greater value of missed course work (worth 25% or more of your final course grade). Contact your Faculty or Program Office for more information.
We know that the semesters get busy and there are often competing deadlines, but the MSAF is not a time management tool. It should be used when you must miss any course work due to illness, dealing with an emergency, or situations where you are otherwise unable to complete your course work.
McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF): Self-Report
In this video, we go over the important information and changes to the MSAF: Self-Report.
Accommodation for Religious, Indigenous and Spiritual Observances (RISO)
If you have a scheduling conflict, please complete the RISO form and submit it to Gilmour Hall 114 or email it to exams@mcmaster.ca at least 10 working days before the start of the examination period.