Skip to Main Content
New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

An image of two levels of Bobst Library, with students studying at tables on both floors. The seats are almost full.

Opinion: All-nighters are a midterm mistake

Just because Bobst is open 24/7 doesn't mean you need to be there 24/7.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor October 12, 2023

Ah, midterm season — the time of year when you can enter any study space and feel the test anxiety in the air. With Bobst Library being open 24 hours a day, students can conveniently...

An illustration of two sheets of exam paper stacked on top of each other against a blue background with text “final exam” written on it. There is a red circle with a diagonal line through it drawn on top of the two papers.

Opinion: Traditional final exams are impractical

With increasingly negative stigma surrounding the final exam period, it’s time to bid farewell to traditional final exams.
Molly Koch, Staff Writer December 7, 2022

As I said goodbye to my mother at the train station, heading back to New York City after a cozy Thanksgiving break, I remembered the intense stress that shows up right around finals...

An illustration of two pieces of paper stacked on top of each other against a purple background, and the top one reads “MIDTERM EXAM.”

Opinion: It’s time to embrace midterm exams

As much as you may hate them, your midterm exams can help you in the long run.
Molly Koch, Contributing Writer October 18, 2022

It’s your first year at college, and wow, this is easy. A five-question problem set here, a discussion board post there — you’ve just been breezing through your classes,...

After three virtual finals seasons, many NYU students find themselves struggling to transition back to in-person tests. Some NYU classes have continued to allow students to take their exams home, but more classes should shift from traditional in-class tests to take-home tests or projects. (Photo by Manaal Shareh)

Opinion: NYU should do away with in-person tests

As the pandemic continues, many classes continue to require students to take stressful, ineffective in-person tests. NYU should shift away from traditional test-taking to alternative assessments like take-home tests and projects.
Camila Ceballos, Staff Writer December 1, 2021

With finals around the corner, many NYU students are used to being exhausted by an endless barrage of tests. After three semesters of virtual exams, the university should permanently...

Universities and colleges have loosened their standard testing requirement for incoming students considering the impact of the pandemic. Such a test-optional policy, in fact, successfully promotes diversity in schools. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Opinion: NYU should commit to test-optional applications

Batoul Saleh, Staff Writer September 14, 2021
NYU’s announcement that the 2021-22 admissions cycle will be test-optional is the perfect opportunity for NYU to fully commit to a more equitable practice.
Common Core standards in New York State not benefitting children

Common Core standards in New York State not benefitting children

May 2, 2013
The state needs to think long and hard about how they can benefit students in the long run without hurting them in the short run.