Are Finals More Exam-Based or Project/Essay-Based? A Complete Guide for College Students
Introduction
For many students transitioning into college or university, one of the biggest concerns revolves around final exams. Unlike in high school, college finals can vary significantly from one course to another—not just in difficulty but in format. Some finals take the form of traditional exams, while others may be project-based, involve research essays, or include group presentations.
So, which is more common: exam-based finals or project/essay-based assessments? The answer isn’t simple because it depends on several factors, including:
- The academic discipline
- The professor’s teaching philosophy
- The course level (introductory vs. advanced)
- The institution’s academic policy
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the differences between exam-based and project/essay-based finals, explore how each is used in different fields of study, discuss the pros and cons, and offer tips for succeeding in both formats. This information will help new and returning students better understand academic expectations and prepare more effectively.
Understanding the Term “Finals” in Higher Education
The word “finals” generally refers to culminating assessments given at the end of an academic term—typically in the last week or two of the semester. These assessments are designed to measure:
- A student’s understanding of course material
- Their ability to apply critical thinking skills
- Their growth in writing, research, or problem-solving abilities
Finals may be comprehensive (covering the entire course) or unit-based (focusing on the last few chapters or modules).
Exam-Based Finals: The Traditional Model
What Are Exam-Based Finals?
These are written tests, typically conducted in class or under timed, supervised conditions (in-person or online). They may include:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Short answers
- True/false questions
- Essay questions
- Problem-solving exercises (e.g., in math, physics, or accounting)
Common in These Fields:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Business and Finance
- Psychology and Social Sciences (to an extent)
For example:
- A chemistry course might test students on formulas and lab results.
- A calculus final could involve problem sets and equations.
- An economics final might include graphs, data analysis, and theory questions.
Pros of Exam-Based Finals:
- Objective grading (especially for multiple choice or problem-solving)
- Efficient to administer for large classes
- Tests factual recall, accuracy, and time management
Cons:
- Can induce anxiety due to time limits and pressure
- May not fully reflect long-term understanding or creativity
- Encourages memorization over deep learning if not well-designed
Project/Essay-Based Finals: The Alternative Model
What Are Project or Essay-Based Finals?
In this model, students are assessed through individual or group projects, essays, portfolios, presentations, or creative works. These are usually submitted online or presented in class.
Types of project/essay finals include:
- Research papers
- Analytical essays
- Case studies
- Group presentations
- Lab reports
- Design projects
- Creative writing or multimedia presentations
Common in These Fields:
- Humanities (English, History, Philosophy, Arts)
- Social Sciences (Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science)
- Media and Communication
- Education and Teacher Training
- Fine Arts and Design
For example:
- A literature course might ask students to write an analytical essay on a novel.
- A communication studies class may require a final video project.
- A sociology course could involve a field study report or interview analysis.
Pros of Project/Essay-Based Finals:
- Promotes critical thinking, research skills, and creativity
- Allows for deeper exploration of course topics
- Usually less pressured, as they can be completed over time
- Encourages collaboration and practical application of knowledge
Cons:
- Subjective grading (especially in creative or essay-based submissions)
- Time-consuming to prepare and submit
- Group projects can lead to unequal participation or conflicts
- Harder for students with poor writing skills
Mixed or Hybrid Finals: A Common Reality
It’s important to note that many professors combine elements of both models. For example:
- A final exam that includes multiple choice and a short essay
- A project that ends with a live oral defense or Q&A
- A take-home final that includes both data analysis and written explanation
Hybrid assessments are increasingly popular because they test both knowledge retention and analytical or communication skills.
What Determines the Format of a Final?
Let’s explore the main factors that influence whether a final will be exam-based or project/essay-based.
1. Discipline or Subject Matter
Certain fields are more suited to numerical problem-solving (e.g., engineering), while others are more interpretive or creative (e.g., literature, history).
2. Course Level
- Introductory courses may rely more on exams to test basic concepts.
- Advanced or capstone courses often favor projects, research, or portfolios.
3. Class Size
Large lecture classes (100+ students) are more likely to use exams for efficiency.
Smaller, seminar-style classes tend to use essays or projects due to easier grading logistics.
4. Teaching Philosophy
Some professors value real-world application and choose project-based assessments.
Others prioritize academic rigor and prefer traditional testing.
5. Learning Objectives
If the course is focused on practical outcomes (e.g., marketing campaign creation), a project is more appropriate.
If the course is content-heavy (e.g., anatomy), an exam might be more suitable.
How to Find Out Your Final Format
Professors usually outline the final assessment format in the course syllabus provided at the beginning of the term. Key sections to review include:
- Grading breakdown
- Final project or exam description
- Assignment deadlines
- Assessment criteria or rubrics
You can also ask your instructor directly or check your Learning Management System (LMS) (e.g., Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard) for details.
Preparing for Exam-Based Finals
1. Start Early
Review class notes weekly instead of cramming the night before.
2. Use Study Aids
Flashcards, summary sheets, and past exams are helpful for memorization.
3. Practice Time Management
Simulate exam conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
4. Visit Office Hours
Clarify any doubts or request review materials.
5. Join a Study Group
Teaching peers is a great way to reinforce your knowledge.
Preparing for Project/Essay-Based Finals
1. Understand the Rubric
Read the evaluation criteria to know how you’ll be graded.
2. Plan in Phases
Break your work into stages: research, outline, draft, edit, finalize.
3. Stay Organized
Use tools like Trello, Google Calendar, or Notion to track progress.
4. Use Campus Resources
Writing centers, peer reviewers, or libraries can enhance your work.
5. Back Up Your Work
Avoid disasters by saving your work in multiple locations (Google Drive, USB, cloud storage).
What If You Prefer One Style Over the Other?
While students naturally gravitate toward one format, part of college is adapting to different forms of evaluation. That said, here are some ways to play to your strengths:
- Prefer exams? Focus on majors or courses that prioritize quantitative work.
- Prefer writing/projects? Explore disciplines where analysis and creativity are valued.
- Struggle with either? Seek out resources (advising centers, tutoring, academic support) to strengthen weaker areas.
Instructor Insights: Why Professors Choose One Over the Other
According to many professors, their choice of assessment often balances these factors:
- Fairness: Can all students demonstrate what they’ve learned?
- Depth: Does the final allow students to apply their knowledge?
- Feedback: Will students learn from the experience, not just earn a grade?
A literature professor might say:
“I want students to analyze texts critically, which is best done through essays, not scantron tests.”
An engineering instructor might explain:
“Exams let me test a wide range of skills under pressure—just like in real-world problem-solving situations.”
Conclusion: Are Finals More Exam-Based or Project/Essay-Based?
There is no universal answer to whether college finals are more exam-based or project/essay-based. The truth is, both formats are widely used—and many courses now adopt hybrid approaches.
Here’s a general rule of thumb:
- STEM fields lean toward exam-based finals
- Humanities and social sciences favor essay or project-based assessments
- Applied programs (e.g., business, education, communication) often use real-world projects
- Introductory courses use more traditional exams
- Upper-level and seminar courses use more essays or capstone projects
