The Dreaded Retake

I know that many of my readers are faithful and consistent prayers - in fact I consider many of you role models in an area that I, quite frankly, struggle in. Therefore, I use this short blog for an update and a prayer request.

Marquette has an exam that all incoming PhD students have to take. It is a "pre-boards" of sort testing students on the knowledge that they have, or should have, acquired from their masters program. There are six different areas: Old Testament, New Testament, History 1 (early church to the medieval period), History 2 (late medieval period to modern), Theology and Ethics (Catholic Social Teaching). They offer such a daunting exam in order to make sure that all of their students are in the same place as they begin the PhD program. A seemingly adequate reason, however, it doesn't make it any easier for us rubes who never had Catholic Social Teaching (and I know of no other school who requires such an exam). But hey, I've never been one to complain.

I spent my entire summer studying for the exam (except for the two weeks we moved). Those in my family will remember the numerous boatrides that I missed to stay at the house reading obscure figures like Rahner and Tavard. Then, to add a little salt in the exposed wound, I had to take the blessed thing (an all day exam) on my second wedding anniversary.

The good news is that I passed five out of the six sections, failing only in history 2 (a bit problematic since I am emphasizing in historical theology). This means that I have to retake the part I failed (which was only one question), and that retake is Wednesday. I started studying fairly hard for it yesterday and will do so all day today and tomorrow (except for short breaks to attend classes). I'm feeling fairly good about it, as I remember much of what I studied this summer and I've acquired more notes in my short time here. Wednesday morning I will answer one question and be done with it. If I pass, no more will be said of it. If I fail, I will have to take a masters level class in the area, which will be quite expensive and will slow my program down a bit.

Hence the post. Please pray for me! Pray that I might remember this stuff and that I might be able to think clearly and (more importantly) write clearly on Wednesday morning - I had to retype a few questions the first time around. Pray also for my handwriting teacher who apparently didn't teach me a lick about good penmenship. That is all.