My university’s math department requires students to use a specific model of calculator on all their exams. This calculator can conveniently be purchased at the university store. I can only conclude that the math department must have gotten into bed with Sharp, and is demanding the use of their calculators to keep the relationship together. Purchasing another calculator, when I already own a plethora of calculators, is both frustrating and a waste.
I have figured out a solution to this dilemma, coming at no cost to the end user. As per the university store policy, items must be in unopened original packaging to be returned. Conveniently, the Sharp EL-510RB is usable through the packaging. So, before each math test, I go the the university store and buy a new calculator. I leave it in the packaging during the test and on my way home I return it for a full refund.
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8 Comments on this post
Leave a CommentNow that is hysterical, and very smart on your part.
It seems as though the universities just can’t get enough of our money. They have to come up with ways to get us to pay more. From required special calculators (or in my case those clicker things) to fees, and benefits. Gotta love em.
Comment left on 2.1.2008 by Joana
smart of you. and the Uni for getting the most money out of their students.
Comment left on 2.1.2008 by lina
That, was pure genius…
I remember that my university also stipulated particular models of calculators I could use. I even had to bring my calculator over to the math department so they could slap on a sticker (those that break/split when you try to remove them) for approval.
Comment left on 2.2.2008 by Vincent
That’s pretty ridiculous, but good on you for taking a stand. The only rules about our calculators are they can’t be graphing or programmable and if the thing looks questionable it will be examined by someone in the know (although most of the time they just write down the model number, presumably to check it against some list of “banned calculators”.)
Comment left on 2.3.2008 by TS
Ingenius! I love it. I hope that they are never out of stock when you need one!
Comment left on 2.3.2008 by Sue
Hey, mathematical calculators can be quite expensive! I’d do it too if I got that desperate for cash. =P That or I’d find a friend who had the same class/model.
Comment left on 2.3.2008 by Maria
belated happy birthday lego! used to play lego when i was still young, it will always be part of my childhood memory, thanks lego!
Comment left on 2.3.2008 by danpakz
Love is possible after friendship
Comment left on 11.22.2009 by Belton Abebi