blog.zgraggen.name  All-day insanity or I have a blog too!

Once again my favorite website…

Maximum number of users reached and this on a big company website where thousands of people take their test every year and pay great many for this service.

I have encountered several versions for the country code of Switzerland. Like

CH

CHE - ISO Country code

SUI

But I have never seen SY before
Are there any other curious codes for Switzerland?

For a long time I did not post anything. After returning from the Ooplsa I was quite busy on studying for the TOEFL and the GRE. Here I will present the experience I made.

Two hours waiting time to take the TOEFL

(9.11.07)
I took the TOEFL at the Flying Teachers in Zurich. The first thing I had to do after arriving was to fill out a policy form of the ETS. By fill out I mean I had to write by hand the given text word by word. On this way they make you read the policy. After that they found out, that I was not on the list to take the test. Good for me that I brought the confirmation e-mail including the registration number. They immediately phoned to Holland (European ETS aid centre) to solve the problem. I arrived 1h in advance but even then I could start at one o’clock. After a while the professor came to me and told me that I should accept the possibility that I might not take the exam and that I should come again at the 5. Dez (one month later). I was upset about his statement and told him that this is not acceptable for my and I really want to do the exam today. He told me that he will see what is possible but he will not promise anything. After nearly two and a half hours of uncertainty if I was allowed to start the test. No wonder I had to calm down first and after four more hours I was really exhausted and relieved that it was over.

A Long way to go

(27.11.07)
When I registered for the GRE I found out that there are only two test location near my home. One in Geneva and another one in Munich. Surprise, surprise I choose Geneva. After three and a half hours train ride I arrived at Geneva airport. The test would take place at the National University of Geneva which is located aside the runway. As tip for prospective test takers this University is in the ICC Building in the Basement. But do not expect more then a corridor with several classrooms
I arrived again one hour in advance but the door of the Prometric centre was still closed. So I went to the reception to ask for further information. The Lady told me, that I was at the right place and I had to wait there. After 15 minutes of waiting I was accompanied by a German woman who wanted to take the PMP (some process management test). At least I was not the only test taker anymore. 20 Minutes before the test begin I walk to the reception again and asked the Lady if she could call the Prometric centre for information. Her answer: “Wait there I am sure somebody will come”. (Some times I wished I had this unconcern)
Ten minutes before the test another lady opened the door and let us in. She explained that 30 minutes only count if many people come and she was surprised that we did not mind to start earlier. Of course before I could start I had to fill out this silly policy form again.
But the best part came after that. I was asked to bring the University codes (ETS specific codes to identify the Universities and Departments) with me to enter where my test reports should be sent to. You will not believe it, but the test program did not accept codes instead I had to choose the state than the University and afterwards the department. As Swiss guy no wonder I did not have a clue in which states my Universities were. Or at least no for all. So I am hopping I sent the report to the right ones.

After another three and a half hours train ride I arrived at home. Happy that all these exams are over.