How to access PrairieLearn and prepare to take the MCS Data Structures Proficiency Exam. IMPORTANT: The exam is no longer listed under CS 225. Instead, search in the course list for "MCS" to find the course. As of spring 2023, this is labeled: "MCS DS Exam: MCS Data Structures Proficiency Exam, MCS Data Structures Proficiency Exam." Also, the video shows the old URL for PrairieLearn, https://prairielearn.engr.illinois.edu , but now this will redirect you to the current URL, https://us.prairielearn.com/ .

The main information page for the exam is here: https://cs.illinois.edu/admissions/graduate/applications-process-requirements/data-structures-proficiency-exam

Here are some important notes about using PrairieLearn for the exam: (These are also shown in the video.)

If you are not an Illinois student yet, you must have either a Google account or a Microsoft account to log in to PrairieLearn. The "Illinois" login button is only meant for current Illinois students. Prospective students need to choose one of the other options. Gmail users should use the Google option. The Microsoft option is compatible with certain corporate Microsoft Exchange or Azure accounts, but unfortunately not all Microsoft accounts. Please make sure that you're able to log in to PrairieLearn with the same email address you are using for your MCS program application, and do this before the proctoring session begins.

You need to add the course that says "MCS Data Structures Proficiency Exam". You may need to search in the course list to find it (browser shortcut key Ctrl+F or Cmd+F). Please note that after adding the course, you should click the "PrairieLearn" logo in the upper-left to return to the main screen. There you'll see the course that you have added.

Please also note: During the actual exam, you shouldn't use the top navigation bar in the PrairieLearn interface to go back. That could cause the exam to be password locked again, in some cases. Instead, during the exam you should use the "Assessment overview" button, which appears in the right-hand margin, to return to the overview.