The Economist

I am really troubled by an issue that has come up almost a month after we got our IB results. I was a May 2011 candidate and I got a 6 in Chemistry HL and a 6 in Biology SL. The problem is that I know I lost the 7 from really really stupid mistakes or due to lack of studying (especially for the Biology exam for which I crammed the night before). Anyway, I have already decided that I am taking a gap year (so I am applying for 2012 entry) and I am obsessed with the idea of retaking those two exams in November 2011 in order to achieve a 7 and get a 44/45 instead of a 42. I know this will sound weird and believe me, I am not trying to brag about my grades, but I really need your thoughts. They are definitely people that understand me and would like to achieve the maximum grades they can, so I really need to hear what others think.

The universities I am (probably) applying to for Economics are: Oxford, LSE, UCL, Warwick and Durham. I wonder if they will get to see the fact that I got a 6 in the May 2011 exam or they will just see the "retake" on the UCAS form and a 7 as the predicted grade. Does anybody know if they see both the actual and the retakes predicted grade?

I have recently come across a very interesting research. It examines the difference between the length of the index and ring finger of a person.

When it comes to men, usually the ring finger is longer than the index finger, while in women it is the other way around or they are of equal length. Researches have shown that the ratio between the length of the index and ring finger is associated with the levels of testosterone and estrogen in a woman's womb.
Usually men are considered better at number-related subjects, such as physics and maths, and the higher levels of testosterone in them account for the development of these skills while in women the higher levels of estrogen account for the increased ability in writing, reading, etc. ,
A good article that discusses this issue is here: http://www.independe...rs-1334251.html

But I wondered if this is true so I thought of asking you too - especially women where the matter becomes more interesting. Is your ring finger longer than you index finger? If yes, are you considered to be good at the above subjects or excel at sports - which is also affected by the hormone levels?

Personally, my ring finger is longer than my index finger and yes I am good at math, chemistry and good at sports so the theory is valid when it comes to me. I also tested this on my sister whose index finger is longer than her ring finger and she is exactly opposite of me. Anyway, I'd love to hear from others too!