Forgot to answer your question from this morning:
Use something to wrap the shift knob in, get some very large channel lock pliers then slowly try to take it off. Make sure to grab the upper part of the shift knob, if you know you are going to like the aftermarket shift knob then do not worry about saving the stock one and go for it.

That is good, the curve is based on a bell curve I believe.

I dont know what the deal was with the curve or whatever, but my grade acme out to a 90 =)

Did not do so well on the exam, but it is fine as I just need to study a bit more. Plus the final will replace it.