Acceptable answers for comps can naturally vary depending on the questions/test writers, but generally you’ll be looking to write roughly a page to a page and a half single spaced answers for each question—extending to roughly two single spaced pages for rewrite answers. Comps instructions will also typically suggest that you include at least ten citations in each response in order to properly support your answers/ideas, though naturally some answers can be made with fewer depending on their specificity.

The audience for comps writing has been described in the past as “professional but uninformed,” meaning that you should write in an academic style and take the time to define the concepts which are essential to your answers. While you likely have plenty of experience taking exams by now, here are some miscellaneous tips which previous comps takers have found helpful:

• Ensure that your provided materials (computers and the files containing questions and your answers) are working properly and that you have the needed materials/software.

  • • • Previous students have mistakenly thought they had to write out answers on unfamiliar writing software such as notepad, when in reality their computer merely didn’t have Microsoft word installed/set as the default text program. Ensure that you have your test questions (usually provided on a USB flash drive) and that your computer can open Microsoft word before the office staff leave you.

• Decide what questions you’re going to respond to first and foremost, and structure your allowed time around answering them. Ex. Five hours available and need to answer four questions? Schedule and spend roughly an hour per question, half an hour to decide what questions to answer and prep for them mentally, and half an hour to review your work.

• Some comps takers have found it beneficial to, once the test time begins, write out a citation list (whether on a separate word doc or the same one) of all the citations they’ve memorized leading up to the exam. This is meant to help prevent panic fueled forgetfulness and to help organize/track citations at your disposal—though naturally doing so eats away at precious test time. 

• Be sure to read over questions carefully and ensure that you are going to address Every aspect of them. Faculty have been quoted as saying that the #1 reason students fail comps questions is that they didn’t answer all of what a question asked of them.

• In tandem with the previous tip: outline your own answer before you begin writing, to ensure that you’ve answered everything in a question. It may also be good to note some citations you plan to use, so that you can 1) remember to incorporate them, and 2) incorporate them more organically.

• Don’t forget some practical matters: you can eat and use the bathroom whenever you want, just don’t talk to others and especially other test takers. If you’re in Sloan Hall, you should be able to make use of a staff kitchen on the second floor with a fridge and microwave for your food. The office staff should stop by to check on you every once in a while during the exam so let them know if you’re having any issues.

• If the questions confuse you, at least one of the writers should be either physically nearby or on call to address your concerns—if the latter, ask the office staff to get you in touch with them!

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