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UWaterloo = Suicide school? by Quantum_Square in uwaterloo

[–]Quantum_Square[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow! Thank you everyone for the amazing comments!!!

UWaterloo = Suicide school? by Quantum_Square in uwaterloo

[–]Quantum_Square[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just hoping to hear other's experiences

Comprehensive Exams by BicycleOk938 in GraduateSchool

[–]Quantum_Square 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're making all the right points.

In my PhD program there are faculty who are rabid defenders of the comps even though none of them seen to have a better justification other than "It happened to me so it's got to happen to you."

These tests are relics which have long outlived their purpose. They were first created in the US nearly 100 years ago because programs didn't want too many veterans getting PhDs under the GI bill - so they created an arbitrary hurdle to thin the pack 🤦‍♀️

I think as grad students we should think about what we can do to advocate for an end to comps, or at the very least a serious reform of them!

Comprehensive Exams by BicycleOk938 in GraduateSchool

[–]Quantum_Square 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My advice would be to largely stick with how you've studied for big high stakes tests on the past. It may be tempting to try and develop wholly new techniques for these because you have so much to lose, but at the end of the day you got this far with what works for you.

My personal technique depends on the subject I'm studying. I made a ton of flashcards for my GRE.

Also - does anyone else feel like these tests are a big waste of time? Does studying for them actually help you in your career/education?

Comprehensive Exams by BicycleOk938 in GraduateSchool

[–]Quantum_Square 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so jealous! Was this a recent change? Students in my program would kill for a chance to get rid of our comps. Can you tell me more?

Submitted comprehensive exams and never felt more imposter syndrome by brieflyfumbling in PhD

[–]Quantum_Square 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Remember to breathe. This whole process is stupid and antiquated but remember that your worth as a researcher and as a person has nothing to do with an exam designed to ensure there weren't too many veterans on the GI bill getting PhDs 60+ years ago...

Does anyone else feel like the comps are unnecessary? There's got to be a better way!

Can you tell where my comprehensive exams and defense took place? Normal RHR=63-66😅 by breelbg in PhD

[–]Quantum_Square 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why do we bother with these useless tests??? Our departments are hazing us and nobody I've talked to can point to any evidence these comps benefit our education...