Definition

Noun: An intensive examination testing a student's proficiency in some special field of knowledge, typically taken at the graduate level to qualify for a degree.

Usage

A comprehensive examination is a major academic assessment. It is often a requirement for completing a master's or doctoral program. The purpose is to evaluate a student's overall understanding and mastery of their chosen field of study.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to take one's comps": A common informal phrase meaning to take one's comprehensive examinations.
  • He is very stressed because he has to take his comps next week.
• "to sit for comps": Another phrase with the same meaning as "to take one's comps."
  • After sitting for her comps, she felt a huge sense of relief.

Variants and Related Words

• Comps (n., informal): A common shortened form of "comprehensive examinations."
  • I have to study for my comps all summer.
• Comprehensive (adj.): Covering completely or broadly; inclusive. This is the root adjective from which the term is derived.
  • The textbook provides a comprehensive overview of European history.

Synonyms

• Qualifying examination: An exam that must be passed to qualify for a certain status or to continue in a program.
• General examination: A broad exam covering a wide range of topics in a field.
• Preliminary examination (Prelims): Often used synonymously with comprehensive exams, especially in doctoral programs.

Related Phrases

• "to fail one's comps": To not pass the comprehensive examination.
  • Failing his comps meant he had to wait another year to retake them.
• "comprehensive exam committee": The group of professors who administer and evaluate the examination.
  • She will defend her knowledge before the comprehensive exam committee tomorrow.

Noun

1. an intensive examination testing a student's proficiency in some special field of knowledge
   • she took her comps in English literature