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How I Passed the Comprehensive Examination for my Master's Degree

This story is tied in with breezing through the Comprehensive Examination for Graduate School especially in a Master of Science in Engineering in the Philippines. This is a 2-day assessment that occurred in September 2019.

By Domingo Añasco-Gaces Samontina, Jr.Published 3 years ago 3 min read
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How I Passed the Comprehensive Examination for my Master's Degree
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

What is a Comprehensive Examination?

These tests, otherwise called "comps or compre," are expansive tests that test a graduate student's mastery over a general subject area. Comps may be written, oral, or both, and typically takes place over multiple days. In my case, it was 2-day written examination.

General Subject Area:

  • Emerging Technology
  • Analysis and Design of Integrated Circuits
  • Technology and Development
  • Fiber and Integrated Optics
  • Computer System Administration
  • Technology Infrastructure of Information System
  • Engineering Research I
  • Robotics
  • Research Seminar 2 (Engineering)
  • Modeling Concurrent System
  • Numerical Methods and Techniques
  • Advanced Statistics

It is an examination that covers a broad base of material. It assesses the student's knowledge and capacities to earn a given graduate degree. The specific substance fluctuates by the graduate program and by degree: Master's and Doctoral comprehensive exams have similarities however contrast in detail, profundity, and expectations. Depending on the graduate program and degree, comps could test course knowledge, knowledge of your proposed research area, and general knowledge in the field.

Challenges in taking the examination?

If you are a working student taking graduate studies, time is the toughest challenge a student could face in taking the examination. All the more thus, among the common problems are lack of proper training and study for examiners. A working student who is taking the assessment is hard. Working from Monday to Friday and studying during the weekend. The pressing factor is the deadline for submitting documents at work. Because of the frenetic schedule, you cannot study anymore. In my case, to fairly beat this I use my break time to study. Rather than resting in the wake of taking lunch, I assigned that time for me to concentrate until the finish of the break time. In the evening, I will arrive at the accommodation past 8:00 pm as a result of the traffic. I apportion 20-30 minutes of study before heading to sleep.

Preparing for the examination

  • Have a positive perspective. Positivity leads to success.
  • Start early and space out your studying.
  • Make outlines of your study sessions
  • Have explicit objectives for each study session.
  • Organize your study materials before you start the session. Helps with distractions.
  • Make your own examination materials. Advance organizers, quizzes, mnemonic devices, etc.
  • Use Technology. Google, Youtube, publisher’s practice questions, etc.
  • Exploit Grounds Assets. Tutors, Writing Center, Professors, CAP Specialists, other students.
  • Eat Healthily. Not all that much and not very little.
  • Rest. Consistent rest helps the brain to perform.
  • Positive routines make effective individuals!
  • Getting information from the previous students that already finished their master’s or that of students who are currently finishing their thesis. Get in touch with them by means of Facebook and Messenger.

Topics

The comprehensive examination covers all the general subject area in MS Engineering

When Do You Take Comps?

Comps are generally given toward the end of coursework or afterward to determine how well a student is able to synthesize the material, solve problems, and think like a professional. Passing a comprehensive exam lets you move to the next level of study.

What Is the Format?

Master's and doctoral exams often are written exams, sometimes oral, and sometimes both written and oral.

What Is the Master's Comp Exam?

Not all master's programs offer or require that students complete comprehensive exams. Some programs require a passing score on a comprehensive exam for entry to the thesis. Other programs use comprehensive exams in place of a thesis. Some programs give students a choice of completing either a comprehensive exam or a thesis. In most cases, master's students are given guidance on what to study. It might be specific lists of readings or sample questions from previous exams. Master's comprehensive exams are generally given to an entire class at once.

The Focus of the Examination (actual examination day)

Part 1 (Day 1)

  • Technology Development
  • Research and Statistics
  • Numerical Methods and Techniques

Part 2 (Day 2)

  • Robotics / Artificial Intelligence
  • Microprocessor
  • Integrated Circuit / VHDL
  • Network

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About the Creator

Domingo Añasco-Gaces Samontina, Jr.

.Professional Member of the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines

.Certified Documented Information Controller with TUV Rheinland Qualifications

.Master of Science in Engineering (on-going) with Professional Teacher Certificate

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