The+Veteran's+Corner

This is the place where the survivor's of comps can come to help in your preparation for comps. Please use the discussion feature on this page and we'll do our best to answer!

Susan J

Practical Advice for Comps Takers
I'm posting some advice I recently saw on the Yahoo listserv. Thanks to the veterans who provided it! -Maryke B.
 * bring water
 * bring snacks. Sugar temporarily raises your energy level, and is a good aid for test-takers.
 * bring ear plugs - less distraction from others and their keyboards.
 * travel to Knoxville a full day ahead if you can. Check into a hotel, and use the rest of the day to study. Get a good night's sleep - you won't walk into comps stressed and exhausted from travel.
 * try writing down some important concepts you've studied even before you read the questions (example, Ranganathan's Five Laws). When you start answering, you'll have these notes to work from.

Some Additional Practical Advice for Comps Takers

 * dress in layers in case it its very hot, very cold, or if it fluctuates as you are there
 * use a mac ahead of time to get accustomed to the mouse, keyboard, and usb location
 * save, save, then save some more - every paragraph for sure
 * read the articles posted in the bibliography section on this wiki