MSCS GRAD ADVISING

COMP Exam FAQS


Frequently Asked Questions:


1. What is the format of the Comprehensive Exam?

The exam is closed book. Absolutely no additional materials are allowed. You will be allowed two hours per subject for each exam area. You will be given a question sheet for each selected subject. Please follow the instructions given by the proctor. Please be prepared for a continuous two hours without a break.

The faculty member responsible for a particular subject area prepares the questions for that exam. When several different faculty members have taught a course, the exam may be a combination of questions prepared by all or some of these faculty. Although course materials may differ from time to time due to faculty interests, textbooks, and updated technologies, a major portion of the questions will cover the most fundamental and basic concepts. The questions are conceptual in nature. However, sometimes a concept can best be tested by a specific example, so please expect some detailed and specific questions.


2. What do I need to bring?

You should bring a non-programmable calculator, pens/pencils, a water bottle, and a watch—these will be the only items that you may keep with you during the exam. For all other items (e.g., cell phone, book bag, notes, laptop computer, alarm watch, beeper, etc.), you will be asked to place them at the front of the classroom. Scratch paper will be provided. Note: Using your cell phone for calculations or sharing calculators is strictly forbidden.


3. What conduct is expected during the exam?

Like any other exams, you must follow standard academic procedures during testing and examination. Cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated. Please refer to the University catalog or schedule of classes for definitions of cheating and plagiarism. You are not allowed to discuss with another, pass notes to another, look at somebody else’s exam, allow another to look at your exam, or perform any conduct that amounts to cheating or plagiarism. If discovered cheating, you may be asked to stop working on the exam and to leave the room, and your conduct will be reported to university authority.


You are allowed to use the restroom during the exam. Normally, only one person is allowed to leave the exam room at a time. You must not make noise, cause interruptions, argue with the proctor, speak loudly, or create any disturbance during the exam. You must not ask questions regarding the exam unless the questions are directed to the proctor and are administrative in nature. If you have to ask a question during the exam, please do so quietly to avoid distracting others. If you are causing a disturbance, you will be asked to stop working on your exam and to leave the room.


You must not begin working on the exam until instructed to do so by the proctor. When the time is up, you must not continue working on the exam. The proctor is authorized to mark your exam indicating that you did not stop, and a penalty will be imposed.

4. How should I write my answers?

You should write all of your answers on the paper provided or on the answer sheets provided with the exam. The proctor will staple your solutions at the conclusion of the exam. Write your student ID number clearly on all exams and answer sheets. Do not attach scratch papers. All scratch paper must be turned in to the proctor who will then destroy it.


Please write legibly and clearly. You can use pens or pencils. If you make a mistake, please erase it completely.

Please answer questions directly. When the question sheet includes a choice of subset of questions, you must indicate clearly which questions you do not want to be graded by crossing out the unanswered questions. If you answer more than the required number of questions, only the lowest graded questions will be used.


5. When will I know the result of the exam?

Results for your Exams must be issued formally (i.e., through the CECS Office, not by asking the Professor that graded the exam). As a result, the delay in receiving the results is longer than you might desire. You should look for your results approximately 5 weeks after the second day of Comprehensive Testing. Eventually you will receive the official results mailed to your home address. If you fail the exam, you are allowed up to one more attempt in a subsequent semester, up to a maximum total of two attempts. You must continue to maintain active enrollment status and may do so by registering for GS-700. Please consult the graduate advisor(s) for further information.


6. If I fail the comprehensive exam, can I switch to thesis option?

No.

7. What do I do if I fail a section of the comprehensive exam? If this is your first time failing a section:

  • Don’t panic; you have one more chance to pass the exam.
  • Make an appointment with the faculty member coordinating the exam you failed and request that they allow you to see your exam. The faculty member must request your exam from storage, so please allow them at least two days to retrieve the exam.
  • Identify your area of weakness on the exam, and develop a plan for passing with the assistance of the faculty coordinator. For example, you might make a plan to audit the course you struggled with, find a group to study with, or check back with the faculty coordinator at set intervals for guidance.

8. What if I fail the exam after all attempts?

If you fail the exam in your second attempt, you are no longer in the graduate program and will not complete your degree.