The culmination of the Bethany College education is Senior Comprehensive Examinations—“comps.” Comprehensive exams are designed for students to demonstrate mastery of their major field. It is commonly said, understandably, that there are few greater feelings than that of passing the exams.
Bethany is one of only a few undergraduate institutions in the United States that still conduct comprehensive exams. The exams are divided into two days of written examinations and a one-hour oral exam in front of a panel of faculty. The exams are offered twice a year, in January and May.
This year, the written examinations will run from May 4, 2015, to May 5, 2015. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on May 6, 2015, the oral exams will run until May 9, 2015, at 6:00 p.m.
Eligibility to take comps has its own process. A student must have attained senior standing, have completed all the requirements for his or her major, and have a grade-point average of at least 2.0 in the major. A student must apply in the Office of the Registrar at least two months prior to the first day of the written section of the examination. Students who wish to take the Comprehensive Exams must resolve all financial obligations to the College at least one week prior to the exams.
Students who go above and beyond all expectations on their Senior Comprehensive Examinations earn the desired “pass with distinction” title.
If students do not pass, they may take it again at any time that it is regularly given within the following 12 months. If a student is to fail a second time, he or she may petition the faculty for a re-examination during the following year. No student may take the examination more than three times.
Here’s wishing all seniors taking comps this year the very best of luck in applying some four years of preparation toward a few days of intense evaluation.
This year, the written examinations will run from May 4, 2015, to May 5, 2015. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on May 6, 2015, the oral exams will run until May 9, 2015, at 6:00 p.m.
Eligibility to take comps has its own process. A student must have attained senior standing, have completed all the requirements for his or her major, and have a grade-point average of at least 2.0 in the major. A student must apply in the Office of the Registrar at least two months prior to the first day of the written section of the examination. Students who wish to take the Comprehensive Exams must resolve all financial obligations to the College at least one week prior to the exams.
Students who go above and beyond all expectations on their Senior Comprehensive Examinations earn the desired “pass with distinction” title.
If students do not pass, they may take it again at any time that it is regularly given within the following 12 months. If a student is to fail a second time, he or she may petition the faculty for a re-examination during the following year. No student may take the examination more than three times.
Here’s wishing all seniors taking comps this year the very best of luck in applying some four years of preparation toward a few days of intense evaluation.
