comprehensive examinations: three tips to move from phd student to phd candidate

Hi everyone! My name is Maddie Gallant, and I am a PhD Candidate in Nursing at Dalhousie University.

It is still surreal to write candidate or a (c) after PhD now that I have successfully completed my comprehensive examinations for my doctoral program. The purpose of this blog post is to highlight my top three tips to successfully prepare and complete your comprehensive examinations!

Maddie Gallant and family.

​What are Comprehensive Examinations? Comprehensive Examinations, or better known as “comps”, can be a daunting and intimidating period in PhD programs. Differing slightly from program to program, comprehensive examinations include an intensive writing period, followed by an oral examination where you, the writer, defend your decision-making pathway highlighted in your written exams.

​For example: The School of Nursing boasts a 4-week intensive writing period where PhD students prepare two, 20-page responses to two questions presented by their committee. Within three weeks of the written submission, feedback is received, and an oral presentation occurs.

Along with following these three things, having an incredible support system (including my family; especially my husband), was essential to my success. Moreover, the incredible support and mentorship from my colleagues, supervisors and PhD committee was imperative in preparing me for my examinations. Spending time in critical discussions and reflections with my colleagues, especially my supervisors, provided me with a solid foundation entering into my examination period. ​

I hope these tips are helpful. The process can be isolating but it can also be incredibly empowering. Please never hesitate to reach out if you want to chat more on the process and to those writing in the future, you got this ☺