Grades on Comps

[IRdreams]

I was wondering about the grading process on comprehensive exams. My school gives several gradations of grades on comps. Is this the norm? Beyond passing do "pass plus" types of grades affect standing within the department, job search, or fellowship applications? Or should this be viewed simply as a hurdle to overcome and forgot? If the latter is true, what function do these additional gradations have? Are they merely ego boosting/deflating devices?

Thanks for any thoughts that may be shared.

[mudlark]

I think they would only affect job applications, etc. if your supervisor chose to mention them in his/her letter of reference. Which s/he would probably only do if you did exceptionally well. I've been told by my committee not to 'fetishize the exam', and to focus on getting to the diss, where the really important work starts. I think exams are important, but your result isn't going to dog you.

[fuzzylogician]

In my department we write two "Generals Papers", basically two large-ish papers in two different sub-disciplines in the field, instead of having a comprehensive exam. What we've been told is this: don't over think it, don't worry too much. The papers don't have to be publishable when you submit them (though of course your advisor won't let you defend before you meet a certain standard). The main goal is to get them over with and move on to the dissertation. So I reiterate what mudlark said - what matters is the dissertation, not the grade you get in the comps.

Edited June 13, 2010 by fuzzylogician

[LockeOak]

I've never heard of grades on comps before, and I can't think of any reason why anyone other than yourself would know or care about how you did other than pass/fail.