What is the Best Way to Prepare for Comp Exams in an Online Doctoral Program?

What is the best way to make sure you are prepared for your comp exams in an online doctoral program?

Someone suggested to keep all of your text books and to re-read them, but that just seems nuts. Plus, I want to sell them to get my money back.

I'm writing a summary of each course, including key players and their publications, in a personal database and storing all of my citations in Zotero. As I read each chapter in a text, I store the key points on a "child note" attached to the citation info in Zotero. I'm hoping that studying those things will be enough.

Any other suggestions?

 

I reviewed all my papers I submitted and kept my books from all the classes.

 

I looked over all of my old syllabi and took notes on what the key learning outcomes were from each class. Anything that seemed a little fuzzy in my memory I then went and reviewed everything I had on the topic (including any papers I wrote).

 

Have you spoken to anyone who has completed the process at LU?

I ask because I know that the exams at different universities can vary significantly in format, rigor, etc.

 

Good link, MC. Thanks so much. I'm currently in step one and the emoticon you chose is perfect.

 

No, but I spoke to some professors about it and they said to keep journals of everything you learn. To study for your classes with your comps in mind by creating study summaries. I can't imagine keeping all of your text books and reading them again, that would by onerous.

By the way, I really enjoyed the intensive class at Liberty. The campus and the town are really cool too. PM me if you want to know specifics on being prepared for your intensive. There is stuff you should do ahead of time. The name is appropriate because they are really intense.

 

Eat good food. Get good rest. Think good thoughts. You're all set Doc. Have fun with it.