Preparing for the

Comprehensive Examination or Doctoral Qualifying Examination

for

Online Doctoral Programs

APA Writing Style

Vince Bridges

This is an exam that I believe that you cannot study for at the last minute, and successfully

pass. Most of the information that will be within it will be information that you have been exposed

to over the years of didactic education in your program. If you were diligent in your studies, you

would have outlined key theories, methodologies and the various approach as they relate to each

of the assigned topics of study. Having taught in post-secondary education, many students are so

concerned about earning an “A” in the class, and that is not what it is all about. Earning an “A”

also does not always mean that an individual can apply the concepts. It is about understanding

and integrating all the required concepts within that class, and your degree program – specifically,

how do they all relate and how do you apply them? So, in that case, how do you prepare? It is

more like; how do you think?

1. First review the competency outcome for your degree program. What were you required

to learn during your didactic courses? Did you learn those concepts? Are you able to

reference them or key components without having to look them up?

2. Review the key notes you made in each class - such as major theories, methodologies and

the various approach to theory implementation or its related concepts. It would probably

be a good idea to arrange these by topic, and have an executive summary of each theory

so that it is available for easy reference.

3. Remember to use your books from your classes as cited references – many students

overlook this valuable resource.

4. When you are supporting the facts in your paper, try to stay away from sites that may be

considered “unreliable.” Instead, try to use education, government and even some

organizational sites. Also, peer reviewed articles are always the best, and use your

school’s online library resource. Try not to use sources that are seven years or older –

unless it is a theory support.

5. You are also at a stage where your writing must be indicative of your level of study, so

read, read, and re-read your document. Misspelled words, poorly conveyed thoughts or

poorly structured sentences can be a cause for concern.

6. Remember to use proper citations, and do not cut and paste information from sources –

always paraphrase. Too much of the ‘cut and paste’ may be considered verbatim

plagiarism, unless you are using an exact quote over forty words. These type quotes must

follow a specific criterion – so see the source in the next recommendation if you do not

recall.

7. A good resource to use is Purdue Owl.

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/. I would recommend using it as

much as possible if you do not own an APA manual – this will work just fine.

8. When you answer your questions on the examination, be sure to integrate and analyze the

concepts to demonstrate that you fully understand it. Remember Bloom’s Taxonomy? It

is important that you can apply, analyze, and evaluate concepts and theory. Remember

almost anyone can memorize, and that will not get you through the examination.

9. Do not worry about the number of pages that will comprise your exam, as you should be

focused on the content. Ask yourself, “How well was each answer written and

displayed?”, and “Did the content address the exam question fully?” Many students do

not pass the exam on the first attempt because they did not answer all the components of

each question. This should not happen to you! Read the questions carefully.

10. Use your time wisely. If you are working, take time off, and if you have many

distractions at home, book a hotel or someplace where you can concentrate. This is the

first of your big hurdles, followed by IRB Study Approval, Proposal Defense, and Final

Defense. I assure you that there will be many frustrations between each of these

milestones, so be strong and confident. That is why less than 2% of Americans hold

doctorate credentials (U.S. Census Bureau, 2015). If it were that easy, everyone would

have earned one.

REMEMBER! Stay focused and believe – most importantly, believe in yourself! You can do it

– no one can stop you but you! I may not be there when you receive notification that you passed

your examination – so I will say it now.

CONGRATULATIONS!

References

U.S. Census Bureau. (2015). Educational Attainment. Retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau:

https://www.census.gov/hhes/socdemo/education/data/cps/2015/tables.html