Newcomb and Tulane (formerly A&S) students should be required to pass a comprehensive examination in their major prior to graduation. Prestigious universities have comprehensive exams to maintain academic excellence. Universities who have instituted comprehensives have seen a reversal in the national trend toward declining standardized test scores. Moreover, graduate and professional schools show a clear preference for undergraduates who have passed a comprehensive exam. Finally, average starting salaries are higher for graduates of schools with comprehensive exams. Given these advantages of comprehensive exams, Tulane University should institute them immediately.

Weak Arguments

Newcomb and Tulane (formerly A&S) students should be required to pass a comprehensive examination in their major prior to graduation. Adapting the exams would allow the university to be at the forefront of a national trend and thereby increase its reputation throughout the United States and the world. By not administering the exams, a tradition dating back to the ancient Greeks was being violated. Moreover, graduate students have complained that since they have to take comprehensive examinations, undergraduates should have to take them as well. Finally, parents had written to administrators in favor of the exams. Given these advantages of comprehensive exams, Tulane University should institute them immediately.