Word: compe
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
What was I going to do at Harvard, the land of opportunities? Maybe try for Phi Beta Kappa. Not. Or maybe try to become president of The Crimson. Too much work. Or maybe attain the esteemed title, King of the Comp...
...comp" seemed like an evil concept before I arrived at Harvard. It was described in those Fiske-esque, ultimate-insider guides to college as the embodiment of typical Harvardian ruthlessness. Harvard: so high-powered, so many superstars, that there's not only cutthroat, steal-the-books-from-the-library-and-hide-them-und er-your-pillow competition in academics--but you've got to fight for your right to join extracurriculars as well. Scary stuff...
...once I got here, I found that the comp was the best part of Harvard life. The socalled "comp" etition was virtually nonexistent. If you want to join some organization and put in a little bit of time, then you almost always get into them (unless you try for some twisted, elitist, social clubs like the often unfunny Lampoon). You get to bum around doing whatever you like with minimal responsibility. No ruthless cuts. Harsh, extracurricular competition is one of the bigger myths at this place (beating out such whoppers as sex at Widener Library and oppressive political correctness...
...never know what you might gain from a comp--or one of the inevitable, pointless introductory meetings which precede each comp. These meetings are, on the surface, little more than a chance to put your name down on another list. But Masters of Introductory Meetings, who often become Kings of the Comp, find ways to get something out of these gatherings...
...have disagreed with the theory that the comp is the ultimate vehicle for making the most of opportunities in Harvard life. "It's the classes that are really stimulating," one said. "I meet so many people at parties!" said another. But these misguided souls graduated several years...