Unique, rigorous, innovative—all adjectives used to describe not only Allegheny College but also the capstone of the Allegheny College educational experience: the Senior Comprehensive Project.

After three years of late nights to write research papers and cram for next-day exams, the Senior Project is a chance for students to dive into research of their own choosing. The result is often work that is pioneering and novel.

Aided by professors, the voluminous stacks of books and journals at Pelletier Library, and the nonexistent boundaries of the Internet, students immerse themselves in what many describe as the most enlightening, interesting work of their college career.

That said, the Senior Comprehensive Project is also a serious commitment of time, energy, and, for those late nights spent in front of a computer monitor, money for coffee. Students express a variety of emotions when it is finally finished: Relief. Joy. Separation anxiety. Pride.

The commitment pays off, determining for many students the path of their career or, for students doing research work, their focus. Whatever else it does, the Senior Comprehensive Project is a chance for students to showcase their academic interests and much of what they have learned during their time at Allegheny.

Continue reading the feature article, "Senior Projects 2003"