How long is the comp?

Each board has its own comp requirements, so the amount of work required varies. However, each comp is structured so you can finish in one semester. Many of our compers also decide to take longer than a semester to complete their comp, which is also fine. The important thing is finishing.

What happens when I finish my comp?

The Crimson holds Grand Elections at the end of the semester to elect as editors of The Crimson compers who have fulfilled all of their chosen board’s requirements. At this point, you become a full member of the organization, making you eligible to vote on staff editorial positions.

Is comping The Crimson a lot of work?

It can be, but Crimson editors will attest that the experience is well worth the effort.

I’m pretty busy. Why shouldn’t I just comp another publication?

Because The Crimson is the only daily newspaper in Cambridge and the only student-run daily in the University. Crimeds sometimes joke that they major in The Crimson, but working here really does provide undergraduates with the best possible introduction to journalism. The Crimson enjoys widespread respect for being the best college daily in the nation; this recognition comes from professional media organizations as well as other college newspapers.

One recent example of why we continue to garner such respect is our scoop on the Harvard presidential search, where our news reporters beat the entire world on news of Drew Faust’s selection. Our weekend magazine Fifteen Minutes is the only campus publication that offers a true glimpse into student life. Deans say our editorial board is Harvard’s true student government. Our sports section is literally the only source of Harvard sports news. Our designers have won award after national award. Our information technology board is carrying out one of the largest digital archiving projects in newspaper history. Our business staff runs a multi-million dollar corporation before continuing on to top business firms. Simply put, there is no other organization on campus that offers the same type of complete professional journalism experience that The Crimson does.

Is comping The Crimson all work and no play?

Absolutely not. Besides Crimson-wide Happy Hours and blow-out parties every Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day, we offer several amenities: a large-screen cable TV, powerful stereo systems and several fridges stocked with tasty beverages. Needless to say, people hang around the building even when they’re not working on the paper.

I’d like to comp The Crimson, but I need a job that pays. Will I have enough time to do both?

It requires dedication, but many people have done so. We have varsity athletes and working students who regularly contribute to the paper. In addition, elected editors are eligible to receive financial aid scholarships from The Crimson, allowing you to fulfill your work-study requirement right here at 14 Plympton Street.