Are You Ready for Your Qualifier Exams?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparing for qualifier exams and the Physics GRE, focusing on sharing questions, solutions, and study strategies. Participants express their experiences and resources related to these exams, including problem types and study materials.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest posting qualifier-type questions and solutions to aid in studying.
  • One participant mentions having multiple books of qualifier problems and old exams from their school.
  • Another participant shares their intensive study efforts for the Physics GRE, indicating a personal timeline for the exam.
  • There is a request for clarification on the level of questions being discussed, particularly regarding pre-graduate material.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of solving many problems for GRE preparation, noting variability in content across different exams.
  • Some participants recommend specific study materials, such as the Princeton Review, while others express skepticism about certain resources like the Green Physics GRE book.
  • One participant provides a detailed list of questions that would appear on a qualifying exam, covering various physics topics.
  • Another participant clarifies the nature of the Physics GRE, stating it consists of multiple-choice questions that should be solvable quickly.
  • There are expressions of anxiety regarding the difficulty of the posted questions and the amount of material participants feel they need to learn.
  • Some participants discuss the potential usefulness of basic textbooks for future studies in physics and related fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of collaborative study and sharing resources, but there are differing opinions on the best materials and strategies for preparation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective approaches to studying for the GRE and qualifier exams.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the GRE format and content, and there are mentions of specific exam experiences that may not be universally applicable. The discussion includes references to different schools' exam structures and expectations.

  • #31
They are doctoral qualifying exams which must be passed before being allowed to start research on a thesis.

To get into grad school, you take the GRE General and Subject test.

There is no exam for the MS degree.

The PhD program proceeds in the following steps:

1. First year courses.
2. Advanced/breadth courses.
3. Choose research advisor and ease into group.
4. Qualifying exam by end of second year. (that's the subject of this thread)
5. Choose thesis and start writing proposal.
6. Candidacy exam (oral exam w/ panel of 5 profs, present proposal, get reamed with questions).
7. Complete thesis.
8. Defend thesis.
9. Get blind drunk.

I am still working on #7, and eagerly anticipating #8, and already practicing for #9.
 

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