Are You Ready for Your Qualifier Exams?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on collaborative preparation for the Physics GRE and qualifier exams by sharing problems and solutions. Participants, including users like eNtRopY and hhegab, emphasize the importance of solving numerous problems across various physics topics, such as Classical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics. Recommendations include using resources from Princeton Review and avoiding the Green Physics GRE book. The conversation also highlights the variability in exam content, with some users sharing specific problems and their solutions to aid in study efforts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Classical Mechanics and Lagrangian dynamics
  • Familiarity with Classical Electrodynamics and Gauss' Law
  • Knowledge of Quantum Mechanics, particularly spin states and rotation operators
  • Basic principles of Thermodynamics and the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective problem-solving strategies for the Physics GRE
  • Explore the Princeton Review resources for GRE preparation
  • Study Classical Mechanics using Lagrangian mechanics
  • Learn about the implications of spin states in Quantum Mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for the Physics GRE, graduate students in physics, and educators looking to enhance their teaching methods in physics problem-solving.

  • #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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