How does failing a class affect your chances of getting a PhD?

[Pengwuino]

How does failing a class in your b.sc. years affect your ability of getting a masters or a PhD, bureaucratic-wise?

I want to know too... not that i failed any 3rd semester calculus classes last year because it was too early to consistently go to class or anything like that... just curious

 

[kant]

An undergraduate degree lays the groundwork for either a job in the field of study, or advanced degrees. Without a degree from an accredited institution, one could take the qualifying examination for a PhD and otherwise convince the faculty that one possesses an understanding of the field of study, and one is capable of doing independent research and contributing to the field.

What is this qualifying examination? Is this like a GRE subject test?

 

[Astronuc]

Morbius with PhD in physics.

Thanks Lisa! A terrible oversight on my part.

 

[Astronuc]

What is this qualifying examination? Is this like a GRE subject test?

Please refer to this as an example - http://www.rpi.edu/dept/phys/graduate/exam_handbook.html,
http://www.rpi.edu/dept/phys/graduate/exam_qualifying.html

The qualifying exam is unique to the particular department and university, and the particulars will vary among different institutions, but usually there a written exam, and there may be an oral exam as well. The written exam involves solving detailed problems in a way that one demonstrates one's basic knowledge in a particluar field. In an oral exam, one stands in front of several faculty members as they pose problems and questions on basic and specialized knowledge.

When I qualified for a PhD, I took an 8 hr written test in 2 4-hr sessions much like that described in RPI's handbook. The problems presented are much like homework problems in which one has to apply forumulas, reasoning, perform calculations, and basically demonstrate a certain level of competency.

The qualifying exam is in addition to the GRE. When a took the GRE, IIRC it was a multiple choice exam, much like the SAT in the US.

One can apply for a PhD program and take the qualifiers during the program, however that would assume one has fulfilled admission requirements, such as application, letters of recommendation, completion of an undergrad program, usually in the same or related field, or Master's program. Coming from a completely different field or from similar or unrelated professional field, one would likely have to take the qualifiers as part of the admissions process.

Perhaps our PhD members can elaborate on their experiences. There are perhaps differences between US and foreign universities.

 

[Astronuc]

How does failing a class in your b.sc. years affect your ability of getting a masters or a PhD, bureaucratic-wise?

Well, if there is a limited number of positions then the department may select a more accomplished student.

If one has failed a course, then one would be required to demonstrate what one has done in the intervening period to assure that one has developed a certain minimal proficiency or competence in that area.

Basically, the faculty, and for that matter, a prospective employer, wants some assurance that the person they accept into the acacdemic program or job, is capable of performing at an expected level. If one fails an academic course, then one has to remediate that deficiency. Retaking the course and passing with an acceptable mark is one way, or taking a higher level course and achieving average or better than average is another way.