Testing How long is Ph.D qualifying exam? How long should I take for preparation?

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Preparing for a Ph.D. qualifying exam varies significantly by school and program. The preparation time can range from a few weeks to several months, with some candidates taking a month off from research to study full-time. The exam itself can be structured over multiple days, with formats including blocks of questions such as 4 questions over 4 hours on one day, 8 questions over 8 hours on another, and additional questions on subsequent days. Success rates hover around 60%, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation. Candidates often dedicate extensive time to study, sometimes up to 10 hours a day, to ensure they pass on the first attempt, as retaking the exam can be stressful.
Kinn Sein
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I am going to finish my Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering in next sesmester. After that, I'll move on to my Ph.D program. How long do I have to take to prepare for Ph.D qualifying exam? How long is Ph.D qualifying exam?
 
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It depends on the school/program. As a single example, I took a month off of research to study full-time, and the test was administered over three days in blocks of 4 questions. 4 questions in 4 hours on the first day, 8 questions in 8 hours on the second, and 4 questions/hours the third. about 60% of those who took it passed.

Good luck!


/I was one of them
 
Really depends on the school for both aspects of this question. I had 2 days of 6 hours each (6 questions each). I studied all summer long, full time (6-10 hours a day- a little less on weekends), to pass. It is a major undertaking and you don't want to have to take it a second time. Do it right the first time and you will be much more sane.
 

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